A Work in the Park
Though it’s still under construction, the new ArtWorks ArtPark in Walnut Hills just unveiled a sculpture that celebrates the organization’s new neighborhood of Walnut Hills.
The Hannan ArtPark presented by Fifth Third Foundation is ArtWorks’s new public gathering space, located across from its soon-to-open permanent building. The park’s name honors the Hannan Family for their generous support of the Cincinnati community, especially their dedication to creating positive opportunities for teens and young adults through Saturday Hoops and ArtWorks.
The new interactive sculpture and monument celebrating Walnut Hills, unveiled on Wednesday, was designed by acclaimed American artist, social activist and educator Roberto Lugo, in collaboration with members of the Walnut Hills community. Lugo, whose art uniquely blends hip-hop, history, politics, and his cultural heritage into formal ceramics, is no stranger to Cincinnati.
“ArtWorks was introduced to Roberto Lugo during his residency in Walnut Hills at the Cincinnati Art Museum,” said Colleen Houston, CEO & Artistic Director of ArtWorks. “We were impressed by his commitment to community. We loved that he invited youth to join him in making ceramics in the museum, he honored local Cincinnatians in his artwork, and he gifted sculptures to many local nonprofits.”
Lugo’s sculpture joins “Numbers and Trees: Cincinnati Cottonwoods” (2024), the first completed public art contribution on the site. Created by Charles Gaines, the monumental mural was completed by 21 apprentices (ages 14–21) and four professional teaching artists. This mural was sponsored by Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell and Ron and David Houck-Nebel.
ArtWorks is invited Walnut Hills residents to participate in the creation of this community monument during free workshops led by local artists Kathryne Gardette, Gary Dangel. and Karla Batres Gilven that allowed community members to contribute to this masterpiece. The workshops gave residents the chance to contribute designs and patterns to be incorporated into the sculpture.
In addition to the mural and sculpture, a sculptural bike rack, greenspace, parking designed to also be a plaza for community events and additional features will make the area a draw for the community. Two new crosswalks will better connect the Hannan ArtPark presented by Fifth Third Foundation to the growing business district, and new plantings in the median will further enhance this investment in the growing arts and cultural corridor in Walnut Hills.