Duke Energy Convention Center
Since 2009, ArtWorks has partnered with the Duke Energy Convention Center to transform Cincinnati’s convention center into a gallery that celebrates our City and all it has to offer. With projects ranging from mosaic to sculpture, our DECC installations feature the wide range of work our artists and Apprentices are capable of. Below is the collection of projects we have created in partnership with DECC. Click on a thumbnail for a more complete description of the work.
Buds, Boroughs and Boughs for the Queen , Lead Designer: Brenda Tarbell, 2013
Working with themes of home and the natural world, local artist Brenda Tarbell designed an ode to the wildlife of the region and the melting pot of people who call Cincinnati home. Magnolia blossoms represent the people from the south, serviceberries represent those from the surrounding hills in nearby Appalachia, and dogwood represents native Cincinnatians. This handcrafted sculpture blends the delicacy of porcelain, and heaviness of steel.
Hands That Built Our City, Lead Designer: Jenny Ustick, 2013
The Duke Energy Convention Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year and wants them all to know they’re in Cincinnati, a historically creative and industrious town. To continue their longtime support of the arts, they partnered with ArtWorks to create this colorful mural, which highlights the hands of the workers featured in the famous Union Terminal mosaic murals by Winold Reiss, and was painted to mimic the look of real tile. The addition of new hands, those of two convention center employees and one ArtWorks youth Apprentice, nod to Cincinnati’s vibrant future.
Humanity Outpost Marker, Lead Designer: Edward Casagrande, 2011
The Humanity Outpost Marker is a large-scale, sculptural bike rack designed by Cincinnati artist Edward Casagrande. The bike rack can accommodate up to 12 bicycles at one time and the design represents the collision between humanity, technology, and earth.
Cincinnati Icons, Lead Designer: Sara Cormier, 2014
Cincinnati Icons” pays homage to the various architectural and cultural landmarks associated with the City of Cincinnati. Dynamic shapes and patterns create transitions between landmarks and the translucent quality of the work allows the viewer to both experience the artwork and look out at the bustling activity taking place within the convention center. The quotes included in this installation were collected from the public and captures what makes our city special.
Roebling, designed by Koverman Mosaic, 2015. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (precursor to his iconic Brooklyn Bridge) is among the region's most precious and lasting monuments. This hand crafted tile mosaic features the Roebling bridge in a cold late winter's view; suggesting the majesty of its sweep as well as its enduring presence.
Porkustein, from the Big Pig Gig in 2009
Once Upon A River, Lead Designer: Tina Westerkamp, 2011. The Once Upon the River mural tells the story of Cincinnati in the mid-to-late 1800's. At that time, Cincinnati was known for it's liberal, free-thinking ideas and was considered the Cultural Center of the United States. It was a hotbed for abolitionists and activists and home to visionaries who dared to change things and pioneers of thought, commerce, and industry. During this time, Cincinnati was flourishing and growing in size and cultural significance.
Fluss, Lead Designer: Sandra Gross
This installation's colors and geometric patterns create an abstracted map inspired by the Ohio River and the neighborhood street patterns found in downtown. This work encourages the viewer to connect what they see with familiar people and places and consider both their rich history and prosperous future.
Riverwaves, designed by Rosie Kovacs and Hayes Shanesy of Brush Factory, 2015. The design of the maple cabinet suggests the Ohio River.
The work features a subtle wood grain and color, as well as a pleasing chevron pattern to reinforce the feeling of water’s movement and flow. The work compliments the Roebling Bridge mosaic image. The functional art reflects a contemporary aesthetic through traditional craft.
This work was produced by ArtWorks, a non-profit that employs teen apprentices and artists to create art that enhances the Greater Cincinnati Community.
