Art has long been a reflection of culture, a source of inspiration and for many a valuable investment. More than just a place to display beauty, a gallery can be a dynamic hub where creativity flourishes, artists thrive and the local economy benefits. Welcome to Art Enclave—a visionary space redefining what an art gallery can be.
Designed as a haven for artists and collectors alike, Art Enclave brings multiple galleries under one roof, offering not just exhibitions but art classes, studio rentals, fine art printing and more. The vision behind the Mason Gallery, which officially hosted its grand opening on December 6, 2024, is the brainchild of Ramesh Malhotra, whose journey into the art world is deeply intertwined with his spiritual exploration.
“This all evolved through my spiritual journey. It’s a journey which led me to promote and support fine art, including direct purchases of fine art from the artists,” Ramesh shares. His collection boasts over 900 fine art paintings, a testament to his dedication and passion.
Recognizing that most artistic opportunities happen in city centers, Ramesh saw an opportunity to invest in Mason’s cultural landscape. “I saw that most of the fine art community is located in downtown Cincinnati, so I decided to share my love of fine art with the surrounding communities,” he explains.
Ramesh describes Art Enclave’s innovative model as mirroring that of a multiplex theater. It offers multiple galleries under one roof, along with art classes, artist studios, picture framing, and fine art printing services. The gallery space currently spans over 4,000 square feet, including four galleries and an extensive mining gallery filled with mining art and historical artifacts. Expansion is already underway, with a fifth gallery offering an additional 1,300 square feet at the venue.
“We wanted to create a haven for artists and art lovers to foster an all-encompassing community around art; a single place where people can gather to share our love of the arts, as represented by our tagline, ‘The Home of Fine Art,’” says Marie Rigney, gallery curator.
Marie highlights the diverse range of artistic mediums showcased at Art Enclave including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, sculpture, glass and photography among the featured works. By supporting artists working across these mediums, Art Enclave is providing them with a platform to gain exposure and financial stability—key components of a thriving local art scene.
“Supporting local artists helps the local art community thrive and grow,” Marie explains. “Investing in local art boosts the creative economy, supporting artists, galleries and small businesses. It also attracts tourism, which benefits restaurants, hotels and local retailers.”
Since its inception, Art Enclave has hosted a variety of exhibitions and programs that offer both artists and collectors unique opportunities. The exhibition currently on display until May 3 is No Boundaries featuring 20 artists working across multiple styles and mediums including paintings, sculptures, glass, landscape and more. Next up is Down on the Farm, an exhibition of farm scenes and barnyard animals running from May 16 to June 28.
Beyond exhibitions, Art Enclave also provides educational and commercial opportunities that support the artistic economy. The on-site Giclee 42 studio offers fine art reproductions, allowing artists to expand their sales potential beyond original works. The gallery also offers rentable studio spaces, providing local artists with an affordable place to create.
Within only a few months of opening, the mission of Art Enclave is already taking shape. “The response from the community has been overwhelming,” Marie explains. “Seeing people engage with the art, connect with the space and support local and emerging artists has been truly inspiring.”
For more information on events and exhibitions, visit ArtEnclave.com or follow them on Instagram @ArtEnclaveGallery or Facebook.com/ArtEnclaveLLC.