JANUARY 2026

SLiNK love is an artist based in Cincinnati, OH. She received their MFA from UC DAAP and has curated, directed and shown in dozens of local, international and underground installations and activations. For SLiNK love’s FAB month, SWELL will be featuring the artist’s family recipe vegan chili and a bourbon hot toddy that comes with a free zine by SLiNK love! Multiple community reading nights are scheduled along with installations both inside and on the exterior windows of the cafe. More info about the artist at www.slink.love

FEBRUARY 2026

She’s a mural makin’, street paintin’ quilt sewin’, yarnbombin’, curatin’, flashmobin’, tutu wearin’ rootin’ tootin’ art monster. She is a regionally & nationally recognized visual artist with more than 50 art exhibits & installations. With Pam, Contemporary Art is not a spectator sport — it is understandable, accessible, interactive and community oriented. She has numerous awards and recognitions as both an artist and art educator. Pam is always up for the next larger-than-life art bonanza!! In February, SWELL will be featuring “Pamajama’s Practically Perfect Puckerupable Pickle Back Shot alongside Pam’s Oh So Very Yummy Grilled Provolone and Black Olive Sandwich on Rye. Additionally, come catch Pam at one of her guest bar-tending nights during her FAB month!

MARCH 2026

John Lanzador is a Philippine-American educator and artist dedicated to community-focused work. He has collaborated with ArtWorks, BLDG, and V&V, mentoring youth through public art projects that highlight storytelling, identity, and belonging. John loves art and is well-versed in making art across a variety of mediums. He's fluent in carving, painting, drawing, design and even working with chalk. Lanzador finds inspiration in outsider art, tattoo shops, botanical illustrations, toys, food, pop art, illuminated manuscripts, comic books and even Mexican lottery bingo cards. John is planning a full suite of programming at SWELL during his FAB month including Karaoke and open mic nights. Stay tuned!

APRIL 2026

Noel Maghathe is a Palestinian-American multidisciplinary artist. Their practice is deeply rooted in their heritage, searching for home within the body and memory. Through sculpture, performance, and light, they explore themes of identity, cultural memory, and longing.

Maghathe has exhibited and performed internationally at venues including Abrons Arts Center (New York), Art League Houston, Contemporary Arts Center (Cincinnati), MMAG Foundation (Jordan), SPACE HUB (Palestine), Sawtooth ARI (Tasmania), Kino Club (Finland), 21C Museum (Cincinnati), and Mizna + RAWIfest (Minneapolis).

MAY 2026

Troll is a ceramic artist known for their captivating biomorphic creations that evoke a sense of both visceral emotions and discomfort, yet remain undeniably alluring. Originally from California, Troll received their BFA in Ceramics from Chico State University and went on to earn their MFA from Indiana University. They are currently an artist in residence at Queen City Clay, in Norwood Ohio. For the past 18 years ceramics has and continues to be their main artform but recently their practice has been drawing from a diverse range of mediums including fibers, paper pulp, wet felting, metal, video, performance, and photography.

Troll is deeply involved in activism within their community, using their platform to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. With a focus on exploring themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, Troll’s work invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connect with shared humanity. Whether through intimate ceramic sculptures, immersive installations, or powerful performances, Troll seeks to spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive action.

JUNE 2026

Alex Leeds is a comedian and artist from Cincinnati whose offbeat humor and creative projects have earned national attention. His Dumb Drawings Autographed by Celebrities series has been featured by the A.V. Club, BuzzFeed, and Cincinnati’s Local 12 Morning News. A regular at Go Bananas Comedy Club, he has performed at the Cincy Brew Ha-Ha, Whiskey Bear Comedy Festival, and Crossroads Comedy Festival. His last exhibit, Now That’s What I Call an Art Exhibit!, drew praise from CityBeat Cincinnati. Also an accomplished animator, Alex has created work for On Tour Records and Stand Up! Records, amassing over 100,000 views online. His surreal comedy series The Bar Inside an Old Circuit City aired for three episodes on Channel 101. His book 'Dumb Drawings Autographed by Celebrities' is being published by Library Tales Publishing in March 2026. You can follow him at instagram.com/dumbcelebdrawings

JULY 2026

Cincinnati-based artist Sara Mulhauser has been printing, building sculptures, and drawing for over 34 years. Her work is inspired by dramatic scenes created by nature in the atmosphere, oceans, and landscapes.

Recently, the content of Sara's work has shifted to iceberg sculptures as a way to visualize how society encounters one another. As we move away from isolation and into community spaces, Sara began imagining individuals as icebergs, where only a small visible portion is immediately apparent while deeper experiences and connections remain hidden beneath the surface. She wondered if art could unlock these submerged discussions.

Sculpture allows Sara to explore the tension between what is visible and what is unseen. She hopes to reconnect with artists as well as meet new artists in the city over a cool spot, artwork, and conversation during the month of July. Sara has shown her work nationally and regionally. A highlight of her career was sharing her racetrack prints on national TV as the “NASCAR Fan of the Week.”