Talking to Sara Mulhauser, you get the idea that she was born to create – whether that means one of her original prints or a stronger community.
With the arts heavily influencing her upbringing in Ames, Iowa (her father was a potter and her mother ran a ceramics studio), Mulhauser fell in love with Cincinnati more than 20 years ago as an Art Academy student. After making the Queen City her home for more than two decades, she is now a longtime Northside resident, accomplished printmaker and community activist.
This summer her organization,
Northside Arts, brings its signature summer art sale to this thrivingcreative enclave once again.
Mulhauser believes that artists play an important role in community building and is doing her part to bring people together. As a member of the Northside 4th of July parade committee, manager of the Northside Farmers Market and volunteer with CAIN (Churches Active in Northside) she dedicates her time to her community. In Northside, “people are always looking out for their neighbors and doing what they can to care for each other,” she says.
In 2003, Mulhauser became involved in what was then called the Artists Group. In 2009, she became president of the organization that was founded by a local potter who wanted to create an art sale unique to Northside.
The annual showcase once lined the sidewalks of Hamilton Avenue, with the eclectic energy of its shops and studios as backdrop. After falling in love with the idea of moving the sale to a park setting, Mulhauser changed the name of the Artists Group to Northside Arts and secured Jacob Hoffner Park as its venue. Northside’s Art in the Park was born.
Mulhauser describes Northside Arts as an “organization of one.” She relies on sponsors, volunteers and community partners to accomplish the art sale. Currently, Mulhauser needs sponsors for the June 23 showcase, and hopes to draw patrons from the Northside community and beyond. With more than 50 artists, great food, music and activities like hula-hoop making, Northside’s Art in the Park is fun and open to all.
"Northside’s Art in the Park showcases the really great art and music in this community," Mulhauser says. "Plus it’s free, and family-friendly.”
The event takes place
Do Good:
• Make a hula-hoop.
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