CANSTRUCTION

CANstruction is an international community service project of the design and construction industry to benefit community food banks. Every year, architects, engineers, designers and contractors compete to design and build elaborate, giant-sized structures made entirely out of canned foods. Teams of five people gather at five different locations around Cincinnati to build 10'x10'x10' sculptures in five hours.

Cincinnati consistently places at the top of America's best designs. Following the construction, the exhibits stay up for three weeks for public viewing. The sculptures are then dismantled and donated to Freestore Foodbank. In 2012, CANstruction raised 55,000 lbs of food which equals over 40,000 meals for families in need. Since it's conception 15 years ago, over 500,000 lbs have been donated.

The majority of the sculptures can be seen at Weston Art Gallery at the Aronoff, with other exhibits at Downtown Library, Downtown Macy's, Contemporary Arts Center, and the Scripps Center on Walnut Street.

TAINT: AT WESTON ART GALLERY

During a recent trip to The Aronoff, I took a peek around the latest exhibit at the adjoining Weston Art Gallery. Known for having eclectic, contemporary exhibits, the current installation pushes the creative boundaries.

Ladders extending from a crawlspace.

"Taint," an exhibition by Anthony Luensman, features trick-of-the-eye photography around the human body. As sexual as its name suggests, visitors can see the "Stud Finder" installment, which looks like pubic hair made from scouring pad fibers, a camera lens installed on a swing's seat, or the carnal sounds of eggs being stomped upon with bare feet.

"Stud Finder"

A pole made out of glass "extenders." You can guess what they attach to.

The interactive exhibit will leave visitors raising an eyebrow, yet still curiously pondering for more. Luensman also designed artwork for Lousiville's 21C Hotel. If you're a fan of its style, make a stop by "Taint," which is free to the public through December 9.

Ascending "Neon Ladder." One of the more tame installments in the exhibit.