Picture a museum where you can chat with artists as they create the works on display. Now, remove the walls, set it in a park and add music. The result, now in its fifth year, is the CMF Outdoor Museum. The free outdoor art exhibition kicks off with a live painting session from 3-8 p.m. on July 19 at Washington Park.

In honor of the event’s five-year anniversary, here are five reasons you won’t want to miss it:

1. A Live Look at Local Talent
Ten talented Cincy artists will bring their visions to life before your eyes. It’s a unique way to see local creativity in action.

2. Curated by a Local Artist
Cincy-based curator Nytaya Babbitt has curated this year’s exhibition. Babbitt highlights themes of connecting and understanding by providing spaces for vulnerability and empathy, believing in the importance of communication, decisiveness and commitment to community service.

3. It’s All About the Music
Each artist will draw inspiration from the vibrant culture and music of the Cincinnati Music Festival. As part of the lead-up to the festival (which runs July 25-27), the CMF Outdoor Museum sets the stage for a weekend of celebration. It’s a chance to experience the festival spirit early and enjoy the buzz building up around this iconic event

4. Friday Flow Concert
Speaking of music, if you stick around after the live painting sessions, you can enjoy a free Friday Flow concert presented by P&G, featuring Ruff Endz.

5. Free and Open to the Public
The CMF Outdoor Museum and Friday Flow concert are both free.

The CMF Outdoor Museum offers a dynamic blend of art, music and community spirit that captures the essence of the Cincinnati Music Festival. After the live painting on July 19 is finished, the artwork will stay in Washington Park through the end of the month, when it will move to Court Street.

The CMF Outdoor Museum is a collaboration between ArtsWave, P&G and Kroger. For more information about it and other events leading up to the Cincinnati Music Festival, visit artswave.org/CMF.