Tag Archive for: art

Beech Tree Art Gathering

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Our beloved American Beech Tree, estimated to be around 140 years old, has to be removed. Because the tree carries so many memories and nostalgia, we have decided to memorialize it how we know best, through art. That’s why we are inviting our community to take part in a community event. On May 9th, between the hours of 9:00 am and noon, please join us on campus to honor the tree through art. Consider creating work inspired by the tree through plein-air painting, colored pencils, sketching, photography, clay, or collage. We will provide some materials, including paint, colored pencils, and paper, as well as some snacks.

May 9th | 9:00 am – Noon | Art Gathering

On Friday, June, 26th, interested artists can bring their piece to be displayed at the first summer concert. At that time a winner will be picked from the artwork. A chosen artwork will be purchased from the artist for $200, and become the property of Baker Hunt. The work will then be framed using the very wood of the Beech Tree, and displayed on campus including artist recognition.

June 26th | 6:00 pm | Art display of works inspired by the Beech Tree

 

The health of our tree…

We received the unfortunate news that our beloved American Beech tree needed to be removed. Several years ago we noticed a fungus, which was identified as Brittle Cinder Fungus, an incurable infection that destroys the tree trunk’s structure at the base. At that time, Virginia Kerst paid for remediation: canopy reduction, nutrient treatments, core samples for studies, etc. Baker Hunt has continued the nutrient treatments quarterly for the last four years. These steps and treatments “bought” the tree an additional 4 years! However, recent tests have shown that the fungus has grown, and the tree is no longer viable. Under the advice of 6 different tree experts from several reputable local companies, we must remove the tree for the safety of our campus and students, due to the progression and internal destruction the fungus is causing

 

Pictured: Founder Margaretta Baker Hunt and niece, Kate Scudder, with the young Beech Tree.

Chainsaw Wood Carving | CR Carving | May 21st | 6:00 pm

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Learn about the tools of the trade, the ongoing Ft. Thomas trail project, how this local artist became involved in chainsaw carving in the first place, and more. Ask questions, then head outside for a short demonstration on chainsaw carving techniques, as Chris works on a unique piece.

Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the event beginning at 6:00 pm. Come early for a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a snack, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. After the discussion, Chris will be doing a live demonstration outside. Hearing protection is suggested.

SEATING IS LIMITED! Registration is required.

May 21st | 6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)

 

MEET THE ARTIST

Chris Rust is a native of Northern Kentucky. He grew up in Camp Springs where he attended Saint Joseph Grade School and later Campbell County High School. He attended Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati, and Gateway Community College. Chris is married to Stacey Sprague-Rust, and they have three boys: Chay, Connor, and Curtis. They currently reside in Fort Thomas.

Chris has always been creative and has worked in many media, including painting and drawing. Chris began carving when his mother asked him to carve a bear for her. He took a break from carving for a few years.

Chris starting carving again while building trails in Fort Thomas’ Highland Hills Park in 2015. Chris helped expand the trails only to discover that a number of large dead ash trees had to be removed for safety. The remaining stumps became the canvas for the occasional carving. Those carvings still adorn the trails. As the number of carvings grew, so did the interest from people who wanted carvings of their own. At that point the hobby became a business, and CR Carving was born in 2020.

CR Carving Website

Community Event | Open-mic Night | April 23rd, 2026 | 6:30pm | 16+

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Join us for a free, community open-mic night. We welcome poets, musicians, comedians, actors, and more. Performers are invited to participate with spoken word, comedy skits, short stories, songs, music, and so on. Each participant will get up to 5 minutes on the stage. Come perform, or just watch! We will have a cash bar and snacks available for purchase. 

This event is suggested for guests ages 16+, due to the potential of sensitive topics, and the uncontrolled nature of subject material. However this is at the discretion of the parent. Nudity is prohibited.

We encourage guests to join us for the Creative Writing Workshop, scheduled beforehand on April 2nd. Learn more HERE.

SEATING IS LIMITED! Registration is required.

April 23rd| 6:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm) Sign up to participate upon arrival

Registration is REQUIRED. Seating is limited. This event is free thanks to the generous support of the R.C. Durr Foundation

Animation Illustration
Saturday, 12:00 pm
February 7 – February 28 | Ages 10 – 15

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Class:

Learn the basics of animation, some of the principles, and history. You will be introduced to motion and hand-drawing paper animation by creating a flipbook! Begin creating your own character and start to animate them using the animation techniques used in the first class.

What You’ll Learn:

You will learn what is meant by perspective, composition, foreshortening, anatomy, line quality, and shading. You will have the opportunity for one-on-one guidance, and inspiration from the instructor.

What You’ll Leave With:

By the end of each class meeting you will have a more understanding and confidence of how of how to draw and develop elements of creating animations. After each of the four class meeting, you will have learned a new drawing application and character development skills.

Deadline to register by: February 3rd  

Instructor:  Elyse Thaman

Supply List

  • All Supplies Included.