ArtWorks added two prominent murals to Cincinnati’s skyline in October, reinforcing its role as one of the city’s most visible champions of community-based art.
The new works – “Commons” downtown and “Fountain of Love” in Over-the-Rhine – blend local history, global artistic influence, and ArtWorks’ signature approach of pairing youth apprentices with professional artists. Together, they underscore the nonprofit’s role in shaping Cincinnati’s cultural identity through nearly three decades of partnerships, which have produced more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including over 300 permanent outdoor murals.
Details on the city’s two newest murals follow.
“Through projects like the ‘Commons’ and the ‘Fountain of Love,’ ArtWorks brings its mission of creating community-based public art that opens doors for artists of all ages and transforms public spaces into meaningful experiences for everyone to life,” said James Marable, ArtWorks’ senior director of marketing and communications.
A permanent testament to love, equality in OTR
ArtWorks dedicated “Fountain of Love” on Oct. 16 as a vibrant tribute marking the 10th anniversary of “Obergefell v. Hodges,” the Supreme Court ruling that legalized marriage equality across the U.S. The mural rises on Mercer Street, facing the former home of Jim Obergefell and his late husband, John Arthur, whose legal challenge began in Cincinnati.
Property owner Paul Gomez donated the wall for the project, cementing the mural’s connection to this historic site.
“Living in Cincinnati has shown me how art can positively impact a community,” Gomez said. “Inspired by John and Jim’s fight for equality, I knew that a mural on my Mercer Street wall in the heart of OTR would be a great way to honor their legacy.”
Designed by artist Aley Wild, the mural depicts five queer couples inspired by those who married at Fountain Square following the Obergefell ruling. The figures “represent resilience and joy,” Wild said, forming a “quilt of color.”
“I hope viewers feel the queer joy I felt while creating it and see both the individuality of each couple and the broader love of community woven together,” Wild said.
The dedication featured remarks from Obergefell, Mayor Aftab Pureval, Dwayne Steward of Equality Ohio and ArtWorks Mural Studio artist Dahlia Wang, who helped bring the mural to life. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Boywife, photo opportunities, and gourmet popsicles from Streetpops in a celebratory community gathering honoring love and progress.
Reflecting on the mural, Obergefell said it captures the joy the right to marry has brought to the LGBTQ+ community and the nation.
“I hope queer kids, especially those who are closeted, see love, acceptance, and a potential future for themselves when they view the mural,” he said. “I’m thrilled to attend the dedication, on the street bearing my late husband’s and my names, with Cincinnatians who believe that love wins.”
Youth, global art meet in Downtown Cincinnati
Just over a week later, ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Art Museum unveiled “Commons,” marking the first outdoor mural by internationally acclaimed artist Shahzia Sikander. The project transformed the façade of a former church at 109 W. Court Street into a monumental, female-centered canvas exploring identity, transformation, and resilience.
The Oct. 24 dedication included remarks from Sikander, live music from Cincinnati Music Accelerator artist Preston Charles III, a poem by WordPlay artists and interactive art activities.
“This mural not only elevates our public art gallery, but also challenges us to consider identity, heritage and the deep meaning imbued in artistic expression,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks’ CEO and creative director. “Hosting an artist of Shahzia Sikander’s caliber reflects the vibrancy and ambition of our city’s creative community.”
Support for “Commons” included Wave Pool’s limited-edition ceramic work created by immigrant and refugee women in Cincinnati, connecting local communities directly to the project. Through its partnership with the Cincinnati Art Museum and other collaborators, ArtWorks also continued its decades-long commitment to involving youth artists in the creation of high-profile, meaningful art.
The creative team for the mural included 20 paid youth apprentices and three professional teaching artists.
Sikander praised the collaboration, saying the partnership with Cincinnati youth and young artists “creates space for conversations that build over time.”
“The most rewarding part of this mural has been the passion and hard work it inspired in the youth who painted it,” she continued. “Their care and discipline brought this vision to life. The leadership of the teaching artists was impeccable, and I am deeply moved and delighted with the mentorship this has fostered.
“I look forward to working further with the young artists in Cincinnati.”
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