You may find those droids you were looking for in Cincinnati. Or maybe just a bunch of Porgs wilding out in Reds gear.
Because of May the Fourth — aka Star Wars Day — an art show celebrating George Lucas’ iconic franchise will take over Brew House in Walnut Hills like tribbles. Ahem. Oops. Wrong series.
The show — entitled May the Fourth Be With You Episode IV: A New Hope - An Art Tribute Show to a Galaxy Far, Far Away — will showcase over a dozen local artists’ Star Wars-themed art, which can also be bought. The artwork will be on display through May 31 and this year marks its fourth annual run.
“It is bigger every year,” says Christina Wald, a local artist on the show’s planning committee, via email. “We are so excited by the quality of art we get each year and I think we all like to play in the Star Wars playground.”
On opening night, that ‘playground’ includes live art, with artists creating original pieces in front of guests. Plus, cosplayers in various costumes will be available for photo-ops. Art included in the show ranges in medium, style and depictions — from Princess Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren to Darth Vader slaying with his lightsaber and a very cute Poe hugging BB-8.
But the festivities extend further than that, starting with a collab with Zinecinnati. Drink and Draw: Fan Art Edition will unfurl March 27 at 7 p.m. at Brew House. Sip beer — blue milk, anyone? — and sketch your little geek heart out.
For kids (ages 9-14), The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will host a series of art workshops. Master Yoda’s manifesto rings true here — “Do or do not. There is no try.” — but local illustrators will help guide attendees.
The dates (all at 2 p.m.) are as follows: "Drawing Jedi Knights and Sith Lords" is March 30, Library Main Branch; "drawing spaceships" is April 6, Walnut Hills Branch; and "drawing droids and aliens, Star Wars inspired" is April 12, Cheviot Branch.
“I am always surprised with how enduring it is,” Wald says of Star Wars cross-generational fandom. “We grew up with the original movies and shared them with our kids. The Star Wars universe seems to grow and adapt to the new generations and that may explain its longevity. Plus, aliens and spaceships.”
After the show’s opening night, the celebration will continue May 8 with a trivia night; and on May 22, OTRiMPROV will present The Fandom Menace, a pay-what-you-can viewing of The Phantom Menace with live running commentary. Or serve burns — probably toward everyone’s problematic fave Jar Jar Binks.
Other members on the art show's planning committee include Chris and Laura Davis, Tim Fuller, Jay B. Kalagayan, Richard Luschek, Chris Rieff, Sara Leah Miller, Barry Munden and Kevin Necessary.
Proceeds from the events and art sales go toward Force for Change, a Star Wars-themed philanthropic organization backed by LucasFilm and The Walt Disney Company with a focus on raising funds for charities across the globe.
Per usual, may the force be with you, CityBeat readers.
For updates visit facebook.com/maythefourthcincy.
