On October 24, ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Art Museum proudly celebrated the dedication of Commons, a stunning new mural by internationally acclaimed artist Shahzia Sikander, her first outdoor mural anywhere in the world. The event drew a full crowd of community members, partners, and supporters for what became a truly monumental moment in Cincinnati’s creative story.

Guests enjoyed remarks from Shahzia Sikander, Mayor Aftab Pureval, among other project partners, as well as live music from Cincinnati Music Accelerator artist Preston Charles III and a moving poem by Diane Najoli of WordPlay. The evening celebrated not only the mural itself but also the shared vision that made it possible, uniting public art, fine art, youth employment, and cultural collaboration at the highest level.

This project marks the first-ever partnership between ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Art Museum, symbolizing a powerful new chapter for the city’s creative community. Together, the organizations, artists, and youth apprentices brought Sikander’s intricate, thought-provoking vision to life on a monumental scale.

ArtWorks was also proud to partner with Wave Pool through Welcome Edition #10: Shahzia Sikander, a limited-edition ceramic artwork created by immigrant and refugee women in Cincinnati. Proceeds from this edition support the Commons mural and are available for purchase at wavepoolgallery.org/shahzia-sikander-edition.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our project donors:
3CDC, Anu & Shekhar Mitra, Cincinnati Asian Art Society, Haile Foundation, Hamilton County, Helen & Steve Rindsberg, Janel Carroll, Jens Rosenkrantz Jr. & M. Katherine Hurley, Joan & Simon Mudronja, Johnson Foundation, JoLynn & Byron Gustin, Julie & Abhijit Desai, Kelly & Guy Vanasse, Laura & Tony Humphrey, Lauren & Tom Shafer, Liz Grubow & Jerry Kathman, Lucy Haverland Joffe & Craig Joffe, Merus Foundation, Nanci Lanni, Peg Rhein & Stu Golder, Sara & Michelle Vance Waddell, and the Skyler Foundation.

We also thank our ongoing partners: Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, ArtsWave, and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support of public art and creative youth employment.

Relive the celebration through our event photo album, and join us in honoring the artists, partners, and supporters who made this extraordinary collaboration possible.

ArtWorks Mural Team

Teaching Artists

Hannah Parrett

Tara Shekarforoush

Rheann Wells

Youth Apprentices

Tori Beck Borden

Jerome Cappel

AJ Domelle

Kiera Fisher

Miles Frisch

Sophia Hsu

Leah Kubitz

Dani Lee

Hal Loomis

Elise Overstake

Keyla Roblero

Alexander Sikander

Hez Sumner

Ibsaa Tewodros

Aisha Toure

Violet Underhill

Cassie Jackson

Lia Ghising

Estrella Soriano

Immy Dubarry