CINCINNATI—ArtWorks is welcoming five new members to its Board of Directors, bringing new energy and expertise to the organization in 2025. Joining the Board are:
- Liam McMillin, Attorney, Bricker Graydon
- Jorge Perez, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
- Mary Ellen Reilly, Managing Director, Investment Management and Trust, Fifth Third Bank
- Christy Samad, Executive Vice President, Civic & Commercial Space Activation, 3CDC
- Lynne Friedlander, Community Volunteer
ArtWorks has named Jens Rosenkrantz, Jr. as Board Treasurer. Laura Humphrey will continue her role as Board President, a position she has held since December 2023. Lisa Beshara Saia will continue as Vice President and Agnes Godwin Hall will continue as Secretary.
ArtWorks is also proud to recognize two new Emeritus Board Members: Lauren Hannan Shafer and Ron Nebel Houck.
“I’m thrilled to welcome these talented and inspiring community leaders to support ArtWorks’ mission,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks CEO and Creative Director. “This year we’ll be celebrating many groundbreaking projects, including the launch of our permanent creative campus in Walnut Hills. We’re so fortunate to have such passionate individuals helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community through art.
ArtWorks is a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that creates community-based public art providing career opportunities for artists of all ages. Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to create works of art that have helped to define Greater Cincinnati’s global reputation as an arts destination. Its mural program has made Cincinnati the #1 City for Street Art in USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. By employing and training over 3,500 professional artists and engaging 4,000 teens and young adults, ages 14–24, ArtWorks is actively investing in the creative economy. Through job creation that supports local talent and mentorship programs that pair professional artists with diverse teams of young people, their programs foster the development of 21st-century career-readiness skills. ArtWorks has created a vibrant citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects over the last 28 years. Among these are more than 300 permanent outdoor murals that contribute to Cincinnati’s rich cultural tapestry, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. ArtWorks partners with Hamilton County and Talbert House for seasonal apprentice funding. It also receives ongoing support from the City of Cincinnati, the Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, and individual donors.
