By Carmen Voss, Senior Correspondent
On May 31, 2025, the historic Mercantile Library in downtown Cincinnati transformed into a vibrant celebration of local creativity as it hosted “From Here,” an intimate exhibition spotlighting three of the city’s most promising emerging artists—photographer Romain Mayambi, painter Gift Mayambi, and nail artist Alleson Arnold.
The event, designed to highlight new voices in the Queen City’s ever-growing arts scene, drew a diverse crowd of art lovers, patrons, and fellow creatives. Attendees were treated to an eclectic mix of visual expressions, with each artist bringing a unique lens to the theme of place, identity, and aspiration.
A Platform for Fresh Perspectives
“From Here” aimed to capture what it means to create art in Cincinnati today. Through photography, painting, and intricate nail art, the show presented a compelling look at how young artists are pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in their cultural and personal narratives.
Photographer Romain Mayambi unveiled a stunning series of emotionally charged portraits that explored themes of family, memory, and migration. Using natural light and unposed moments, his images told stories that felt both intimate and universal. “Photography gives me a way to hold on to pieces of where I come from, and how that shapes where I am,” Romain said during the exhibition’s opening.
Meanwhile, his brother, painter Gift Mayambi, captivated attendees with bold, expressive canvases layered with abstract shapes and vivid color palettes. Gift’s work interrogates identity, power, and transformation. “Art has always been my way of processing the world,” he explained. “My paintings are reflections of inner evolution—what it means to claim space and exist boldly.”
Adding a distinctive flair was Alleson Arnold, whose meticulous and ornate nail designs turned miniature canvases into statements of cultural heritage and modern aesthetics. Each set of nails was displayed like fine jewelry, showcasing influences from West African textile patterns to 1990s pop culture. “I want people to see nails as art, not just beauty,” Arnold shared. “There’s history, technique, and storytelling in every design.”
Panel Highlights Local Creative Ecosystem
Beyond the art itself, “From Here” offered attendees a deeper dive into the realities of being a young creative in a mid-sized American city. A panel discussion featuring the three artists alongside local arts advocates and curators explored topics like accessibility to resources, representation, and sustaining an artistic practice.
The conversation underscored the importance of institutions like the Mercantile Library in nurturing grassroots talent. Moderator Leila Chavez, founder of a local arts non-profit, noted, “Spaces like this are vital. They’re not just about showcasing art—they’re about building community, creating visibility, and encouraging the next generation.”
The panelists spoke candidly about the challenges of breaking into the art world without traditional networks or institutional backing. They also expressed optimism about the direction Cincinnati’s art scene is taking. “There’s so much untapped talent here,” said Gift. “We just need more platforms and support systems to help it thrive.”
Community Engagement and Cultural Resonance
The evening was not only about art but also about dialogue, connection, and celebration. Guests mingled over light refreshments, discussed the pieces, and took part in interactive elements, including a collaborative canvas where visitors could contribute their own marks.
The resonance of “From Here” lies in its authenticity. It didn’t attempt to package or polish the artists’ stories—it allowed them to speak for themselves, to exhibit vulnerability, ambition, and pride. The Mercantile Library, with its rich literary history and atmospheric architecture, provided an ideal backdrop for this layered storytelling.
Looking Ahead
Events like “From Here” represent a broader cultural shift in Cincinnati—a city long known for its conservatism is steadily becoming a haven for innovation and diversity in the arts. The show was a clear reminder that the city’s future as a cultural hub is being shaped from the ground up by passionate, creative individuals who are unafraid to reimagine the narrative.
As the exhibition wrapped, attendees left not just with a deeper appreciation for the featured artists, but also with a renewed sense of excitement about the possibilities blooming within Cincinnati’s artistic community.
