ANNUAL REPORT 2023
In 2023, ArtWorks hosted its first-ever ArtAmplified, an urban celebration of the arts held in Over-the-Rhine. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
LETTER FROM CEO AND BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends, As we reflect on the diversity that defines our city, we are delighted to share the incredible impact made by ArtWorks in 2023, a year dedicated to "Celebrating Cultures." This theme guided our endeavors, inspired our collaborations, and propelled us to foster inclusivity through the transformative power of art. And we decided to dedicate projects to celebrating cultures across our city from 2023 forward. So, this is just the beginning. One of our most significant culturally-driven projects was ArtWorks’ New Monuments Initiative. We employed 10 artists for an entire year, led by Artist-in-Residence, Asha White, resulting in a Community Engagement Report that illustrates deep listening and mapping of underrepresented voices and identities with a goal to build more equitable and inclusive new monuments for Cincinnati in the future. In our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIAB), our Board unanimously approved the second DEIAB plan for our organization. We also took
significant strides in enhancing our organizational infrastructure, including the rollout of a new employee manual—the first of its kind in over a decade. In 2023, ArtWorks received the Inclusive Culture Award from the Leadership Council for Nonprofits.
community, featuring the first Cuban and Indian mural artists. We also celebrated equality, as we unveiled the city's first mural honoring the 50th anniversary of Cincinnati Pride—an inspiring symbol of love, acceptance, and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Cincinnati was once again recognized as a beacon of cultural vibrancy, ranking 11th among the best large-scale arts cities by SMU Data Arts. This demonstrates the profound impact ArtWorks is making and our partners are contributing to equity and inclusion through public art across all neighborhoods. Additionally, USA Today honored Cincinnati among the top 10 best street art cities for the third consecutive year. Our participation in the inaugural Street Art Summit in Detroit, Michigan, exemplifies our commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration, and creativity on a national scale.
This annual report will explore these and a few other notable projects in detail.
We also achieved several notable mural milestones, including the creation of Downtown's tallest mural in collaboration with internationally renowned artist MOMO. Additionally, we launched a new mural series celebrating the diverse cultures of our
Colleen Houston CEO & Artistic Director
Looking ahead, we are excited to finalize construction and move into our new permanent Creative Campus in Walnut Hills and bring to life the vision for the new Hannan ArtPark, in collaboration with our Walnut Hills partners Human Nature, TeamB, and Triversity. As we celebrate the rich cultures that define our community, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, talented artists, supportive partners, and the entire ArtWorks community. Together, we will continue to create a more vibrant and equitable future for all. With gratitude and excitement,
Lauren Hannan Shafer Board Chair
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OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
ArtWorks creates community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.
We find a way We thrive through diversity We believe art enhances life We learn together
OUR IMPACT ArtWorks provides a safe environment for a diverse community of under-resourced young adults and artists to thrive, positively impacting their community and their own personal development. Each program helps participants generate belonging, confidence, and leadership skills. ArtWorks provides unique workforce development programs in the arts that drive our creative economy, providing a living wage for all participants. Community driven projects and partnerships are essential to building a public art gallery rooted in sharing and celebrating history and enhancing civic pride and unique identities of neighborhoods. Since 1996, ArtWorks has employed more than 4,000 young artists, ages 14–24, and 3,500 working artists from the Greater Cincinnati area to create public art and civic projects. 02
We advance our mission through three distinct programs: 1. seasonal employment for artists to work on large-scale murals and other public and community art projects 2. year-long employment for artists in creative enterprise-driven studios 3. a Gallery Fellowship Program that provides emerging artists with mentorship by artists-in-residence. Over the past 28 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 300 permanent murals.
ArtWorks strives for a sense of belonging at every event, as shown by this embrace at the mural studio’s “Harmonies” art exhibition opening in December 2023. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
ARTWORKS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESSIBILITY, AND BELONGING ArtWorks lifts justice by embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access regardless of skin tone, ethnicity, faith, apparent and nonapparent disabilities, age or identity. We strive to advance racial equity for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and all experiencing racism and discrimination. ArtWorks focuses on an approach that is:
People-centered: Create a more inclusive and equitable workplace
Reaching new audiences: Foster inclusive language and experiences across all internal and external platforms
Belonging: Celebrate more cultures through the intentional design of programming to reflect our diverse community
2023 Highlights Updated and revamped ArtWorks Employee Handbook with an intentional DEIAB focus. Revisions include a 12-week paid leave policy, gender neutral language, refined flexible work options, expanded discrimination language and ArtWorks’ commitment to pay transparency and equity. Awarded the Leadership Council for Nonprofits 2023 Inclusive Culture Award. Engaged an outside consultant to review and improve pay transparency and equity. We recognize that there is room for us to grow in understanding implicit bias, blindspots and inequity as an organization. By sharing our progress, we aim to hold ourselves accountable in our DEIAB journey. You can read our current plan at artworkscincinnati. org/DEAIB. 03
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Mayor Aftab Pureval took a tour of ArtWorks projects in the works, including “Love Wins” in the summer of 2023. Photo by Joe Simon.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ARTIST INVESTMENT
$2.2M 213
in wages paid to professional, teen and young adult artists, arts administrators and creatives
teen and young adult participants
8,884
365
employed professional, teen and young adult artists and arts administrators and contracted creatives
hours of artistic mentorship (provided by teaching artists, studio managers, gallery artists in residence)
288
hours of professional development/career training
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
50 13
community partners
188
works of art created in communities and in the V2 Gallery
neighborhoods directly invested in through public art
400+
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permanent public murals created
residents and visitors to the cincy region attended Artworks’ mural tours
26M
residents and tourists annually see ArtWorks public art
YOUTH WORKFORCE IMPACT PROGRAM RESULTS
99%
of youth made meaningful gains in one or more applied SEL career capacities (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity)
86%
of youth made meaningful gains in one or more adaptive mindset career capacities (growth orientation and goal orientation)
92%
of youth reported leaving the program with good or great career/ workforce knowledge
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MEET THE TEEN & YOUNG ADULT ARTISTS
53%
american indian/ alaskan native
of our young artists identify as
1%
asian
3%
nonbinary
BIPOC
multiracial
13%
26%
she/her
57% he/him
17%
GENDER IDENTITY
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white black
36%
RACE/ETHNICITY
47%
18%
of our young artists identify as
HISPANIC
59% of our young artists are from
HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
Colleen Houston presented Sylvie Tiro with the Biggie Award for her work as an apprentice at the 2023 ArtWorks End of Summer Celebration. Photo by Allen Woods for KNOW Photos.
AN ASPIRING SCIENTIST ENRICHES PERSPECTIVE THROUGH THE ARTS Sylvie Tiro, a student at the University of British Columbia, aspires to be an environmental engineer. And even if “artist” isn’t her top career of choice, her three summers working as an ArtWorks apprentice has only increased her love for art. Three years ago, as a 16-year-old Walnut Hills High School student looking for a summer job, Sylvie signed on as an ArtWorks Apprentice because “painting murals for a summer sounded cool.” As she leaned into the work, she realized she enjoyed the work and developed a passion. Her enthusiasm made quite an impression on Michael Thompson, the teaching artist who nominated her for the Biggie Award, the highest award ArtWorks presents to Apprentices, which she received at the end of summer 2023.
“From day one, she wanted to include everyone on the team in her joy and also make sure that we had the best final product possible,” he said. “Sylvie shows up early and prepared every day, she has gone the extra mile without being asked. In my 10 projects with ArtWorks, Sylvie earned the first and only perfect midpoint review I’ve ever given.” Some of the skills Sylvie learned on her first project, “Looking to Tomorrow,” include problem solving and collaboration, and using the scientific method. “One of our engineering class projects was building chairs out of cardboard,” said Sylvie. “We worked collaboratively
in groups, and the approach was very similar to systematically solving the development of a mural.” At college, she maintains a passion for art by keeping canvases, paints, and markers in her room to create in her spare time. She’s helped stoke interest in public art among her friends, and she’s proud of Cincinnati’s status as a preeminent public-art city and ArtWorks’ contribution. “I’m excited about my next muralpainting summer, working on the Charles Gaines design that will be painted across from the new ArtWorks headquarters,” she said. 07
ARTWORKS SHARES FIRST-EVER NEW MONUMENTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT ArtWorks’ Civic Studio presented the results of a year-long initiative where they explored the history and future of commemorative spaces in Cincinnati by uplifting the voices of historically marginalized communities. The Civic Studio Artists presented a 92-page report after doing community engagement with the public across dozens of events in 2023.
Ten Civic Studio Artists (ages 18-24), led by Artistin-Residence Asha White, interviewed and shared findings on how recommendations for future public art will drive change locally and nationally. The event also showcased the creative journey and insights gained throughout the initiative.
The report is now available on ArtWorks’ website. This program is supported by funding from The City of Cincinnati, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation.
ArtWorks’ Civic Studio who attended the report included Niya Steagall, Asha White, Coniah Zoogah, Madison Lentz, Eve Miller, Lexi Spurlock, Claire Wagner, Lia MacAskill, Caitlyn Hyland and ArtWorks Staff Member Karla Batres Gilvin. Photo by Pixxel Designs.
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CIVIC STUDIO ARTISTS Caitlyn Hyland Madison Lentz Lia McAskill Eve Miller Zero Pruitt Lexi Spurlock Niya Steagull Aspen Stein Claire Stoneking-Wagner Emilee Taylor
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Asha White Niya Steagall, Civic Studio Artist spoke at the report celebration at the Urban League’s Holloman Center for Social Justice. Photo by Pixxel Designs.
Our work is important because we are creating more opportunities for the people of Cincinnati to have more ownership over this beautiful city,” said Civic Studio Artist Aspen Stein.
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PEOPLE DESERVE TO BE REPRESENTED AND TO HAVE A SAY IN THE WAYS THEY ARE REPRESENTED.
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YEAR-ROUND MURAL STUDIO PROGRAM ArtWorks launched its first-ever year-long employment studio for artists in 2022. In its second year, the creative enterprise-driven mural studio has provided teens and young adults between ages 18 and 24 with consistent employment and opportunities. This model goes deeper than ArtWorks’ seasonal apprentice program and provides a full year of employment in a professional studio work setting.
Studio Artists learn all aspects of a mural project, from client management and budgeting to design and production. They also have an opportunity to design murals and can pitch their proposals alongside guest artists to various clients including local businesses, restaurants, festivals, and nonprofits. This group works on murals indoors in winter months. The mural studio is the first year-round studio in a series of year-round studios that ArtWorks is designing and launching to employ artists.
Under the guidance of two Mural Studio Managers, 21 Studio Artists were employed to fulfill a range of client and community services, including mural design and production. This unique opportunity allows emerging artists to work towards a full-time career in the arts.
ArtWorks partnered with Al. Neyer and Urban Sites for the new mural, designed by Christian Dallas, at the perimeter of The Hayden at Roebling Point, in Covington. Photo by J. Miles Wolf.
2023 MURAL STUDIO ARTISTS Nytaya Babbitt Miles Bruggemeyer Lauryn Campbell Katelyn Detwiler Hannah Feibelman Peyton Harshfield Maria Hart Zachary Hastings Rachel Hoffman Savannah Innes Rashad Manuel Jr.
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Kendall Matsey Jay Maupins Belle Minesinger Hugh Moscoe Harvest Riddle
Anjel Robinson Naja Sanders-Tate Trinity Stewart Kennedy Stewart Ellie Wallace
MURAL STUDIO MANAGERS Evan Hildebrandt Anissa Pulcheon
In 2023, this studio completed multiple murals, including:
Covington Grove at The Hayden
Roebling Point Investors /Neyer & Urban Sites 103 E 3rd St., Covington Designer: Christian Dallas
Bee Happy in Pendleton
Pendleton Neighborhood Council Designer: Peyton Harshfield
Together We Are Solid Black Doritos Solid Black / Frito Lay 207 Linn Street, West End Designer: Nytaya Babbitt
A Legacy of Learning
Kiddy Kare Young People’s Liberation School 1375 Tennessee Ave, Paddock Hills Designers: Miles Brueggemeyer, Ella Emanuel,Maria Hart
Bread & Flames
Blue Oven Bakery Findlay Market 125 W Elder Street, Over-the-Rhine Designers: Katelyn Detwiler, Hugh Moscoe
From the Vine: Mt. Adams’ Legacy RKCA, The Rookwood Pottery Building 1077 Celestial St., Mt. Adams Designer: Anissa Pulcheon
Heavy Lifting
Messer 1201 Glendale Milford Road, Hartwell Designer: Taron Jordan
Cincinnati Educational Television CET, 1233 Central Parkway, OTR
Reflection
FEG 201 East Fifth Street, Downtown Designers: Lightning Horse Industries, Trinity Stewart
Designer Nytaya Babbitt posed in front of “Together We Are Solid Black” in the West End. Photo by Colleen Houston.
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ARTWORKS GALLERY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM Launched in 2021 at V² Gallery in Walnut Hills, the ArtWorks Gallery Fellowship Program supports emerging artists (ages 16-24) in preparing for their first gallery exhibition. Experienced artists mentor a group of eight to ten young artists per cohort, guiding them in creating and presenting their work.
Fellows learn through collaborative projects and workshops about gallery operations, including art handling, installation, pricing, and marketing, crafting artist statements and public speaking. Each exhibition features a public opening, a group artist talk with Q&A, and a community engagement activity.
The gallery features five cohorts and exhibitions a year. Call 513.333.0388 to schedule an appointment to see the gallery.
Location Scholar House, 929 E. McMillan, Walnut Hills
Artist in Residence Amelia Key (left) with Gallery Fellow LaDe Richardson (center) and Ingrid Kindel (right), spoke at the opening of the “Matter Matters” exhibition. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
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ArtWorks’ V² Gallery is currently a pop-up gallery made possible through the generosity of V², also known as Vandell Verdona, a collaboration between longtime ArtWorks supporters Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell and Ron Houck and David Nebel. Special thanks to HER Cincinnati for supporting this gallery.
This distinctive piece was created by Zeitgeist Fellow Alondra Biberos. Photo by Colleen Houston.
2023 EXHIBITIONS ZEITGEIST
GENUINE STATIC
MATTER MATTERS
PARTS OR PIECES
FUTURE HEIRLOOMS
Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence
Gallery Fellows
Gallery Fellows
Gallery Fellows
Gallery Fellows
Gallery Fellows
Kapreice Brooks Pierce Gravenstine Alexandra Leurck Faith Lewis Chay Mills Michaela Sims Alexa Theurling
Gabriel Brooks Tori Bostogaite Kara Flaspohler MK Hensley Joelle Sammy Aminata Thiam Gavin Warner
Alondra Biberos
Naomi Bronzie Jazmyn Brown Mouhamadou Dieng Poornima Gopalan Aliese Hewitt Cassie Jackson Rashad Orlando Sophie Shiff
Cierra Fogle
Tori Beck Borden Miette Bloomfield-Wells Hannah Feibelman Lenny Gilbert Poornima Goplan Marin Myers Roxie Ritchie Gabi Roque Aaliayah Ruff Lizzy Zajkowski
Amelia Key
Tori Beck-Borden Ingrid Kindel Mercedes Lagdameo Alaina Rizzo LaDe Richardson Ambrose Stehlin Alex Tanveer Aminata Thiam
Noel Maghathe
Sarah Rodriguez
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DISPLAYING CINCINNATI’S PRIDE ArtWorks and Cincinnati Pride worked together to create a powerful mural commemorating 50 years of celebrating Pride in Cincinnati. With the “Love Wins” mural, the Queen City embraces LGBTQ+ community with its first Pride mural at Queen City Radio. Dustin Lewis, Cincinnati Pride’s director of programming, approached ArtWorks about developing this iconic Pride mural. ArtWorks put out a call to LGBTQ+ artists seeking a project designer and engaged Matthew Dayler, owner of Chroma Projects, to develop the design. Matthew’s concept observes Pride’s evolution from a defiant protest into a celebratory event, highlighting the community’s struggles and victories. Teaching Artists Daniel Baker and Orion Inez guided the team to create amazing results. At the dedication, Colleen Houston, ArtWorks’ CEO & Artistic Director, characterized the mural as “a monument to inclusion.”
Location
Apprentices
Queen City Radio, 220 W. 12th St., OTR
Avelardo Avalos Samara Bill Gabe Bunton Kara Dick Annie Haarlammert Kayla Jackson Makayla Lane Gabriella Mendez Lena Richards Samantha Rowlett Aaliayah Ruff
Teaching Artists Daniel Baker Orion Inez
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Daniel Baker provided direction to apprentices and volunteers to bring the work to life. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
Cincinnati celebrated the dedication of the Love Wins mural. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
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THE MURAL SAYS: WE WELCOME YOU HERE AND THERE IS A PLACE AND SPACE FOR YOU IN OUR HOME, said Dustin Lewis, Director of Programming, Cincinnati Pride.
“Love Wins” is a radiant addition to OTR at Queen City Radio. Photo by J. Miles Wolf.
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CULTURAL MURALS CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY To celebrate the Queen City’s increasingly rich diversity, ArtWorks launched a new mural series celebrating our communities’ diverse cultures. This project proudly includes our first mural honoring
Cuban culture, as well as the Pride mural and a Mandala mural in Walnut Hills, celebrating Indian culture.
“Azucar!” is a mural reflecting the resilience of the Cuban spirit, and the city’s commitment to embracing its multicultural identity. Photo by Devin Grimm.
FIRST CUBAN MURAL IN CINCINNATI “Azucar!,” designed by renowned illustrator and artist Jorge Rodriguez Diez, is a mural reflecting the resilience of the Cuban spirit, and the city’s commitment to embracing its multicultural identity. This recently completed project can be viewed at 1405 Walnut Street in Over the Rhine. A dedication was held in spring 2024. Teaching Artists Laura Diaz Perez and Joy Li led 10 apprentices on the project (ages 14–21). Supporters for the project include Urban Sites and Jens Rosenkrantz Jr. and M. Katherine Hurley as part of their “Bridges Not Walls” project, Lisa and Leonard Saia, and Dena Cranley.
Location
Apprentices
1405 Walnut St., Over-The-Rhine
Nico Breen Sanada Caldwell Julisa Chinchilla Kaleah Crump Grey Garrison
Teaching Artists Laura Diaz Perez Joy Li 16
Isabella Hren Kayla Jackson Cora Legere Nyla Reed Teo Uribe
INDIAN CULTURAL MURAL IN WALNUT HILLS
ArtWorks, Esoteric Brewing Co., Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and Model Group collaborated to transform a wall at Esoteric Brewery with a mandala-inspired design by Visual and Community Artist Radha Lakshmi. An East Walnut Hills resident, her work is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual significance. The “The Lotus Mandala” even made an appearance on Esoteric’s 32-ounce crowler label to provide details about this project and raise funds to support it. Teaching Artists Thomas Osorio and Hanna Smith worked with apprentices to create a beautiful addition and Northern gateway into Walnut Hills Buisness District. Artists Ryan Little and Derek Toebbe completed the mural.
The new mural brings new life to Walnut Hills. Photo by Joanna Kerman
Location
Paramount Square, 918 E McMillan St., in Walnut Hills
Teaching Artists Thomas Osorio Hanna Smith
Artists
Apprentices
Isabelle Brown Alejandro Fierro Fiona Flanigan Ellie Glenn Karla Green Shelby Ivins Aaliayah Ruff Emma Wright
Ryan Little Derek Toebbe
Lakshmi, Esoteric’s first Artist in Residence, had her design featured on the crowlers, sold to benefit ArtWorks. Photo by Esoteric.
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The finished mural has changed the Cincinnati skyline on Seventh Street and beyond. Photo by J. Miles Wolf.
INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MURALIST MOMO MAKES HIS MARK ON CINCINNATI ArtWorks and nationally recognized architecture, design and engineering firm SHP teamed up to ignite downtown with a new dynamic and eye-catching mural, the first mural designed by American artist MOMO in Cincinnati. Led by Teaching Artists Adrienne Dixon and Thomas Osorio, 12 ArtWorks Apprentices worked together on executing MOMO’s expressive, geometric design that envelops the building. “It is really fantastic to work with ArtWorks. The program, which gives a unique, hands-on opportunity for young artists, really impressed me. When you combine that with a fantastic site, SHP support and top-quality materials, it made for a beautiful opportunity,” said MOMO. Support for this project and the ArtWorks van was provided by Hamilton County.
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ARTWORKS’ COMMITMENT TO USING PUBLIC ART TO CHANGE COMMUNITIES AND RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF ART ON OUR LIVES ALIGNS SEAMLESSLY WITH SHP’S VALUES, said Lauren Della Bella, former president and CEO of SHP.
The new van provides a way to move equipment and supplies to projects across the region and showcase ArtWorks’ creativity. Photo by Devin Grimm.
Location Sycamore Place Building 7th and Sycamore Downtown
Teaching Artists Adrienne Dixon Thomas Osorio
Apprentices Audrey Carranza Ellen Casey Fiona Flanigan Samara Fluker Kamryn Green Alyssa Moore
Shelby Ivins Piper Petry Angela Ramirez Colleen Sully Alex Tanveer Violet Underhill
DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE ArtWorks’ first van, designed by internationally renowned Artist MOMO, provides a way for staff to move equipment across sites in style. Teaching Artist Jim Tucker worked with the team of apprentices to bring the design to life. Painted by five apprentices, this vibrantly colored tableau provides kinetic energy even when the van sits still.
Apprentices Avelardo Avalos Faith Kaneck Mia Lowry Arthur Perkins Colleen Sully
Teaching Artist Jim Tucker
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UNEXPECTED BEAUTY AT ROOKWOOD Rookwood, a shopping destination in Cincinnati, hosts a variety of tenants and retailers. Hines, owners of the property since 2017, collaborated with ArtWorks to create murals to the space connecting Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Pavilion. Guided by designer Kruti Mehta and ArtWorks’ Lead Teaching Artist Brandon Hawkins, six Teaching Artists and 17 apprentices, these murals transform walls into showcases of creativity. Located near Madison Road and the Wasson Way trail, the space provided a canvas for artistic expression and an opportunity to captivate passersby. The works that make up “Metropolis Kaleidoscope: A Vibrant Tribute to Community and City,” celebrate feminine beauty and the landscapes of Wasson Way.
Location
Rookwood Commons Shopping Center 3805 Edwards Rd, Rookwood
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Teaching Artists Brandon Hawkins Kenniya Carter Kelsey Gray Tom Haders Ryene Smith Hanna Smith Kathleen Winter
Apprentices
Jonte Bartleson Julisa Chinchilla Ian Darcy Eri’yon Davis Erique Davis Hadassah Freeman Aiden Guinigundo Josh Kimble John Koveleski
Mercedes Lagdameo Keegan Myers Myah Nared Arthur Perkins Caleb Rothring Nyla Reed Grace Sears Yahna Yihad
One of ArtWorks’ largest team of artists and apprenticed worked on this project. Photo by J. Miles Wolf.
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WE WERE VERY INTENTIONAL IN OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTWORKS AND EXPLORING WHAT THESE MURALS COULD LOOK LIKE. WE WANTED WHAT WAS PAINTED ON ROOKWOOD TO SHOWCASE HOW WE ENGAGED THE COMMUNITY AND BE INVOLVED WITH AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND WAS WELL-KNOWN AND RESPECTED FOR THEIR WORK, said Dan Eifert, Vice President, Hines.
Several murals make up “Metropolis Kaleidoscope: A Vibrant Tribute to Community and City.” Photo by J. Miles Wolf.
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The mural “Nourishing Our Community, Findlay Market” welcomes individuals to a new garage, made possible by Hamliton County. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
HANDING IT TO FINDLAY MARKET Hamilton County partnered with ArtWorks to produce a mural that speaks to the history, progress, and enduring qualities of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market area and market house. The mural designer was selected from a Call to Artists that yielded interest from 136 artists located across the globe, as well as community engagement conducted at Findlay Market. The selected designer, Greta McLain from Minneapolis, MN, crafted a unique, site-specific design to celebrate the people and dynamic energy that have helped to make Findlay Market Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. Under Teaching Artists Michael Thompson and Lydia Voss, the apprentices on this project created a new landmark for the Findlay Market area that aims to represent the neighborhood and its residents while also welcoming visitors and tourists. “Nourishing Our Community, Findlay Market” is now a beacon for locals and visitors to the area. “The apprentices valued the ability to form a true collaborative effort on and off of the mural site as they were able to create strong bonds within our group, while also becoming immersed within Findlay Market and the OTR community,” said Thompson.
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Location 1815 Logan Street, Over-the-Rhine
Teaching Artists
Michael Thompson Lydia Voss
Apprentices
Anna Ackman Paula Archila Allison Boyle Nico Breen Kiera Fisher Mallory Kurkjian Tasheanna Miller JP Pope Sylvie Tiro Cate Weyman
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THIS MURAL IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE IT SHOWED THE MANY HANDS THAT WENT INTO MAKING THIS HISTORIC PART OF CINCINNATI, said ArtWorks Teaching Artist Michael Thompson.
Teaching Artist Michael Thompson used chalk to outline a portion of the mural during its construction. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
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A VOICE OF WELLBEING Over eight weeks, the True Body Project and ArtWorks jointly empowered 12 female and gender-expansive youth through traumainformed programs, including movement and art. Under the leadership of Program Founder Stacy Sims and led by Teaching Artist Kyle Wolff, project participants shared their journeys, raising awareness and exploring solutions to the mental health challenges faced by teenage girls. The results were a “Planet Love”-themed book, mural, and exhibition created with writing, sculpture, photography, painting, and mixed media.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT PARTNER TO HELP ENLIVEN OUR CITY WITH ART AND TO UPLIFT YOUTH WITH EMPLOYMENT AND JOB READINESS, ARTWORKS IS THE ORGANIZATION FOR YOU, said Stacy Sims, Founder Director The Well. Location
The Well 2868 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington
Apprentices
Ava Bunke MJ Cook Kailey Dattilo Luna Debono Rae Drouillard Pierce Gravenstine
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Teaching Artists Stacy Sims Kyle Wolff
Ashe Gruenhagen Malea Love Roxie Ritchie Finley Smith JaNyla Smith Adeline Steinert
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Intentional gatherings led to insights at The Well and a mural in Camp Washington. Photos by Stacy Sims.
BRANCHING INTO FILM In collaboration with Fourthwall Youth Studios, an arts non-profit that empowers diverse youth to find their voice and express their individuality through digital and performing arts, ArtWorks apprentices produced two films, “Radio Silence” and “Breathless,” that build awareness and understanding of mental health and diverse learning abilities. Led by Frank O’Farrell and Shannon St. George, Apprentices learned every aspect of filmmaking -- from research, ideation, scriptwriting, planning, production, and editing.
Teaching Artists Megan House Vinny Meehan Caleb Smiley
Apprentices
Annabel Aust Antoine Brown Aidan Brunner Bunny Ennis Sarah Hall Bennie Howard McKenna Johnson
Trace Walker Frank O’Farrell Shannon St. George
Max Matarrazo Chloe Meyer Ryland Moeller Nia Person Genevieve Twachtman Patience Waller Josh Willke
ArtWorks’ Casa Colina served as a backdrop for Apprentices. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DANCING INTO EQUITY Aspiring dancers from under-resourced communities have few options for paid positions with mentorship. To address this, Pones and ArtWorks united in a pilot program to give more young people in Cincinnati access to professional dancers, experiential research, live performances, and portfolio reels. Under Lead Teaching Artist Kim Popa, the Dance for Social Justice Youth Apprentice Program featured performances in honor of ArtWorks’ Casa Colina, “El Camino de las Mariposas” (The Path of the Butterflies) as well as the “Love Wins” Pride mural, “The Joy of Being True.”
Teaching Artists
Amy Tuttle Hattie Clark Glenda Nidai Figueiredo Kim Popa
Apprentices
Fiona Bradley Riley Coleman Sophia Flaig Lilliana Grandy Maho Ito Khalana Kelly Alexandra Leurck Cymone Nuckols 25
MORE PROJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS HEADED NORTH
in partnership with DMG
Designer Joe Walsh
Lead Teaching Artist Michael Thompson
Teaching Artists Kenniya Carter Ryan Strochinsky
Apprentices Avelardo Avalos James Bond Phoenix Brumm Ava Bunke Ross Dowell Shelby Ivins Ea Perkins Alaina Rizzo
FRUITFUL JOURNEY Designer Anissa Pulcheon
Lead Teaching Artist Sophie Shiff
Teaching Artist Joy Li
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In partnership with Kroger
TUDORS OF BOND HILL, TOGETHER, & BOND HILL AT PLAY
In partnership with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission
Designer
Apprentices
Ciara LeRoy
Enrique Davis Eri’yon Davis Evelyn Jones Eli Kemp Myah Nared Grace Stringer
Lead Teaching Artist Ciara LeRoy
Teaching Artist
Ar’Myyah Tyus Lily Wickemeyer KJ Wright
Kelsy Gray
(started in 2023, completed in 2024)
AVONDALE HEROES II
In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation
Apprentices
Designer
Apprentices
Danielle Allen Emma Ennis Aubrey Francis Fiona Flanigan Karla Green Leo Mooney-Bullock Josue Mota Piper Petry Terri Thompson Ian Walker Lily Wickemeyer
James Pate
Jonte Bartleson Shy Buckley Ellen Casey Crystal Dukes
Lead Teaching Artist Brandon Hawkins
Teaching Artists Ryan Nichole Leary Jahsalyn Robinson
Kara Flaspohler Syncere Kemper Jacob Rollins Marcus Walker
Mural Studio Artists Kelsey Wade Simon Schubert Nas Williams Naja Samders-Tate Katelyn Detwiler Zack Hastings
Amiaya Alleyne Kennedy Stewart Savanna Innes Hannah Feibelman Harvest Riddle Lauryn Campbell
PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS 1N5
Ensemble Theater
Pendleton Community Council
21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Esoteric Brewing Co.
Pones
American Red Cross Greater Cincinnati
Exceptional Students
Queen City Radio
ArtsWave
FEG
Queen’s Village
Asian Food Fest
First Financial Bank
Refugee Connect
Avondale Development Corporation
Fourthwall Youth Studios
RKCA
Blue Oven Bakery
Frederick Douglass Elementary School
Scholar House
Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and
Freestore Foodbank
SHP
Transformation, University of Cincinnati
Fuller Ford Inc.
Spencer Center for Gifted and
CET
Girls Rock Cincinnati
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
Cincinnati Art Museum
Hamilton County
The Voice of Black Cincinnati/The Voice of Your Customer
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
HER Cincinnati
The Well
Cincinnati & Hamilton Public Library
Hines
Tri-State Chapter
Cincinnati Pride
Immigrant & Refugee Center
Urban League Holloman Center for Social Justice
Cincinnati Public Schools
Kiddy Kare Young People’s Liberation School
Urban Sites
Cincinnati Recreation Commission
Kitu’s Auto
Walnut Hills Area Council
Cincy Nice
Kroger
Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation
City of Cincinnati
La Soupe
WordPlay
City of Milford
Lost Co. - Hospitality
Youth at the Center
Civic Garden Center
Model Group
Clifton Recreation Center
Messer Construction
Clovernook Center for the Blind
National Underground Railroad Freedom
& Visually Impaired
NCECA
Cohear
Al. Neyer Properties Inc.
Contemporary Arts Center
North American Properties
Creative Aging Cincinnati
Ohio Arts Council
DIY Printing
Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social Center
DMG
P&G
Doritos, Frito-Lay of North America
27
2023 FINANCES
Individual Donated Services & Products
Foundations
2%
REVENUE Individual
385,000
Foundations
437,810
Corporate
1,372,320
Government
1,081,554
Other (this represents interest income and unrealized gain on investments)
113,430
Donated Services & Products
116,516
Capital Campaign Contributions
2,287,198
Total Revenue
6.6%
7.6%
Capital Campaign Contributions
Corporate
23.7%
39.5%
Corporate
18.7%
$5,793,828 Other
2%
Capital Campaign expense
9.4%
EXPENSES Programs
2,278,429
Administrative
318,980
Fundraising and Communications
723,963
Capital Campaign Expense
343,777
Total Expenses
$3,665,149
Fundraising & Comms
19.8%
Administrative
8.7%
28
Programs
62.2%
ARTWORKS AUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents
2,178,621
Investments
754,568
Receivables
1,350,462
Prepaid Expense
3,598
Property and Equipment, Net
381,315
Operating lease right-of-use asset
42,975
Investment in LLC*
2,569,929
Total Assets
$7,281,468
NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES Accounts Payable
26,350
Without Donor Restrictions
1,299,632
Accrued Expenses
3,610
With Donor Restrictions
3,637,736
Notes Payable
2,120,520
Operating lease liability
42,975
Total Net Assets & Liabilities
$7,281,468
Refundable Advances
150,645
Total Liabilities
$2,344,100
*ArtWorks investment in its Creative Campus Building and ArtPark
29
THANK YOU TO ARTWORKS’ 2023 SUPPORTERS 1919 Investment Counsel Abolitionist Teaching Network Annie Amin Rosanne Ammirati & Kevin Krulewitch William P. Anderson Foundation The Annex Gallery John & Robin Armstrong ArtsWave Pamela Bach & John Tallmadge Bank of America Charitable Foundation Banksyland Gordon Barnhart Ron Bates & Randy Lasley Donald Beck & Lawrence Eynon M.D. Mary Jo Blankemeyer Mark Blankenbuehler Peter and Randy Bloch Steven & Carolyn Bloomfield The BMW Store Paula Boggs Muething & Brian Muething Sandra Bolek Pamela & Gordon Bonfield John & Mary Ann Boorn Neil & Susie Bortz David Bowen Marjorie & Justin Bowersock Jim & Cindy Briggs Wini Bruening Doug & Dawn Bruestle Jaqualine Brumm Jacklyn & Gary Bryson Jon Calderas & Corinne Lehmann Deborah Campbell Janel Carroll Lee & Shannon Carter Kathleen Cepela C-Forward, Inc. The Cincinnati Arts and Technology Studios at Best Point City of Cincinnati Julie & John Cohen Brian & Elizabeth Coley Janet & Tony Collins Cheryl & Thomas Compton 30
William & Paula Cordes Dena & John Cranley Cindy Crilley Justin and Kelly Croop CVG Rocco D’Ascenzo Charles H. Dater Foundation Marjorie Davis Nancy Dawley Delta Dental Michael DiMaggio Cecilia & Kenneth Dorger Donald Doyle, Jr. Duke Energy Duke Energy Convention Center Earthward Bound Foundation Graham Edwin and Sharon Janosik Mitchell Foundation Economy Glass & Window Company Brian Evans FC Cincinnati Foundation fenbury First Financial Bank Ellen Forte FotoFocus Bill & Joy Fotsch Monica & Ronald Gardner Jane Garvey & John Lanier John Gavozzi Clifford Goosmann & Andrea Wilson Bricker Graydon Greater Cincinnati Foundation David & Rennie Greenfield Paul & Karri Haffner Peter Hames Hamilton County Richard D. Hannan Family Foundation Lucy Haverland-Joffe & Craig Joffe Louise Head Jeffrey Herbert Catherine & William Herring Reuben Herzfeld Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Kim and Michael Hoeting Christy & Scott Holland Cara and Rick Holmes
Ron & Dave Houck-Nebel Heather & Terrence Howe Ed and Joann Hubert Family Foundation Carol Huether Laura & Anthony Humphrey Roy A. Hunt Foundation Linda Hurwitz & Richard Fine Hyperquake Ignite Philanthropy Anne & Thaddeus Jaroszewicz Stephen & Sandra Joffe Johnson & Johnson Randy & Janice Johnson Marcia Kaplan and Michael Privitera Rebecca & Don Kelm Crystal Kendrick Kohnen Family Foundation Cheryl & John Korn Kim & Carolyn Krause Carol Kruse Elisabeth & Mark Kuhlman John & Susie Lame Lasik Plus Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Alexanddra Lincoln Phillip & Whitney Long Edward Lorenz LPK The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation James Mahon Kathleen & Dr. Joseph Martin Mark McKillip McNair Family Fund John & Julie Mellott Meredith & Steven Meyer Carolyn Micheli David & Diane Moccia The Model Group Barbara & Scott Muhlhauser Graeme Murray Kristen Myers Betsy Neyer James & Jane Neyer Molly North Ohio Arts Council
Oliver Family Foundation Rose Palmieri Youngs Pearson Francie & John Pepper Susan & Joseph Pichler Christine Piepmeier PNC Charitable Trust PNC Bank Robert Pohowsky Susan & Phil Price Procter & Gamble Charlotte Pugh Amanda Rassi Fiona & Martin Riant Helen & Stephen Rindsberg Dianne & J. David Rosenberg Jens G. Rosenkrantz, Jr. & M. Katherine Hurley Jennie Rosenthal Marianne R. Rowe the Judy and John Ruthven Foundation Martine & Jack Ryan Lisa & Leonard Saia State of Ohio Department of Economic Development Thomas R. Schiff Foundation Marjorie & Alan Schneider Michael Schuster Associates Robin & Mike Schwanekamp Stephen Schwartz & Felice Marcus Tony & Karen Schweier Rebecca Seeman & David Wood
Barbara Sferra & Herbert Robinson Grace Sferra Lauren and Tom Shafer Randy Smith & Carla Lamb V. Clark Sole Dee & Thomas Stegman Mary Stein Paula Steiner SugarCreek/Julie & John Richardson Symphony Hotel & Restaurant Abbot & Josie Thayer Nancy & Thomas Horwitz Truepoint Wealth Counsel U.S. Bank Foundation Jayne Utter Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell Vista Foundation Ginger Warner Edwin & Mary Ann Weiss Debbie and Richard Westheimer Tamara White Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wilhelm Nicholas & Gloriette Winnike The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation Amy & Michael Wolfram Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Gordon & Susan Wright Wrocklage Family Charitable Foundation Kenneth & Christine Wurtenberger Anne & Allen Zaring
IN-KIND DONORS 21c Museum Hotel BOCA Restaurant Group Brave Berlin Steve Casino Cincinnati Ballet Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Reds Ivy Costa Cedric Cox CVG Airport Duke Energy Tom Dunne FC Cincinnati Fifth Third Bank Trevor Furby Hotel Covington Jenny Simon FACE Looqma by Dominique Khoury Sutton Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa Orange Barrel Media Paolo A Modern Jeweler Piazza Discepoli Simplify in Style The Swing House Totally Lit Events
(Donors of $250 and above for fiscal year 2023) 31
MEET OUR TEAM STAFF
Colleen Houston, Chief Executive Officer & Artistic Director Jill E. Dunne, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications Sydney Fine, Senior Director, Impact Jane Keller, Senior Director, Finance & Talent Liz LaCause, Senior Director, Advancement Karla Batres Gilvin, Exhibitions and Gallery Fellowship Manager Adrienne Dixon, Manager, Creative Projects Mo Elgazzar, Artist Impact Education Manager Devin Grimm, Senior Creative Project Manager, Impact Evan Hildebrandt, Manager, Mural Studio Esco Jackson, Creative Campus Manager Joanna Kerman, Manager, Marketing & Communications Dominique Khoury Sutton, Director, Development Joshua McGrew, Manager, Creative Projects Liz Miller, Director, Creative Projects Nile Otte, Social Enterprise Manager Francesca Peace, Manager, Finance Anissa Pulcheon, Manager, Mural Studio Greg Sunderhaus, Payroll & Benefits Specialist Grace Thanasiu, Manager, Recruiting & Hiring.
AND OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION OF OUR FORMER 2023 STAFF MEMBERS, INCLUDING: Julia O. Bianco Wesley Ericson Maria Hart Aliese Hewitt Miranda Millard Jeff Sperry Asha White 32
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Laura Humphrey, President Lauren Hannan Shafer, Immediate Past President Lisa Beshara Saia, Vice President Ric Booth, Treasurer Agnes Godwin Hall, Secretary,
MEMBERS AT LARGE Ron Bates Paula Boggs Muething Rocco D’Ascenzo Michael DiMaggio Kathryne Gardette Barbara Hauser Mike Hoeting Gee Horton
Ron Houck Pam Kravetz Mark Mallory Rahiel Michael Joe Muraca Tyra Patterson Jens Rosenkrantz, Jr. Connie Ross
BOARD MEMBERS EMERITI Janel Carroll Margie Schneider Sara M. Vance Waddell (as of May 17, 2024)
RJ Sargent Randy Smith Kelley Tracy Molly Weissman Emily Wolff Allen Woods
GET INVOLVED At ArtWorks, we strive to provide opportunity and access for all. We believe our city is better when everyone gets a chance, so we invite you to become more involved with our work. Whether you are an emerging or seasoned Artist, a community member with a great idea, an advocate for young adults, or a lover of the arts, we have a place for you at ArtWorks. Please reach out to us at 513.333.0388 or at info@artworkscincinnati.org. You are welcome to drop by our Walnut Hills office or find us at artworkscincinnati.org.
ILLUSTRATION AND DESIGN: FORMER ARTWORKS APPRENTICE KARA HENRY, @CHUNKOFCHINA
ArtWorks’ mural studio invited the public to paint during ArtAmplified. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
ARTWORKS IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY 33
In 2023, ArtWorks hosted its first-ever ArtAmplified, an urban celebration of the arts held in Over-the-Rhine that featured lighted mural activations by Brave Berlin. Photo by Phil Armstrong.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 68106, Walnut Hills, OH 45206-8106
Office address
2460 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206 513.333.0388 info@ArtWorksCincinnati.org ArtWorksCincinnati.org