Arts Off 75 July: Finding the Next Spark

This July promises to be a scorcher in Southwest Ohio. But after the whirlwind of events that dominated June, things have noticeably quieted down in the arts community. It’s a little more challenging — but not impossible — to find pockets of artistic activity still flourishing in our beautiful corner of the state.

I found myself pondering out loud: why does this lull happen? Why does the cultural calendar seem to decelerate in July and August? It’s almost embarrassing to admit that I hadn’t truly considered the obvious — artists, curators, performers and cultural workers also need space to rest, reset and breathe. Of course, not every artist escapes to a far-off island or takes a grand European holiday. Sometimes the “vacation” is simply stepping away from the production cycle, closing the studio door for a few weeks, or taking time to reassess.

As a working artist, I’ve realized that I, too, am in this season of slowing down — not shutting down, mind you — but pausing to clear the slate. I’ve been putting away projects from the past ten months, cleaning my studio space and yes, finally tossing those piles of paper scraps that once seemed essential but now just feel like clutter. The act of wiping down adhesive-encrusted worktables is oddly restorative. It’s a simple ritual, but it invites reflection. It’s when I start to see the through-lines in my work with patterns, themes and new directions I hadn’t noticed in the rush of making.

And that’s the thing — creatives never really turn it off. Even in so-called downtime, the engine hums along in the background. I think of Pablo Picasso, who was notorious for moving fluidly between painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking, never fully resting but always shifting his energy. Or Henri Matisse, who, late in life and confined to a wheelchair, reinvented his practice with his breathtaking paper cutouts. Even when the body slows, the mind keeps sketching. And the summer is the perfect time to make transitions.

This is the season when journaling and sketching ramp up for many artists — a quiet, generative phase that isn’t visible to the public but is essential to the next wave of work. Of course, for those of us still seeking cultural nourishment during these summer months, there are plenty of opportunities. Museums and galleries remain open and cool (thank you, air conditioning), with ongoing exhibitions and group shows to satisfy your visual arts cravings.

And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in music, the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton is a must-visit. The Levitt offers an incredible, free concert series all summer long, bringing together artists across genres in a welcoming outdoor setting. Check out the Levitt’s feature on Season 10 of The Art Show:

https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/season-10-episode-10-or0zzz/.

https://video.thinktv.org/video/season-10-episode-10-or0zzz/.

One standout musical group performing at Levitt and that I highly recommend is Coral Moon. We were fortunate to have them perform live at the Think^TV studio in Dayton this past fall and they were nothing short of a revelation. Coral Moon brought a vibrant blend of indie rock, soul and shimmering retro vibes — think lush guitar lines, heartfelt vocals, and a groove that’s both laid-back and magnetic. Their sound was evocative and transportive, perfect for a summer evening on the lawn under the open sky. So get your lawn chairs out, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

So yes, July might feel like a quiet pause on the surface, but trust me, the creative heartbeat is still there. Artists are always sketching, always listening, always finding the next spark. And who knows? Maybe that next spark will find you, sitting on the grass, letting Coral Moon carry you through a perfect summer night.

Check out the list below to find an artistic experience near you this month:

Rodney Veal
CET/Think^TV Producer and Community Arts Liaison