2016-2017 StreetSpark Murals
Formed through a partnership between the City of Hamilton and the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, StreetSpark is a program founded to further the arts identity in the city through exciting public art projects. This program creates arts engagement by producing highquality murals, building opportunities for local artists, and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. With the goal of fueling Hamilton with art, StreetSpark brings visible murals and artwork into our community. Through this program we will energize our streetscape, create awareness of the arts, and spark new development throughout Hamilton. Two murals were created during the summer of 2016 and three murals were created in 2017, all located in the City of Hamilton.
How were the mural designs chosen? A Call to Artists was released in December 2016, inviting artists to submit mural designs for three locations. A Design Selection Committee, comprised of local arts professionals reviewed the designs and assigned scores. The committee then discussed the resulting top designs for each location and scored the final selections. Thank you to our Design Selection Committee members: Sarah Daniels Elaine Discepoli Jan Gordon Dan Guthrie Cathy Mayhugh Caroline Meiner Isabelle Munafo Colleen O Connor Shi O Neill Mike Reuter Billy Simms Jacob Stone Lisa Walle Cori Wolff
Left Hander for Life Summer 2017 This mural design depicts legendary Hamilton native Joe Nuxhall, both as a young Cincinnati Reds pitcher in the prime of his career, and later in life as a philanthropist and popular local figure. His pitching hand is extended as if into the space of the viewer, showcasing a pitcher s grip and displaying his signature. The bold red color signifies Cincinnati Reds baseball, of which Nuxhall was an integral part. A deco-style sunburst of rays seems to emanate from the focal point of the ball, and creates a decorative, graphic contrast to the more smoothly modeled figures. Lead Artist & Designer: Paul Loehle Supporting Artists: Mark Hanavan and Abby Martin 15 South B St. / Clarks Sporting Goods
The Delicate Balance of Progress Summer 2017 This design is intended to evoke the notions of serenity, fragility and peace. There are two types of birds represented - cranes, a symbol of peace, mingle with rustic swallows that foreshadow spring. The delicacy of the origami/paper foldings and the beauty of this ancestral manual activity reminds us of the careful work of the craftsmen who occupy the building today. The light bulbs suggest past industries housed in the building and the promise of new, innovative ideas for the future. Mural Designer: Annie Hamel Lead Artist: Nick Scrimenti Supporting Artists: Lori Farr, John McCoy, Ariel Williams 212 Main St. / Unsung Salvage Design Co.
Taking Flight Summer 2017 This design symbolizes a city reaching new heights. The sparrow is represented in three stages as it takes flight and has been abstracted and stylized to resemble an origami bird. This represents the industrial past that has given us the foundation from where we are taking our next steps. Mural Designer: Taylor Welch Lead Artist: Nicole Trimble Supporting Artists: Nicole Chance, Ciarra Craft, Sydnie Reatherford, Sara Toothman Second and High St. / Rotary Park
Alexander Summer 2016 Alexander is a stylized image of Alexander Hamilton, based off of John Trumbull s iconic 1806 portrait. It is a rendered in a bright palette of pinks, blues and greens, combining graphic blocks of color with more painterly marks. This combination of contemporary and classical art styles adds vibrancy and energy to this historic downtown neighborhood. Alexander celebrates the city s history while helping to further expand the arts identity of Hamilton. Lead Artist & Designer: Nicole Trimble Supporting Artists: Christa Cape and Lindsay Shroyer Main and D St. / Armstead Park
Make Way for McCloskey Summer 2016 Make Way for McCloskey pays homage to local writer and illustrator, Robert McCloskey. This composition incorporates images (left to right) from his books Blueberries for Sal, Make Way for Ducklings and Homer Price. Used by Permission. The artwork pulls together McCloskey s classic illustrative works, but is depicted in a contemporary color palette. This building also houses a museum dedicated to McCloskey. This mural celebrates both historic and contemporary artists, while enhancing the arts in downtown Hamilton. Lead Artist & Designer: Stephen Smith Supporting Artists: Brian Imfeld, John McCoy, Hannah Moore High and Front St. / Hamilton Mill 3
StreetSpark Mural Map 1. Alexander Corner of Main and D St. Armstead Park 2. The Delicate Balance of Progress 212 Main St. Unsung Salvage Design Co. 3. Left Hander for Life 15 South B St. Clarks Sporting Goods 4. Make Way for McCloskey Corner of High and Front St. Hamilton Mill 5. Taking Flight Corner of Second and High St. / Rotary Park We love to see you enjoying the StreetSpark murals! When you visit a mural, snap a photo and tag #streetsparkselfie on social media!
Thank you to following people and businesses. StreetSpark appreciates your support! American Scaffolding ArtWorks Cincinnati City of Hamilton Clarks Sporting Goods Dale Wurzelbacher and family Gary Kraft and family Hamilton City Council Hamilton Mill Hamilton Parks Conservancy Hansen Scaffolding Jacob Stone Liz Hayden McCloskey Family Municipal Brew Works Nuxhall family Roy and Debbie Miller, Remax on the Move Sherwin Williams, Hamilton store StreetSpark ThinkTank StreetSpark Design Selection Committee Unsung Salvage Design Co.
Questions? Jennifer Acus-Smith StreetSpark Program Manager streetsparkart@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook @streetsparkart Sign up for email updates at fittoncenter.org/streetspark
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