Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop highlights artisanship in more ways than one
With the release of a new study naming Cincinnati as one of the most arts-vibrant cities in the country, many may think of the Art Museum or the impressive collection of murals downtown as the forces driving this new title. However, there are numerous spots throughout the city also contributing to the city’s creative culture.
One of these institutions is Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop, with two locations, one in Oakley and one in Over-the-Rhine. Opening 18 years ago, Redtree originally served as an art gallery with a focus on showcasing Cincinnati-based artists. Although the business has changed over its nearly two decades of existence, this still remains a core part of its business. In addition to having pieces displayed throughout the cafes, Redtree hosts quarterly special exhibits.
In addition to an art gallery, Redtree has also been transformed into a coffee shop. While one could dismiss this as a chance to make more money by leaning into cafe culture, Redtree views their expansion to be a chance to demonstrate a dedication to artistry and craft. “Our baristas are artisans,” the shop declares on its website.
Along with making coffee with such intention, Redtree offers locally produced baked goods and coffee roasted by Yield, a self-proclaimed “humanitarian coffee roasting company.”
Likewise, the OTR cafe has recently started offering a cocktail program. Offering classics like old fashioneds and Negronis, Redtree also provides guests with original house cocktails such as The Fireside Flip, featuring chai-red-wine syrup and rye, or the Peanut Gallery, featuring peanut butter whisky.
While Redtree continues to expand its business, opening up new locations and expanding menus, it also promotes itself as a boundary pusher. Seen in the emphasis on local artists, this is perhaps most notable in its emphasis on discouraging tipping in favor of paying a “livable and consistent pay,” as the shop calls it.
This, Redtree says, is in order to make sure the baristas can thrive in their life outside the shops. In doing so, Redtree hopes to make sure its employees aren’t lost in its priority to serve the community. If customers wish to drop a dollar or two in the jar at the register, it will later be donated to a charity of the barista’s choice.
Combining coffee, art, community and even a little bit of charity, Redtree hopes to create a space for creativity and artisanship in all the forms it may take. In doing so, the shop hopes to create a place for all to come, put down some roots and grow.
