Cincinnati Blooms into a City of Color
By Delaney Church
It’s a Sunday morning in the heart of downtown and the city bustles with Cincinnatians and visitors alike. In the true spirit of summer, sunlight has descended over one hundred vibrant murals that adorn the walls of buildings and once-barren features of the Queen City.
“Our city’s limits are carved in hearts, not stone,” reads the stretching mural that clings to the building on 1100 Sycamore Street. The mural, “The Queen Shares,” serves as a welcome sign for all the city-goers of Cincinnati–and as a testament of the rich art, culture, and history of the city. On the front and center of the mural, a glittering crown meets the eye, along with two familiar birds perched on top–a cardinal and a bluebird. Symbolizing Cincinnati and Kentucky’s vast history and impact, the mural stands out as one of many eye-catching murals painted by the ArtWorks non-profit organization of Cincinnati.
For the past 29 years, ArtWorks has painted life and color onto the walls of the city. The ever-growing non-profit continues to work with businesses, community organizations, foundations, and other local groups to encourage career-readiness within young artists and make a creative impact on the city. Their website emphasizes the core values associated with their organization, which reads, “We find a way. We thrive together through diversity. We believe art enhances life. We learn together.” And enhances life, their non-profit work certainly does.
Katherine York, 48, a long-time resident of Cincinnati, shares, “I have noticed more and more murals over the past few years, and it makes my heart happy.” She continues, “Cincinnati is already a beautiful city, but the murals make the city pop with color.” From abstract shapes and vibrant colors, to intricate mosaics, to impressionist-style pieces, ArtWorks employs a variety of styles that highlight the diversity of the city and its people. “Each piece has some aspect of the city to comment on–whether it be social movements, architecture, famous figures, music, the list goes on and on,” Katherine smiles.
As if Rhinegeist Brewery wasn’t already a must-see, Cincinnati staple, the towering mural that covers the side of the local brewery only adds to its charm. The mural depicts cupped hands holding a blooming plant, as warm-toned colors emphasize the height of the piece. As Jason Andrew, 29, walks into this historic brewery, he shares how art pieces like “Rise” only make him love his favorite Cincinnati spots even more. “This piece,” he points to the mural, “not only looks beautiful, but it’s meant to symbolize the brewing process of Rhinegeist.” ArtWorks works directly with other businesses to design tailored murals that highlight the unique aspects of what they have to offer, and how they serve as defining markers of the culture of the city. Jason says, “The murals around here all have meaning that ties directly into the city in one way or another, and that’s what I like.”
A city without art is a city without color. Cincinnati is anything but that. As summer makes itself known, so do the artistic efforts of the ArtWorks organization and the young people who contribute to the beauty of the city. Driving through downtown, or walking around nearby neighborhoods, it is nearly impossible to miss one of these vibrant pieces that has something unique to say and something striking to show. Local history and culture has embedded itself into the murals that paint Cincinnati, showcasing the diversity and power of the people and legacy of the city. So next time you’re out, take a moment to enjoy these elaborate pieces that ArtWorks has to offer, because flowers are not the only things around Cincy that will continue to bloom.
