‘Keepsake’ art exhibition in Hamilton addresses nostalgia, personal memories

This painting by Northern Kentucky artist Devan Horton is part of the "Keepsakes" exhibition at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. CONTRIBUTED

This painting by Northern Kentucky artist Devan Horton is part of the "Keepsakes" exhibition at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. CONTRIBUTED

An exhibition of art called “Keepsake”, showing now in Hamilton, brings together five artists who make memories tangible and consider the relics we leave for future generations.

“Each artist is really presenting a nice, full series of artworks, and they are all doing something a little bit different, but they definitely have some common themes running through their artwork,” Cathy Mayhugh, director of exhibitions at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, which will have the display up through September.

The “Keepsake” exhibition is comprised of a solo show by Baylee Schmitt and dual two-person shows with a two-person show by Jeana Eve Klein and Kelsey Nolin and a second two-person show by Devan Horton and PJ Sturdevant.

"Scooch up elbows off" is a piece by artist Baylee Schmitt (2023) on display in the "Keepsake" exhibit at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton. CONTRIBUTED

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“All of them are talking specifically about memories, and some of them are very personal memories like memories from their childhood, or from their own family heritage, or they are addressing what’s left behind. So, that’s where the title ‘Keepsake’ was derived from,” she said.

As part of the Fitton Center’s Community Block Party season launch event on Saturday there will be a gallery opening celebration for the “Keepsake” exhibition from 3-8 p.m. Guests can meet the artists from 4-6 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through Sept. 20.

Mayhugh said Keepsake is a “beautiful combination of feelings of nostalgia” and it brings out the artists’ personal memories, but at the same time, quite a few of the artists are using “innovative and playful processes.”

“So, it feels nostalgic and brand new at the same time,” she said.

The Fitton Center Community Gallery will also have art on display that represents youth and adult works from Fitton Center classes and summer camps as well as from community partners such as Booker T. Washington Community Center, Ross Middle School First LEGO League (FLL) Team 353 LEGO Maskers, and Fitton Center Community Engagement (from various events in Hamilton, Liberty Twp., and West Chester).

The Community Gallery show includes more than 120 artworks from over 80 artists. The art on view includes paintings, mosaics and pottery by adult artists and mixed media works created by children. The exhibition will be on view through Aug. 23.


How to go

What: “Keepsake”

When: Opening celebration is Saturday

Where: The Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton.

Cost: Free

More info: fittoncenter.org or (513) 863-8873

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