By Kelly O’Donnell
Artist Cedric Michael Cox returns to the Cincinnati Art Museum on Thursday, November 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with a public presentation exploring the power of the visual arts to unlock personal expression and identity. Context in Color, a lecture for college students, educators, and the general public is a homecoming for Cox who found his earliest professional inspiration in visits to the Cincinnati Art Museum’s (CAM’s) permanent collection and artist workshops.
“I am honored to be asked to present the third “Evening with an Artist.” My first art educational experience after college was at CAM with artist/educator Emily Sullivan when she invited me to instruct an art-making class for visiting families. At that time, I was producing large-scale drawings and aspired to push my practice into other mediums. This opportunity allowed me to do that,” said Cox.
For nearly 20 years since, he has returned to the Museum to host numerous talks, lectures, and to serve on the Donald Sowell Committee and other events. He is currently a member of the Standing Community Committee for CAM which is comprised of community leaders who offer unique insights and understanding of audiences and best practices for the Museum.
Context in Color is a special presentation that will discuss the power of museums to inspire and change lives. Cox will address how to motivate students, balance an art career with teaching, and the importance of building relationships, patronage, and art appreciation. Through his many years as a professional artist and in-demand art educator, Cox has learned that everyone can find themselves in art history. “Art is obtainable for all; this is for you.”
The period beginning in early 2023 until now has been one of the most prolific in the artist’s career. Fresh from two successful solo Cincinnati exhibitions at Eisele Gallery last spring and Kroner Studio this fall, Cox has created and presented entirely new suites of paintings that stand as a testament to his creative approach. In addition to his gallery work, he continued to design and execute monumental public murals for various Cincinnati locations this year, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy.