Material Play Session VI: Embroidery Hoop Screen Printing
Join local artists Stephanie Berrie and Alex McClay at their printmaking and art studio, Spit Bite Studios for an exciting screen printing workshop where you will learn how to make small printing screens from embroidery hoops and screen print onto upcycled fabrics to make patches. Please feel free to bring garments you already have to print on, and any ideas or drawings you want to use for your design. RSVP here!
Pop Up Play
Join us in Ziegler Park for Pop Up Play, where we’ll be hosting a free upcycled craft activity for all ages. See you there!
Concertnova Instrument Making Workshop - All Ages
Make instruments from recycled materials ahead of concertnova’s Cincinnati Sandbox concert at CCM on October 25.
This is a free pre-concert event for concertnova's Cincinnati Sandbox concert, which will be at CCM on October 25, 2026.
What sounds are hiding inside the things we throw away?
Join concertnova and Indigo Hippo for a free, all-ages workshop exploring how everyday materials can become imaginative musical instruments. Using wood, cardboard, plastic, tubing, bells, rubber bands, and other reclaimed materials, participants will build, experiment, and discover entirely new sounds.
An Indigo Hippo facilitator will lead the workshop, with additional support from concertnova. All materials will be provided, and no musical or building experience is necessary. Children must participate with an accompanying adult.
Space is very limited, so advance registration is required.
WHO: All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHAT: A FREE, hands-on workshop making musical instruments from recycled and creatively reused materials.
WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM
WHERE: Indigo Hippo
WHAT TO EXPECT
A playful, hands-on instrument-making experience
An assortment of recycled and creatively reused materials
Guidance from Indigo Hippo and concertnova
Plenty of opportunities to experiment and make noise
Want to get more heavy-duty and make an instrument you can play during the concert? Check out our instrument-building workshop with Heavy Metal Marching Band at Wave Pool on September 29.
Participants who make instruments during the workshops will be invited to bring them to the performance during Cincinnati Sandbox on Sunday, October 25. Every workshop attendee will receive discounted tickets to the show!
ABOUT CINCINNATI SANDBOX
Cincinnati Sandbox explores how music can transform what we discard by repurposing everyday objects, found sounds, and recycled materials into something entirely new. Presented by concertnova, Cincinnati’s artist-led collective creating immersive and interdisciplinary concert experiences, the program brings together Grammy-nominated Sandbox Percussion, acclaimed violinist Kristin Lee, and Cincinnati’s Heavy Metal Marching Band.
The concert features the Cincinnati premiere of Vivian Fung’s Goddess//Insect,written for Sandbox Percussion and Lee, alongside music by John Corigliano, Andy Akiho, Viet Cuong, and others.
CINCINNATI SANDBOX CONCERT
Sunday, October 25, 2026
5:00 PM
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Tickets: $35 general admission, $20 young professionals, and $10 students.
FINAL FRIDAY - TC Flowers
Join us for the opening of TC Flower’s solo show! The opening will take place from 6pm - 8pm on Friday, September 25th, and we will also have snacks and drinks to share.
Our gallery space is inside our shop, and all items in our store will be available for purchase from 6pm - 8pm in addition to our normal shop hours of 12 pm - 6pm.
Title and theme TBD.
ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience
ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience, Indigo Hippo’s annual fundraising event and open gallery show, is back for its 4th installment! This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Indigo Hippo and our history of creativity and sustainable arts stewardship with a vibrant evening of art, music, and community! This exciting event will showcase the creative talent and original works of Cincinnati’s gifted artists, as well as Indigo Hippo’s ongoing mission to broaden arts accessibility, reduce waste, and inspire possibility through creative reuse!
This year, ReMADE will take place at the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s Site 1212 on Friday, December 4, 2026 from 6–9 PM.
Address: 1212 Jackson St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tickets will go on sale soon so be sure to visit the ReMADE page on our website.
School Supply Giveaway
Our annual School Supply Giveaway is back!
Taking place on the sidewalk outside of our shop, stop by and take whatever you need for FREE.
Our shop will also be open during this time frame with all our regular art materials and goods in our pay-what-you-can sliding scale ranges.
Pop Up Play
Join us in Ziegler Park for Pop Up Play, where we’ll be hosting a free upcycled craft activity for all ages. See you there!
Material Play Session IV: Exploratory Weaving
Join us at Tide Pool to explore weaving with upcycled fibers and materials, led by local textile artist (and Indigo Hippo shop manager!) Emma Jackson!
Learn the basics of weaving at Tide Pool with local fiber artist, Emma Jackson, and play with fun and non-traditional weaving materials in this explorative workshop! You'll learn how to use a homemade loom to create a unique, decorative or functional textile using yarn, thread, string, and any material you can think to weave into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
We'll also learn about the mission and work of new non-profit Tide Pool (which also houses our sister location, Indigo Hippo Hamilton!) RSVP here!
Pop Up Play
Join us in Ziegler Park for Pop Up Play, where we’ll be hosting a free upcycled craft activity for all ages. See you there!
Bag Charm Workshop with Ash Eclectic!
Make your own beaded bag charm, guided by fabulous local bead artist Ashley Cooper of Ash Eclectics!
We'll use beads and materials from Indigo Hippo's shop, and each participant can expect to make up to 2 bag charms.
All materials provided
$40/per participant
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
NOTE: Our workshop space inside Indigo Hippo is small so we will be a bit cozy. Please expect to sit near your neighbors as you work on your pieces.
*Additionally, some of our seating options are on high stools, and most are regular folding chairs.
Please let us know if you perfer one or the other! You can reach out to us at "hello@indigohippo.org" with questions and specifications.
Summer Fundraiser!
We are so grateful to have reached 10 years of serving our community as your local thrift-store-for art supplies and look forward to the next 10!
In honor of 10 years, we are raising $10,000 to support Indigo Hippo’s existence as a creative resource, gallery space, and community collaborator!
Please consider making a donation: https://donorbox.org/summer-fundraiser-945065
Our creative community is weird and cool, and the Indigo Hippo team is humbled to be a part of the local charm. Creative reuse is good for our community and here’s why:
Affordable, Accessible Supplies for All: Everything at Indigo Hippo is priced based on condition and original retail value. From there, we mark items down 30-50% or more and fit them into our pay-what-you-can model. Many items end up on our Free Shelf, and when possible, we donate bulk amounts of materials to community centers, schools, summer camps, and artist groups. No one gets turned away at Indigo Hippo because we believe that art is for everyone.
Donating, Not Dumping: Reuse gives your materials new life. Instead of adding to the landfill with piles of fabric scraps or broken crayons, your generous donation of supplies will find a good home and new purpose once it’s cycled through our storefront. Nothing is ever wasted.
Inspiration Leads to Local Impact: Every material that comes through our store inspires the next project, crafts the next gift, or tells a new story in Cincinnati’s creative community. Imagine entering a gallery made of materials from your donated supplies!
They always say, "Make the world you want to live in." We want to live in a world where art is for everyone. And to do so, we also want to:
Keep being your community hub for creative reuse, inspiration, and connection.
Keep our pay-what-you-can system in place.
Ensure our free, creative reuse workshop program, Material Play, is funded for next year and beyond, so people of all ages can learn new crafts from local artists while incorporating reuse and sustainability.
Grow our team and increase wages because our small team works hard and deserves fair pay.
Please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal! Every little bit helps. We TRULY feel the impact of your donations, and we couldn’t exist without you!
With gratitude,
The Indigo Hippo Team
Final Friday Gallery Opening
Join us for a joint jewelry show featuring the work of local artists Ashley Cooper of Ash Eclectics and Sidney Cherie Hilley!
Indigo Hippo @ Juneteenth
Join us at the Freedom Center’s Juneteenth Jubilee! We’ll be tabling inside the Freedom Center from 12 - 5pm with a super fun “make-and-take” craft! Stop by!
Poster Making
Material Play Session: Poster Making
Material Play is a FREE, workshop series available to all ages and skill levels!
Learn new creative skills and mediums from local artists and organizations while exploring themes of personal growth, resilience and community.
All upcycled materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Join local artists Julia Lipovsky and Jon Flannery at their collective studio, General Store, for a dynamic workshop where we'll transform found materials like maps, calendars, wallpaper samples, sewing patterns and artwork prints to create something entirely new by layering new imagery through screen printing and drawing mediums.
Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
Supported by ArtsWave
Make A Bucket Hat!
SESSION II: Sunday, May 31 || 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us at Elementz to explore the intersection of Hip Hop and fashion! Local fashion designer Khalil Jackson will teach you how to create your very own upcycled fabric bucket hat, transforming awesome fabric remnants from Indigo Hippo's Shop. RSVP here!
Pop Up Play
Join us in Ziegler Park for Pop Up Play, where we’ll be hosting a free upcycled craft activity for all ages. See you there!
Mindful Collage Poetry
Material Play Session I: Mindful Collage Poetry
Join local artist Julie Klear + The Well to explore mindfulness through poetry and collage.
Material Play is a FREE, workshop series available to all ages and skill levels!
Learn new creative skills and mediums from local artists and organizations while exploring themes of personal growth, resilience and community.
All upcycled materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Walk-in's welcome! Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
Supported by ArtsWave
Indigo Hippo's 10th Birthday
Please join us at our shop in Over-the-Rhine to celebrate 10 years of Indigo Hippo! This Final Friday will be the opening reception of our “History of Indigo Hippo” gallery wall developed in collaboration with L.D. Nehls. There will be cake, light bites, and refreshments, and our shop will be open for regular shopping.
Friday, March 27th from 6-8pm at 1334 Main Street.
ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience '25
Hosted by the Art Academy of Cincinnati in Over-the-Rhine at Site 1212, and celebrating over 9 years of creativity and environmental sustainability, our annual fundraiser and open gallery event will be a vibrant evening of art, music, and community, highlighting the creative talent and original works of Cincinnati’s gifted artists, as well as Indigo Hippo’s ongoing mission to broaden arts accessibility, reduce waste, and inspire possibility through creative reuse.
You’ll enjoy:
Light bites + drinks
An incredible Silent auction featuring baskets and bundles from local businesses
The ReMADE Gallery show + art auction, featuring the works of local artists
Multiple (free!) artist-led experiences
Fun photo-ops
And learn more about our mission and work throughout the night!
Painterly Collage Workshop
Join us for a “painterly collage” workshop led by local artist Chloe Greenberg @chloegreenfrogart on Tuesday Oct 21st at Indigo Hippo from 6:00 - 8:00pm!
Explore shape, value, and texture by creating cut paper collages out of pre-made textures, papers and magazines, inspired by the work of Eric Carle.All materials will be provided by the artist and Indigo Hippo!
Tickets available here: Eventbrite
If you missed it, stop by the shop to see Chloe’s current show in our space, “Bespoke Nature,” and get inspired by her beautiful collage works!
Pop-Up Play
Join Indigo Hippo staff and volunteers in a creative reuse craft as part of Ziegler Park and 3CDC’s Pop-Up Play series!
All of Indigo Hippo’s craft pop-ups are free and open for all to attend and will be held from 3-5 PM at Ziegler Park. Materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Pop-Up Play
Join Indigo Hippo staff and volunteers in a creative reuse craft as part of Ziegler Park and 3CDC’s Pop-Up Play series!
All of Indigo Hippo’s craft pop-ups are free and open for all to attend and will be held from 3-5 PM at Ziegler Park. Materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Final Friday at Indigo Hippo
You are invited to join us for our Summer Gallery Opening Reception and celebrating the end of the Float the Bloat fundraising campaign!
Please join us at Indigo Hippo on Friday, July 25 from 6-8 PM. Enjoy light refreshments and bites, meet our summer gallery artist, and our staff and board members! Our summer gallery show will feature to work of local artist, William Elaban. The store will be open for shopping as well.
Pop-Up Play
Join Indigo Hippo staff and volunteers in a creative reuse craft as part of Ziegler Park and 3CDC’s Pop-Up Play series!
All of Indigo Hippo’s craft pop-ups are free and open for all to attend and will be held from 3-5 PM at Ziegler Park. Materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Pop-Up Play
Join Indigo Hippo staff and volunteers in a creative reuse craft as part of Ziegler Park and 3CDC’s Pop-Up Play series!
All of Indigo Hippo’s craft pop-ups are free and open for all to attend and will be held from 3-5 PM at Ziegler Park. Materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Cardmaking at Streetside Brewery
Workshop alert!
Join us at @streetsidebrewery (Tues 4/29 from 6-8pm) to learn how to make embroidered greeting cards with reuse materials from the Indigo Hippo shop!🪡
You’ll walk away with a finished embroidered greeting card and materials to make more at home.
Tickets include:
🔹a beverage
🔹all workshop materials
🔹more materials for further crafting at home!
Indigo Hippo Turns 9!
Join us on this Final Friday to celebrate Indigo Hippo’s 9th birthday! Our gallery walls will be with artwork donated to Indigo Hippo and all proceeds on art sales will support our shop and our mission. There will be light refreshments available and we will be open for regular in-store shopping!
ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience '24
Hosted by the historic Woodward Theater in Over-the-Rhine, and celebrating over 8 years of creativity and environmental sustainability, our annual fundraiser and open gallery event will be a vibrant evening of art, music, and community, highlighting the creative talent and original works of Cincinnati’s gifted artists, as well as Indigo Hippo’s ongoing mission to broaden arts accessibility, reduce waste, and inspire possibility through creative reuse.
You’ll enjoy:
Light bites + drinks
An incredible Silent auction featuring baskets and bundles from local businesses
The ReMADE Gallery show + art auction, featuring the works of local artists
Multiple (free!) artist-led experiences
Fun photo-ops
And learn more about our mission and work throughout the night!
* Early Bird Ticket 5% Discount - available until November 27th!
** Pay-what-you-can ticket pricing available online and at the door!
***All ticket proceeds go to support the mission and work of Indigo Hippo
"FLORA MAGNIFICA" Gallery Opening Reception
Join us on Final Friday for the opening reception of solo show “FLORA MAGNIFICA” featuring the artwork of local artist, Ciara LeRoy
Ciara shares, “The show is primarily a tribute to my late grandmother--Flora Jones LeRoy--and her love of flowers, cultivating gardens, and shopping secondhand. There will be acrylic paintings on canvas, fabric assemblages, soft sculpture, and hand embroideries. Much of the work utilizes secondhand or scrap materials.”
Light refreshments and snacks will be available and the store will be open for extended shopping during the reception! Masks are encouraged during this event and we will have some masks available.
Sustainable Suds with High Grain
Join us for Sustainable Suds at High Grain Brewing in Silverton next Wednesday 9/18! High Grain will generously donate 10% of ALL purchases (food, non-alcoholic beverages, and of course, beer) made from 4 - 10pm, to support Indigo Hippo!
Stop by to say hi to our team from 5 - 7pm, but you can grab a brew and a bite any time between 4 - 10pm to support!
Material Play Session V - Possibility Portraits
Join JULIA LIPOVSKY and JULIA O BIANCO of THE WELL for “Possibility Portraits: Looking in and looking out!” You’ll get to participate in a guided meditation led by Julia B and learn from Julia L about how you might create your own self portrait. Materials will be mostly paper and collage based.
Material Play is A FREE, once-a-month workshop series for youth ages 10-18 (recommended, no restriction for children under 10 but request a parent or guardian present to participate)
Learn new creative skills and mediums from local artists and organizations while exploring themes of personal growth, resilience and community.
All upcycled materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
RSVP ahead of time HERE!
School Supply Giveaway!
Stop by Indigo Hippo on Saturday 8/10 and Sunday 8/11 from 12-5pm for FREE school supplies for Back To School!
Material Play Session III
Join local artistJoin local artist Elan Schwartz and the artists of Perma Buds to Weave Your World! You'll learn weaving techniques from Elan, as well as how to make "plarn" (upcycled plastic yarn), learn how to encorporate found materials into your weavings, and the Perma Buds folks will lead the workshop in learnings around permaculture, caring for our earth, and "honorable harvest."
Material Play is A FREE, once-a-month workshop series for youth ages 10-18 (recommended, no restriction for children under 10 but request a parent or guardian present to participate)
Learn new creative skills and mediums from local artists and organizations while exploring themes of personal growth, resilience and community.
All upcycled materials will be provided by Indigo Hippo!
Register here ahead of time, or drop by - walk-ins welcome!
