We caught each others’ eye and smiled. In that moment, I complimented her hat, of which she said thank you and quickly asked me how to spell ‘courtesy’. I spelled out ‘courteous’ (way to go, Tree.). As I thought about what I had spelled, I realized I had a really ridiculous moment. I then went to my phone and typed the word in a text message and showed her. We both laughed as we both had the wrong spelling, and she got off the bus in that moment.

When she got off, she said something to the driver, but I didn’t make it out. But when I saw her go in front of the bus, I realized she was grabbing her bike from the bike rack. How awesome and unexpected was that?! She had this nice bag, dressed well, and was riding a bike! It was a cute blue bike with a rack on the back.

It’s beautiful weird moments like this that make me appreciate public transit.

By Latria

(PS — She mentioned needing an English tutor. I think we both do, haha! Any graduated English majors out there willing to give me free tutoring? There is always room for improvement, right?)

This one’s a bit belated, but still a goody.  On September 26th of 2010, around 1500 people got together to literally paint the street — 12th Street in downtown Cincinnati.  The design spanned the length of 12th Street from Central Parkway to Main Street, about half a mile (and about 56,000 square feet).  It was called “Paint the Street” and was put on by Fine Arts Fund / ArtsWave — the very same people who organized the Surprise Splash Dance flash mob!  (Watch both of the videos at those links!  You won’t be sorry!)

Apparently the organizers started working around 4:30 AM and it was finished by 5 or 6 PM.  I have several photos here from the end of that time frame, when it was just barely done and some of the paint still wet.  (I wish I had been able to help out with this event more, but I was busy on that day.  I am in love with the idea of murals and public painting, and think we need even more of this in Cincinnati!)

Enjoy!

(Posted by Rebecca Nebert.)

This summer, from August 2 to September 21, Cincinnati will be home to the first U.S. installation of Play Me, I’m Yours by Luke Jerram.

Jerram will install painted pianos throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area – on streets, in public squares and parks, and at other fun locations – for anyone to discover and play. Like a creative blank canvas, the pianos will present unlimited opportunities for your inspiration and enjoyment.

From Play Me, I’m Yours, Cincy.

You can donate an unused piano, or sponsor a street piano. I’m not sure, but I think you may be able to help in painting them and getting them ready too.  Find out more at Play Me, I’m Yours Cincy, the artist’s website, and the project website.

It started with just a few people from theater, dance, music, museums, and the Fine Arts Fund staff, and grew to include hundreds of Cincinnati residents.

Even though the initial invitation didn’t say what the participants would be doing, hundreds of people signed on to show their enthusiasm for the arts. We successfully kept the secret for weeks because we all shared the goal of touching others in our community with the unexpectedness of the event.

Dance breaks out on Fountain Square

Just after 12:30 p.m., as the song “Bop ‘Til You Drop” by the Nylons blared from the square’s loud speakers, a few people emerged from the lunchtime crowd and began dancing.

More joined in. Then more, until about 150 people – some wearing suits, some in T-shirts and jeans – were moving to the music in unison on the southern edge of the square.

Then as suddenly as it began, it was over. The song ended. The dancers dispersed. Fountain Square was back to normal.

Read the Enquirer article, and watch the video below.