A Lockland Art Gallery Showcases Local Talent & Plans to Be a Social Space in the Future | Cincinnati Refined

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David Elmer, who paints under the pseudonym Mason Maria, is an artist who manages his own gallery on Mill Street in Lockland. Known as an art gallery and social house, Mason Maria is a place where work by local artists, including David, are on display. While the social house aspect of the gallery is currently on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, David plans to feature live music, poetry readings, and storytelling once it's safe to resume doing so. ADDRESS 112 Mill Street (45215) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

The gallery and social house is as colorful and inviting as can be. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David Elmer (Mason Maria), artist / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20<p></p>

David is relatively new to painting. His story begins in 2016 while working for the Village of Evendale. Every year, the village features a juried fine arts exhibition, and David served on the jury that year. While reviewing the entrants, he met local artist Priya Rama, who paints what she sees during her frequent migraines. Enthralled and inspired by her work, David commissioned a piece by Priya. As a musician, David's natural creativity led him to consider visual art himself, so he asked Priya to be his mentor. He studied under her and began painting for himself. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

He describes his work thusly: "My works are often a whimsical mix of colors, most often with no intentional design in mind before I start. They capture both fantasy and reality with the viewer ultimately choosing what they want to see; however, my art is intended to convey positive energy, peace, love, happiness, etc. It is meant to put smiles on faces, stir imaginations and spark conversations about good times and good memories, past, present and to come.“ / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

The building the gallery and social house occupies, according to David, was built in 1917. When he rented the space from the owner in February, he and his son worked to transform the front of the building into a colorful oasis meant to inspire creativity. When COVID closures hit in March, his grand opening looked different than he originally intended. The gallery is open by appointment today. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

This is a work by Priya Rama, David's mentor. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David does commissions. This is a piece he did for a client outside of Cincinnati. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20<p></p>

The gallery is filled with visually interesting miscellany. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

The gallery is filled with visually interesting miscellany. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David Elmer, who paints under the pseudonym Mason Maria, is an artist who manages his own gallery on Mill Street in Lockland. Known as an art gallery and social house, Mason Maria is a place where work by local artists, including David, are on display. While the social house aspect of the gallery is currently on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, David plans to feature live music, poetry readings, and storytelling once it's safe to resume doing so. ADDRESS 112 Mill Street (45215) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

One of David's pieces hangs on the wall of the gallery.{ }Visit his website at MasonMaria.com for more. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David Elmer (Mason Maria), artist / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

Probably the most colorful taxidermy you'll ever see.{ }/ Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20<p></p>

A lobster charm hangs from the beaded chandelier.{ }/ Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20<p></p>

David is relatively new to painting. His story begins in 2016 while working for the Village of Evendale. Every year, the village features a juried fine arts exhibition, and David served on the jury that year. While reviewing the entrants, he met local artist Priya Rama, who paints what she sees during her frequent migraines. Enthralled and inspired by her work, David commissioned a piece by Priya. As a musician, David's natural creativity led him to consider visual art himself, so he asked Priya to be his mentor. He studied under her and began painting for himself. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

He describes his work thusly: "My works are often a whimsical mix of colors, most often with no intentional design in mind before I start. They capture both fantasy and reality with the viewer ultimately choosing what they want to see; however, my art is intended to convey positive energy, peace, love, happiness, etc. It is meant to put smiles on faces, stir imaginations and spark conversations about good times and good memories, past, present and to come.“ / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David Elmer (Mason Maria), artist{ }/ Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

The building the gallery and social house occupies, according to David, was built in 1917. When he rented the space from the owner in February, he and his son worked to transform the front of the building into a colorful oasis meant to inspire creativity. When COVID closures hit in March, his grand opening looked different than he originally intended. The gallery is open by appointment today. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

Those who love bold colors will be delighted by Mason Maria's decor. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20<p></p>

The gallery features artists besides David. Sabrina Mantle’s leaf sculptures are currently featured. As the gallery matures, it will include more artists as well. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

He describes his work thusly: "My works are often a whimsical mix of colors, most often with no intentional design in mind before I start. They capture both fantasy and reality with the viewer ultimately choosing what they want to see; however, my art is intended to convey positive energy, peace, love, happiness, etc. It is meant to put smiles on faces, stir imaginations and spark conversations about good times and good memories, past, present and to come.“ / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

ADDRESS 112 Mill Street (45215) / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

When he rented the space from the owner in February, he and his son worked to transform the front of the building into a colorful oasis meant to inspire creativity. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David is relatively new to painting. His story begins in 2016 while working for the Village of Evendale. Every year, the village features a juried fine arts exhibition, and David served on the jury that year. While reviewing the entrants, he met local artist Priya Rama, who paints what she sees during her frequent migraines. Enthralled and inspired by her work, David commissioned a piece by Priya. As a musician, David's natural creativity led him to consider visual art himself, so he asked Priya to be his mentor. He studied under her and began painting for himself. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

The gallery and social house is as colorful and inviting as can be. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

Oh deer. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David plans to feature live music, poetry readings, and storytelling once it's safe to resume doing so. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

As the gallery matures, it will include more artists as well. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

David has a background in music-making. A guitar is on display as a nod to that part of his life. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

Visit his website at MasonMaria.com for more. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

Visit his website at MasonMaria.com for more. / Image: Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Refined // Published: 8.12.20

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