Stay Gold

The Reds aren’t the only ones celebrating the greats of 1975!

The Art Academy of Cincinnati has a group exhibition opening this Friday honoring the work and enduring creative legacy of its alumni who graduated in 1975

“AAC ‘75 PLUS 50 YEARS” brings together a diverse collection of works spanning five decades, showcasing the evolution of individual artistic practices and the indelible mark left by the Class of ’75 on contemporary art and culture. The show celebrates the bold innovation, resilience, and influence of this remarkable cohort.

Opening reception: Friday, Aug. 8, 5-9 p.m. SITE1212, 1212 Jackson St.

Gallery admission and reception are free and open to the public.

Gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday ,9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exhibition continues through Friday, Aug. 29.

In 2024, the Art Academy of Cincinnati hosted a retrospective for longtime faculty member Stewart Goldman. Among the attendees were several alumni from the Class of 1975, many of whom had taken Goldman's life drawing class in 1971. Their reunion sparked an idea: to mark their 50th graduation anniversary with a group exhibition of their own.

“AAC ‘75 PLUS 50 YEARS” brings that idea to life, showcasing the creative evolution and enduring bonds of this close-knit group. Despite going their separate ways after graduation, many classmates remained in contact over the years, holding informal reunions and staying connected through art and friendship. Artists included in the exhibition are Greg Albert, Gary Blair, Gary Breitenstein, Amy Dinsmore Carelli, Ron Johnson, John Kluesener, Greg Listermann, Debbie Maguire Meehan, Chris Martin, Mary Mischenko, Hal Rusche, Dan Smith, Robin Stinetorf, and Tim Tepe.

When they began at the Academy in 1971, the school offered a traditional, atelier-style education focused entirely on art-making. Students earned a diploma–not a degree–through an intensive curriculum of figure drawing, design, color theory, and art history. With fewer than 150 students enrolled, the experience was immersive, demanding, and collaborative.

The exhibition features recent work by alumni as well as memorabilia from their student days, including sketchbooks, projects, and the iconic metal tackle boxes once used to carry their tools. A special tribute is included for classmate Gary Blair, who passed away in 2021. His artwork will be displayed with the help of his family.

Founded in 1869, the Art Academy of Cincinnati has shaped generations of artists and designers through its commitment to rigorous studio practice and creative exploration. This retrospective reflects not only the lifelong impact of a shared education but also the enduring legacy of the AAC itself. More than a reunion, the Class of ’75 exhibition is a celebration of community, artistic growth, and the power of sustained creativity. The group hopes the show will inspire future generations—and perhaps spark a new tradition of alumni retrospectives at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.