A celebration of the creative spirit.
It's been a year since Litsa Spanos, founder of ADC Fine Art (ADC), had to make the decision of a lifetime.
And that's a bold statement for someone who's been in the art business for almost 30 years. Surrounded by a pandemic that was shoving art shows, fairs and gallery openings into the virtual world, Litsa was standing in a construction zone of what has now become Cincinnati's only mega-gallery – ADC's West gallery. In that moment, construction could have stopped, and our ADC team would have remained busy working virtually to fill the company's sister gallery in O'Bryonville.
But that's not really Litsa's style.
Sure, turning a 90 year-old former popcorn factory into a modern industrial art gallery was already pushing against boundaries - but doing so at the very beginning of COVID? When the only thing the world knew for sure was that we didn't really know what was next.
This was Litsa's leap of faith moment. An example of her belief in the spirit that drives creative people - even amidst uncertainty. And, sometimes it's the uncertainty that drives the most important creations.
That was certainly the case for the West gallery. Uncertainty led to unexpected solutions and an unwavering focus on the end goal. The old building had the bones to support a truly creative vision. And we embraced the character of the weathered brick and the scratched floors. The expansive 20-foot ceilings, spacious walls and broad windows provide a perfect backdrop for our artists to tell their stories. A fresh palette that supports their narratives with a perfect mixture of old and new, history and vision.
The doorway into the gallery is unexpected but feels perfectly natural. The grand arched doors were saved from the now demolished home of former Cincinnatian, Mayor Theodore Berry – Cincinnati’s first african american mayor. The doors just turned 100 years old and have a rich legacy – among the historic figures who have walked across their threshold was a young, 29 year-old Martin Luther King Jr. who came to visit Mr. Berry in 1958. These doors had to be saved and given a new life.
Bringing a dynamic brilliance to the gallery are the 2 massive crystal-encrusted chandeliers that once graced the Millennium Hotel’s grand ballroom for 60 years. Serving as another example of embracing the beauty of days past, Litsa and her husband, Van, lovingly brought glory back to these fixtures one crystal at a time. Yep... they polished each and every one!
These details – big and small – are what gave Litsa, and all of us at ADC, the faith and creative energy to continue living out our mission: to empower artists and create beautiful spaces. And, now, with both galleries open, and a combined 18,000 sq.ft. of space, the power and strength of the creative spirit are on full display amongst the one-of-a-kind original artwork from the leading artist across the nation.
AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
A permanent non-profit art installation space named The CUBE is also part of the gallery’s experience. This 20 x 20’ enclosed structure is found in the heart of our West gallery and is currently exhibiting an infinity room that is covered by mirrors on every surface – including the floors and ceiling. Accompanying the mirrored walls, colored lights cascade down from above and etherial music fills the air. The purpose of this room is to bring joy and wonder to everyone who enters it. Children from the neighborhood as well as nearby hospitals and schools will be invited to experience The CUBE as exhibits rotate throughout the year.
learn more about the CUBE >>
smARTspaces
Along with the historic doors, extraordinary lighting and one-of-a-kind artworks and experiences, the West gallery has a unique co-working space designed to generate creative ideas and invigorate teams with inspiring art and the amenities needed for professionals working remotely. The art-filled private offices, large meeting rooms and open flex areas are equipped with high speed internet and large monitors for presentations and remote meetings. Professionals can work throughout the gallery and find their perfect spot.
learn more about the co-working at ADC >>
And, of course, a new real world gallery experience has to be supported by an all-new online experience. In development since last summer, the all new ADCFINEART.COM launches today - on 3/26/21! It gives users an experience that was directly influenced by the West gallery. Layered and immersive, fully textural and streamlined at the same time. The new online presence will provide our artists with new and ever-expanding audiences and opportunities.
