New colorful art installations and out-of-this-world sculptures have been popping up around the Cincinnati region that you may have seen while out and about in Covington, Camp Washington, and East Walnut Hills.
“Clive” Sculpture
A new out-of-this-world sculpture, “Clive,” is set to end its journey from space and land in the Midtown parking garage, which you can find on the corner of Fifth and Scott Streets. This new addition is one of 12 other additions to the city, using funding from meetNKY and the city of Covington.
Clive, a mischievous green alien from a galaxy known as Aralton, was zipping through the galaxy before catching a glimpse of Covington. After taking a second look, he decided he wanted to stay there for a while, and he officially landed Sept. 22.
The new sculpture, created by AlloyFX, is made of fiberglass and Styrofoam materials. The company centers its work on 3D visual art and technology, specializing in 3D modeling and animation.
Midtown Garage, 5th and Scott Streets, Covington
“Greetings from Planet Love” mural
Over the course of an eight-week summer program, the True Body Project and ArtWorks completed a mural dedicated to 12 female-identifying and gender-expansive youth. The mural was created to also spread awareness about mental health challenges that teenage girls face and was completed under the supervision of The Well and True Body Project Program Founder Stacy Sims, Teaching Artist Kyle Wolff, and 15 guest artists.
“As a result, through a renewed partnership with ArtWorks, we offered a summer-long youth apprenticeship,” Sims says. “This initiative enabled us to compensate teen girls as they strive to comprehend themselves and each other better. Furthermore, it encouraged them to advocate for the health and safety of girls and women globally through artistic expression.”
In addition to the mural, the young adult and teen art apprentices created an art exhibition featuring writing, sculpture, photography, painting, and mixed media elements. The apprentices also created a book themed to Planet Love.
The mural, book, and art exhibition will officially be recognized October 5 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with the mural dedication beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Well, 2868 Colerain Ave, Camp Washington
Esoteric Brewing Company’s Mandala
In collaboration with Artworks, Esoteric Brewing created a new mural located in Paramount Square. This will be the fourth mural to come to East Walnut Hills.
The mural, envisioned by Visual and Community Artist Radha Lakshmi, symbolizes beauty, resilience, and unity. It was created by eight Artworks apprentices ranging from ages 16 to 21.
The mural is inspired by the Mandala design and features beautiful patterns and colors that interconnect into the shape of a circle. The project’s goal is to “enrich the visual tapestry of the area.”
Esoteric Brewing opened back in 2020 as Cincinnati’s first minority-owned and operated brewery and was founded by Marvin Abrincica and Brian Jackson.
“We are thrilled to partner with ArtWorks, Model Group and artist Radha Lakshmi on this transformative mural project,” Abrinica says. “Esoteric Brewing Co. has always been dedicated to celebrating diversity and community, and this mural perfectly embodies our commitment to those values. We can’t wait to see the vibrant colors and intricate design come together, welcoming residents and visitors with open arms.”
Esoteric Brewing, 918 East McMillan Street, Walnut Hills
Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephant Trek
The Cincinnati Zoo’s newly-constructed elephant barn has a 175-foot-long concrete wall that was in dire need of beautification. At the time of construction, Zoo officials noticed murals from local artist Cedric Michael Cox popping up on the nearby White Oak Townhomes.
“The timing was incredible. We looked at some of Cedric’s other murals and set up a meeting with him right away,” says Mark Fisher, the zoo’s vice president of facilities and sustainability. “There were a lot of things to work out. We knew that Cedric had the talent to create a design that we would like, which he did, but he would also have to work within a tight timeframe. Most importantly, we wanted to work with someone who would include our neighbors in the design process.”
Cox’s proposal will have art from nearby Avondale residents, including students at Rockdale Academy and young adults from Groundwork Ohio River Valley.
“It is an honor to be invited to work with the world-renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden,” Cox says. “In addition to being one of the leading attractions in our city, I love the fact that they also have a strong connection to our surrounding neighborhood of Avondale. Via my history with Avondale through several art projects, this New Cincinnati Zoo Mural is the perfect partnership for a neighborhood we both hold dear.”
The mural will be fully completed in a few months. It is part of the zoo’s new space, Elephant Trek, a five-acre habitat home to some of the world’s most endangered elephant species.
Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St, Avondale
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