R O A D S I D E S T A N D S

By Kelly Powell

Agiant James Brown sings out from the side of a building along Main Street. A Care Bear frolics in a playroom with R2-D2, Mr. Potato Head and other classic toys on Court Street. These are just a couple of the dozens of scenes that surprise and inspire as you travel through downtown Cincinnati. Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations, as well as businesses, residents, nonprofits, foundations and more, to create a citywide art gallery that celebrates the people, institutions and diverse communities that call the city home and further beautifies its already vibrant neighborhoods.

“The work that we do really has built so much civic pride,” says Colleen Houston, chief executive officer and artistic director for ArtWorks. “Because it’s created in partnership with different entities and provides jobs we’re very intentional. When we work in a neighborhood, for example, we hire young artists who live in that neighborhood. So, it’s really creating art with the community, for the community — but it’s really of the community because the community wants the art.”

ArtWorks creates art mentorships for 14-to-21-year-olds, who are led by a group of around 300 professional artists. Together they work to make the city a more interesting place to live and visit, one mural at a time. Houston emphasizes the importance of free, public pieces that are inclusive of and accessible to the greater community. As she puts it, beautiful things happen when you “put art and culture front and center.”

“I think cities overall have been really rediscovered; there’s been a really big shift,” Houston adds. “But I think public art is part of that broader appreciation of place: appreciating the environment, appreciating history, the stories — what makes a place unique.”

Mr. Tarbell Tips His Hat

This large vertical mural shows Jim Tarbell dressed as Peanut Jim Shelton, a peanut vendor who was known for serving customers wearing a top hat and tuxedo at the Cincinnati Reds’ historic Crosley Field and later at Riverfront Stadium. Overseen by project manager Tim Parsley, the vibrant artwork rises along the side of the building that houses cocktail lounge Clutch OTR, depicting a Cincinnati original welcoming visitors to downtown 1109 Vine St., Cincinnati 45202

The Migration of Tradition

Decorating the side of Rookwood Pottery’s flagship store, this project designed by Tina Westerkamp shows the evolution of the storied company. The left side of the bird is formed first by Rookwood Heritage Collection tiles, and its body and head are made up of its Contemporary Classics. Our feathered friend is superimposed over an infinity sign, representing Rookwood’s harkening to its past and migration toward its future. 1920 Race St., Cincinnati 45202

MR. DYNAMITE

Some of musician James Brown’s most formative years were spent at the city’s legendary King Records label, formed in 1943 by music mogul Syd Nathan. Once the sixth-biggest record company in the United States, King Records struck gold with Brown, who was the lead singer of a group called the Famous Flames, and the song “Please, Please, Please.” “[You can see] how important Cincinnati was in his career … his recording and distribution of his music,” Houston says. 1437 Main St., Cincinnati 45202