A Downtown Renaissance

Rick Jones continues Hamilton’s art scene with Renaissance Fine Art Supplies

Years ago, Rick Jones retired from his position as the founding director of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts on the banks of the Great Miami River. What did he do in retirement? Well, they opened an art supply store in the heart of downtown Hamilton. 

For nearly five years Renaissance Fine Art Supplies has been a staple amongst the rapidly changing storefronts that populate Hamilton’s downtown. The name of the shop comes from the revival of the town. Jones wanted to be a part of that rejuvenation, so he, along with his wife, decided to open the shop. 

Hamilton, dubbed the City of Sculpture, has a relatively young experience in the art world. During the 1990s the city elected to use arts as a way of civic improvement, via the Cultural Action Plan. Part of that plan included the aforementioned, Fitton Center. Along with the Fitton Center, the city created Pyramid Sculpture Park and Museum. 

Jones was instrumental in helping the creative community as the director of the Fitton Center for many years, now he is doing it in a different way. The city committed to making the Artspace Lofts on the northside of High Street back in 2010. 11 million dollars later and there are over three dozen work and living spaces for artists in downtown Hamilton. Jones and his wife have the unique opportunity to help those artists thrive by selling specific fine art supplies.  

Rick’s vast experience in the art world makes him the ultimate ally to artists in the world. Curating art at the Fitton Center, plus that fact that he is a painter himself ensures that their supplies are top of the line. If you’re a customer in need, who better to ask than an expert. 

And if you don’t like what you bought? That’s okay. Because you can return the product, no receipt needed. Rick and his family want to help you thrive as artists, so return anything you’re unhappy with. 

If you can’t make your way to the store front, Renaissance has an online shop at rfasupplies.com. When you enter their site the tagline “Where Creativity Begins” welcomes you. Then you can begin to shop throughout their catalog of wares. 

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, their hours have been reduced. They’re open most days 11-4, currently. They’re a locally owned business that believes in the ongoing revival of this town, champions of shopping local.