ArtWorks Cincinnati

Wet Paint I
2025-07-09 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Wet Paint is ArtWorks’ event series that offers a look behind the scenes of our in-progress projects—an array of new art planned for our region—centering on the artists who make our city vibrant.
Attendees will hear from the Apprentices, Teaching Staff and Studio Artists behind our summer 2025 art projects, followed by a talk and Q+A with a featured professional artist.

Project talks of the evening

My River, My Roots, My Freedom
DECC: Rebecca Nava Soto
GE Aerospace

Wet Paint II
2025-07-16 17:00 - 18:30 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Wet Paint is ArtWorks’ event series that offers a look behind the scenes of our in-progress projects—an array of new art planned for our region—centering on the artists who make our city vibrant.
Attendees will hear from the Apprentices, Teaching Staff and Studio Artists behind our summer 2025 art projects, followed by a talk and Q+A with a featured professional artist.

Project talks of the evening

DECC: Terence Hammonds
Shahzia Sikander
ArtWorks Graphic Design / Impact Report
Gallery Educators

Wet Paint III
2025-07-23 17:00 - 18:30 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Wet Paint is ArtWorks’ event series that offers a look behind the scenes of our in-progress projects—an array of new art planned for our region—centering on the artists who make our city vibrant.
Attendees will hear from the Apprentices, Teaching Staff and Studio Artists behind our summer 2025 art projects, followed by a talk and Q+A with a featured professional artist.

Project talks of the evening

DECC: Emily Moores
William Cordova
ArtWorks Interns
ArtWorks SRO Screenprinting

constellation (rumi maki) Mural Dedication
2025-08-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Scene Shop, 2827 Gilbert Ave, 45206
Join ArtWorks to celebrate the completion of constellation (rumi maki) on Monday, August 25, from 3-4:30 p.m. at 2827 Gilbert Ave, 45206.

ArtWorks collaborated with celebrated artist william cordova and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park to produce a monumental mural on the side of the Playhouse’s scenic and props facility—an essential yet underrecognized hub of artistic production. Cordova’s work, rich with symbolic abstraction and layered cultural references, will transform this hidden site into a new landmark, drawing more attention to Walnut Hills as an emerging arts district and revealing the creative infrastructure that supports one of the city’s premier theatrical institutions.

This project was completed by a team of 16 Youth Apprentices!
Mural designer: william cordova
Lead Teaching Artist: Mark Hanavan
Teaching Artists: Maria Bossert and Holly Yarab

This mural dedication is free and open to the public.

ArtWorks ArtDinner
2025-08-25 18:00 - 21:30 | The Standard, 434 Main St, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
Join ArtWorks for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of art and community at our annual ArtDinner, where you will experience the fusion of culinary and visual arts while supporting our mission to create community impact through art. This intimate evening is one of our favorite events of the year and we hope you’ll join us!
Hosted at The Standard by acclaimed restaurateurs and historic preservationists Paul Weckman and Emily Palmer-Wolff, the evening will feature a gourmet multi-course dinner curated by Chef Weckman. The meal will showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from the chef’s own garden, complemented by a custom bar inspired by the evening’s playful theme: Back to School.
As we transition from summer into a new school year, we invite you to relive the energy of fresh starts and creative possibilities. Throughout the night, guests will enjoy intimate conversations with guest artists led by Colleen Houston, ArtWorks CEO and Artistic Director.
Featured Guest Artists:

William Cordova – A renowned contemporary artist whose work explores themes of transition, displacement, and cultural memory. Cordova will design a new mural with ArtWorks in Walnut Hills in 2025.

Pam Kravetz – A celebrated visual artist and educator known for her whimsical installations and deep connection to Cincinnati’s arts community.

Rebecca Nava Soto – A multidisciplinary Xicanx-Latinx artist whose work honors Indigenous traditions through contemporary mediums.

Proceeds from ArtDinner support ArtWorks’ mission to create community-based public art and provide employment opportunities for artists of all ages.

SOLD OUT

"Dilly Dallin: Where Does Your Mind Wander?" Exhibition Opening
2025-08-29 17:00 - 19:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
ArtWorks is delighted to announce the third Gallery Fellow exhibition of the season, Dilly Dallin: Where does your mind wander? Led by artist-in-residence Nyataya Babbitt, this exhibition showcases work that explores self-identity and its relationship to community. Through thoughtful reflection and close observation of their surroundings, participating artists created pieces that examine how environment and place shape their understanding of self.
Please join us for the opening of Dilly Dallin: Where does your mind wander? on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5-7 pm in ArtWorks’ Your Name Here Gallery.
The Gallery Fellows in this show include Nico Breen, Marcus Walker, Claire Stoneking-Wagner, Sophie Koehl, Khara Rosebrook, Gideon Smiley, Lilli Hodge, Dilyn Stancak, Julia Lanham, and Janyla Smith.
Dilly Dallin: Where does your mind wander? will be on display from August 29 — October 9
Gallery hours are Wednesday — Friday 12-6 pm

BLINK 2026: Call to Artists Information Session
2025-09-09 17:30 - 19:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Join BLINK for a fun info session on how to get your art featured at BLINK 2026 – let’s make your creativity shine!
Bring your big ideas and burning questions for BLINK 2026 — we’re ready for you. ️

Wet Paint; Creative Studios
2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Please join ArtWorks on Wednesday, September 10, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the ArtWorks Creative Campus for the Creative Studios Wet Paint Event. The Creative Studios are made up of our most dedicated, technical, and prolific talent. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the year-round Mural and Camera Studios as the artists showcase this year’s murals, videos, and photo projects. Come celebrate and engage with our region’s talented young artists!
Wet Paint is ArtWorks’ event series that offers a look behind the scenes of our in-progress projects—an array of new art planned for our region—centering on the artists who make our city vibrant.

Red Door Art Auction: Storytelling
2025-09-12 17:00 - 19:00 | The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St #1100, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
ArtWorks is delighted to invite you to the final Red Door Project of the year, STORYTELLING, on Friday, September 12, from 5–7 p.m., hosted at The Mercantile Library.
Please join us for an evening celebrating creativity and community, featuring an art auction showcasing works by over 55 artists. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local talent and immerse yourself in Cincinnati’s vibrant art scene!
️Art auction with over 50+ works
Live music

Illustration by Camilla Wildman (@camilla.wildman) & Graphic Design by Mackie Herrlinger (@mackie.graphics)

"Fountain of Love" Mural Dedication
2025-10-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Mercer St Garage, 5 Mercer St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Join ArtWorks in celebrating the unveiling of our newest landmark mural, Fountain of Love, on Thursday, October 16 from 4:30–6:00 p.m. on top of the Mercer Commons Garage (5 Mercer Street) in Over-the-Rhine. This event will feature remarks from Jim Obergefell, Mayor Aftab Pureval, youth artists, project partners, and community leaders, as well as a DJ set by Dj Boywife, special photo ops, and frozen treats from an ice cream truck!
The mural commemorates the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling that secured marriage equality nationwide. Located just steps away from the former home of Cincinnatians Jim Obergefell and his late husband John Arthur, whose love story and legal fight shaped a pivotal moment in American civil rights history, the artwork is both a tribute and a beacon of progress.
This event is free and open to everyone—just let us know you’re coming by RSVPing!

"Commons" Mural Dedication
2025-10-24 16:30 - 18:00 | 109 W Court St, 109 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Art Museum invite you to celebrate Cincinnati’s newest landmark mural. Standing three stories tall, it is the very first outdoor mural designed by internationally acclaimed artist Shahzia Sikander.
Titled Commons, the mural was designed by Shahzia Sikander and produced by a team of 20 Youth Apprentices, marking an extraordinary convergence of public and fine art in our city. The Apprentice team had the rare opportunity to translate Sikander’s intricate and thought-provoking artistic vision to a monumental scale, and by showcasing the work of a world renowned artist in Cincinnati’s public landscape, this project underscores the power of art to connect, inspire, and transform communities. This mural represents not just a celebration of cultural exchange and artistic excellence but also a commitment to empowering the next generation of creatives, equipping them with hands-on experience and mentorship as they shape the future of public art.
The celebration will feature inspiring remarks from Shahzia Sikander, Mayor Aftab Pureval, Ainsley M. Cameron, PhD, Curator of South Asian Art, Islamic Art, and Antiquities at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Colleen Houston, CEO and Artistic Director of ArtWorks, and Erika NJ Allen, “Welcome Edition” Project Leader at Wave Pool. Also enjoy live music by Cincinnati Music Accelerator, a dedication poem by WordPlay, art-making activities, and lite bites.

"Threads of our Lives" Exhibition Opening
2025-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
ArtWorks is delighted to announce the final Gallery Fellow exhibition of the season, Threads of Our Lives. Led by artist-in-residence Josie Love Roebuck, this exhibition showcases work that explores personal and collective narratives through tapestry-like quilts, centering on printmaking and textile-based processes through reclaiming forgotten parts of ourselves through storytelling and shared memory, ultimately weaving individual experiences into a broader tapestry of connection and wholeness.
Please join us for the opening of Threads of Our Lives on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5-7 pm in ArtWorks’ Your Name Here Gallery.
The Gallery Fellows in this show include Emma Sullivan, Anessa Car, Kendall Hall, Drew Wann, Cameron Barnes, Keegan Myers, Eve Miller, Christina Sifri, Harmony Jackson, G Bhalerao, and Jesse Cushing.
Threads of Our Lives will be on display from October 24 — December 4
Gallery hours are Wednesday — Friday 12-6 pm

Intro to Tatreez + Tatreez Circle Workshop (Palestinian Embroidery)
2025-11-05 16:00 - 18:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Explore the rich history and creative traditions of Palestinian art in this engaging workshop blending culture, storytelling, and technique.

Queer Palestinian – Lebanese artist, Christina Sifri, will be leading participants in a workshop on tatreez – Palestinian traditional cross-stitch embroidery. The workshop will include an exploration of the history of Palestinian embroidery and its importance in Palestinian culture. Participants will learn the basics of tatreez and begin stitching a Palestinian embroidery pattern. This practice rooted in collectivism, storytelling, and resistance invites participants to explore their own history, community, grief, and healing.
This workshop is free and open to all ages – patterns and supplies are provided.

Space is limited, please RSVP

Chroma Print Sale
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Join ArtWorks for the inaugural Chroma Print Sale on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ArtWorks Creative Campus! Just in time for the holiday gift-buying season, this art market will showcase 11 talented local printmakers offering a variety of unique print-based artworks for sale. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view and purchase exclusive prints from the ArtWorks Archive.

Meet the vendors:

Stephanie Barrie from Spit Bite Studios
Joe Walsh
Kate Tepe
Radha Lakshmi
Neil Daigle Orians
Jeni Jenkins
DIY Printing
Terence Hammonds
Pull Club
Jon Flannery from Cryptogram
Evan Verrilli

A special thank you to Seemless Printing, our event sponsor, for helping us bring this celebration of printmaking to life.

"Prep, Don't Stress" Apprentice Interview + Application Preparation and Informational Series
2026-01-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Price Hill Library Branch, 970 Purcell Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45205, United States
Whether you are looking to learn more about ArtWorks’ Apprenticeship program, need advice on drawing your self-portrait or want to practice your interview, we’re here to help! Thanks to our friends at the Cincinnati Public Library, we’re hosting “Prep, Don’t Stress,” an Apprentice Application and Interview Preparation & Information series. In these sessions, you’ll learn more about the Apprentice Program, work with ArtWorks Mural Studio artists on drawing a self-portrait, and get interview practice where you can rehearse your answers and receive helpful feedback to prepare for the real thing. No materials are required, just bring yourself!

"Prep, Don't Stress" Apprentice Interview + Application Preparation and Informational Series
2026-01-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Madisonville Library Branch, 4910 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, 45227, United States

"Prep, Don't Stress" Apprentice Interview + Application Preparation and Informational Series
2026-01-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Forest Park Library Branch, 660 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH, 45240, United States

"Cerebral Vortex" Exhibition Opening
2026-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Your Name Here Gallery, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45206, United States
ArtWorks is delighted to present the first Gallery Fellow exhibition of the season, Cerebral Vortex. Led by artist-in-residence Kenton Brett, Cerebral Vortex presents the culmination of the Gallery Fellows’ creative process through time-lapse and stop-motion animation. The exhibition features a video work created from footage captured during Studio Sessions, where sets, props, and backgrounds were constructed directly in the camera’s eye.
Edited to bloom, morph, and melt, the video forms an infinite loop that continuously returns to its beginning. Shown during the public exhibition, the work reflects the collaborative efforts of Gallery Fellows working across camera technology, lighting, prop construction, painting, and live performance, offering viewers insight into the layered and evolving nature of the creative process.

Cerebral Vortex will be on display January 30 – March 11 2026
Gallery Hours are Thursday-Friday 12pm-6pm & Saturday 10am-4pm

"Prep, Don't Stress" Apprentice Interview + Application Preparation and Informational Series
2026-01-31 12:00 - 13:30 | West End Library Branch, 805 Ezzard Charles Dr, Cincinnati, 45203, United States

"Prep, Don't Stress" Apprentice Interview + Application Preparation and Informational Series
2026-02-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Westwood Library Branch, 3345 Epworth Ave, Cincinnati, OH, United States

Happy Little Trees: An Evening of Art & Joy with Nic Hankins
2026-03-05 17:30 - 20:00 | ArtWorks Creative Campus, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45202, United States
Join ArtWorks and CET for a special live painting demonstration by Nic Hankins, Bob Ross Certified Instructor and host of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins. All tickets include charcuterie, a drink ticket, and a raffle entry to take home Nic’s finished painting. VIP tickets also include VIP seating, an instructional art book, and a meet & greet book signing with Nic. 100% of proceeds benefit ArtWorks and CET!

General Admission- $50
General Admission tickets include admission to live painting demo by Bob Ross certified instructor and host of The Joy of Painting Nicholas Hankins, drink ticket, charcuterie cone, and a raffle entry to win Nic’s painting.

VIP- $80
VIP tickets include everything from the General Admission ticket PLUS VIP seating, instructional art book The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins Book 33 ($21 value!), and a meet & greet and book signing with Nic.

Get Your Tickets

"Back to Basics" Exhibition Opening
2026-03-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Your Name Here Gallery, 2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45206, United States
ArtWorks is delighted to present the second Gallery Fellow exhibition of the season, Back to Basics. Led by artist-in-residence James Marshall aka Dalek, Back to Basics reexamines the fundamental act of making art through the use of essential tools. In an age defined by complexity, convenience, and digital dependence, the exhibition highlights works that strip creation down to its core, emphasizing tactile immediacy, intuition, and instinctive mark-making.
The exhibition features work created through both individual and collaborative processes, progressing from traditional drawing tools to painting, screen printing, and digital illustration. Together, these works invite visitors to rediscover the freedom found in limitation and the infinite possibilities that emerge when artists return to the basics.

Back to Basics will be on display March 27 – May 6 2026
Gallery Hours are Thursday-Friday 12pm-6pm & Saturday 10am-4pm

Red Door Project "Movement" Art Showcase + Auction
2026-05-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Cincinnati Ballet, 1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
ArtWorks is delighted to invite you to the first Red Door Project art auction and showcase of the year, Movement, on Friday, May 8, from 5–7 p.m. at The Cincinnati Ballet.
Join us for an evening that celebrates creativity and community, featuring an art auction with work from more than 50 artists, along with live music throughout the night. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local talent and immerse yourself in Cincinnati’s vibrant arts scene.
Featured painting: Hydra by Gideon Smiley (@gideonsmileyart)

ArtWorks ArtDinner
2026-06-01 18:00 - 21:30 | Mercantile Immersive, 115 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Lets toast to ArtWorks and 30 years of bringing public art to Cincinnati! Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the programs, people, and partnerships that have shaped our journey and the artists and Youth Apprentices who continue to make our city vibrant.
This year, ArtDinner will unfold inside Mercantile Immersive, Cincinnati’s groundbreaking 360‑degree multisensory venue located in the historic Mercantile Building. Surrounded by floor‑to‑ceiling LED displays and IMAX‑quality cinematic visuals, guests will be immersed in a dynamic environment where art, light, and sound transform the room itself into a living canvas.
Throughout the evening, we’ll reflect on three decades of impact transforming Cincinnati into a nationally recognized destination for public art, and creating youth employment opportunities for thousands of young artists along the way.
We’ll also look to the future with the highly anticipated unveiling of ArtWorks’ new brand an exciting evolution that positions us to expand our reach, deepen our community impact, and spark even more opportunities for artists of all ages.
Whether you are an artist, an ArtWorks alum, a long-time supporter, or simply someone who loves the more than 14,000 artworks that color our city, you’re invited to join us at this milestone moment as ArtWorks sets the stage for a brilliant future… in living color.

Purchase your tickets here!

Interested in Sponsoring ArtDinner?
Support ArtWorks’ mission and elevate your organization’s visibility at one of Cincinnati’s most vibrant arts celebrations.
View our Sponsorship Opportunities to explore packages designed to showcase your commitment to creativity, community, and the future of public art.
