A prime example of ArtWorks’ mission is the new mural at ArtWorks’ Hannan ArtPark at 2412 Gilbert Ave—a once-vacant, blighted lot transformed into a vibrant gathering space in the heart of Walnut Hills. As part of ArtWorks’ permanent creative campus, the ArtPark both beautifies the neighborhood and serves as a community hub. At its center is the park’s focal point: “Numbers and Trees: Cincinnati Cottonwoods” (2024), the first mural in Cincinnati by renowned contemporary American artist Charles Gaines. Part of his celebrated tree series, the mural depicts cottonwood trees native to the region. ArtWorks’ youth apprentices, guided by teaching artists, brought Gaines’ vision to life using his signature numbered grid technique. As viewers engage with the mural, they experience a vibrant visual progression, with each tree layered in increasingly rich colors—inviting reflection, exploration, and connection to place. The mural will serve as the cornerstone of ArtWorks’ Creative Campus, transforming the building wall into a vibrant canvas, made possible through the generous support of the Joseph Automotive Family.
Mark Hanavan
Lily Fast
Fatemeh Shekarforoush
Jeshua Schuster
JiKyllie Allen
Kaiya Batton
Alex Cribbin
Katie Collins
Sam Fluker
Katie Frazee
Ellie Glenn
Mason Huster
Vinny Ilunga
Nathan Knoll
August Martin
Abel Mooney-Bullock
Alaina Rizzo
Ellie Rockford
Jackson Sackenheim
Jeffery Samuel
Sylvie Tiro
Batise Tucker
Marcus Walker
Neal Wefers
Olivia Werner
P&G
Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation
Millstone Fund
Fifth Third Bank Foundation
City of Cincinnati
Lauren and Tom Shafer
Kim and Mike Hoeting
Ron & Dave Houck-Nebel
Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell
Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Jeanne Golliher Community Enhancement Program of the Cincinnati Development Fund
Seasonal Apprentice employment is supported by Hamilton County and Talbert House