1001 Colors picks DAAS to create Convention Center Garage mural

A new public mural is coming to downtown Cincinnati, covering nearly the entire exterior of the Convention Center Garage as part of a broader renovation of the structure.

1001 Colors, the public art organization formerly known as ArtWorks, has selected Austin, Texas-based muralist DAAS to design and paint the roughly 20,000-square-foot work on the garage at 210 W. Fourth St.

“Having the opportunity to contract DAAS for this massive opportunity is a huge win for Cincinnati,” said Liz Miller, senior director of programs for 1001 Colors. “Not only does DAAS bring with him a wealth of first-hand experience producing monumental public murals, but he also brings his signature abstract aesthetic – an artistic style that is less represented among our city’s public art portfolio.”

A mural inspired by Cincinnati

The garage sits across from the recently renovated First Financial Center and near Elm Street Plaza, home of several new public art installations. DAAS’ design builds on that growing public art corridor, using the theme “Convergence” to connect the new mural with neighboring works.

“The way DAAS manipulates color, shape, and movement in his compositions will help transform a parking garage into a notable public landmark that will sit cohesively among the many other artful developments and installations within the Convention Center corridor and the Convention Center itself.”

DAAS said he drew inspiration from the Ohio River, Cincinnati’s bridges and the “movement of people through the city.” The abstract composition features flowing bands and interlocking geometric shapes that reflect connections between neighborhoods and shared public spaces.

“Those influences became a series of flowing geometric forms that move across the entire garage, turning it into something more than just infrastructure,” DAAS said.

Painting begins in August

The mural is part of a broader renovation of the 780-space Convention Center Garage, which also includes structural repairs, a new elevator and stair tower, electric vehicle charging stations and upgraded LED lighting. Once complete, the garage will serve visitors to the future Cincinnati Downtown Marriott Hotel, First Financial Center and other nearby downtown destinations.

1001 Colors managed the artist selection process on behalf of Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), which is overseeing the garage renovation. After issuing a nationwide request for qualifications last fall, the organization reviewed 180 submissions before narrowing the field to three finalists. Each received a stipend to develop a design proposal before 3CDC selected DAAS.

DAAS will spend just over a month in Cincinnati installing the mural with local artists Chase Melendez and Matt Grote. Painting will begin after wall preparation starts in early August. The team plans to paint weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., using about 100 gallons of paint. Work on the mural will wrap up mid-September, weather permitting.

“It’s an honor to be part of Cincinnati’s growing public art collection and create something people will see and experience every day,” DAAS said.

“My hope is that it gives the building its own identity and encourages people to see a familiar place in a new way.”