ArtWorks’ newest gathering space in Walnut Hills, set to open in early November, will be named the Hannan ArtPark presented by Fifth Third Foundation. The space will accompany the organization’s newest permanent location in Walnut Hills.
ArtWorks is a local nonprofit organization that works to bring community-based art to the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as community collaboration that provides art-based career opportunities.
The organization’s gathering space’s name honors the Hannan family and their support of the community through their work with ArtWorks and Saturday Hoops, a weekly event held to improve positivity, connection and confidence within Cincinnati’s youth and teens.
The family has been longtime supporters of Cincinnati and the arts community. Lauren Hannan Shafer is a current board member at ArtWorks, Saturday Hoops and the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM), as well as the first donor for ArtWorks’ Painting the Future Together campaign, which works to revitalize Cincinnati neighborhoods with community-based public art.
The gathering space was kickstarted in early August with a mural painted by world-renowned artist Charles Gaines entitled “Numbers and Trees: Cincinnati Cottonwoods,” with the help of 21 apprentices and four professional teaching artists.
Joining the gathering space project is Robert Lugo, an acclaimed American artist, social advocate and educator who specializes in fusing culture, hip-hop and history with intricate ceramic pieces. Lugo, in collaboration with Walnut Hills community members, will be adding an interactive sculpture to the gathering space to accompany the mural. ArtWorks discovered Lugo after his residency with CAM in 2023, where his work now remains as part of their permanent collection.
“I believe public sculpture is not only one of the most accessible forms of art but, an incredible opportunity to embody the surrounding community,” Lugo said in a press release.
Community members can actively participate in the making of the sculpture through workshops being held on Sept. 4 from 4-6 p.m. and Sept. 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Accompanying the interactive sculpture and mural will be a sculptural bike rack, greenspace, additional parking and crosswalks to better connect the space and invite members of the community to explore it.
ArtWorks is set to hold an opening ceremony for the gathering space on Sunday, Nov. 17 starting at 2 p.m.
For more information about ArtWorks’ Hannan ArtPark, visit artworkscincinnati.org.
This article appears in Aug 21 – Sep 3, 2024.