Being born and raised in Cincinnati, I have experienced all that Cincinnati has to offer. Out of all the places I’ve lived, I found a deep love and connection with downtown. I have truly witnessed the good and the bad and I am amazed by every detail, triumph and even all the shortcomings. In fact, I was 22 years old when I moved downtown and the city was beginning its development. I spent most of
my days documenting and photographing the progress and development taking place downtown falling more and more in love photo after photo meeting people from all walks of life— from the newcomers moving into the area to the entrepreneurs, small business owners that opened up restaurants and retail shops down to the folks that lived in OTR and downtown for 20 to 30 years that did not want to be left behind. One day I was walking my dog when a Channel 9 news reporter stopped and ask to interview me. The interview was held in front of Washington Park with the topic being the development in OTR and downtown. I was asked how do I feel about the changes taking place downtown. I said people must see the new downtown and it was truly a joy of mine. I couldn’t have been more proud to see the city and what it could become. I had to speak about it and even better, I wanted to be a part of it. Not knowing where life would take me, I set out onto my journey adding what I could to our city. I used what I learned from studying business law and photography in college to create Art on Vine. When Art on Vine began in 2012 I was young, ambitions, and in college. It started as a project that was presented in front of P&G, Western Southern and HP. With the help of a good friend and colleague, Page, Art on Vine was an event with only 8 vendors in a parking lot on Vine street. It has now evolved to an event that hosts over 80 vendors a month in some of Cincinnati’s coolest places and landmarks including Rhinegeist Brewery, Fountain Square and Washington Park. We have also made contributions to numerous local nonprofits. Having created Art on Vine is the foundation of who I am. I love hosting and giving others from our city the opportunity to show case their work and celebrate their independence. Over the years I have learned so much about the city and how we can all have common goals with common purposes that would benefit everyone of us. This is why in 2019 I announced my run for Cincinnati City Council knowing that we can be better, knowing that we can be everything we talk about. There may be times when you feel left out, but I AM you and I understand that pain and I want to be here for you. We all contribute so much to society; it’s why we’re all here together to learn from each other. These are the traits that makes us better and give us the skills we need to develop a thriving diverse society. Listening to the people we may disagree with and finding common ground working together, laughing together and growing together. Together we have to make sure that everyone whose willing to work hard will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals and know that this city will have their back. I understand the struggles of a single mother because I had one, I understand the struggles and obstacles that many young men face and at times can feel hopeless but I’m here to say I have overcome many of these issues and I look forward to seeing the next generation learning from our challenges and facing them head on, nervous and unsure but filled with passion and confidence! So Cincinnati, I’m asking YOU for a chance to get to know me, ask me a question. Let’s meet, let’s talk and let’s make a difference. Lastly many of you have met me through Art on Vine some have met me in College, High School WoodWard! through photography, talking about business and stocks some of you I grew up with and you know me as Cook and I'm asking all of you if you know me help me get the word out you know who I am, you know where my heart stands and I can’t do this without your support I have a lot of work to do over the next few months and it’s time for the train to leave the station! Cincinnati I love YOU and look forward to earning your trust. All images © 2021 Photography For The People
Do not attempted INFRINGEMENT. Unauthorized photography use will not be tolerated, Legal action will be taken. Photography For The People is a certified business with the State of Ohio. Photoshop has not been implemented in any photographs.
