Hamilton, Ohio – StreetSpark strikes again.
Work began May 30 on Stream of Consciousness, the winning Anissa Pulcheon mural design for the Lane Library.
Less than a week’s worth of painting brought a marked change to the previously blank wall.
Pulcheon - an artist, organizer and musician from Cincinnati - made the Great Miami River the central character for her work, depicting her as a girl with flowing water for hair and a large open book in her hands. “Science and the arts are so connected, so I wanted to nod to that with this design,” Pulcheon said. “Drawing from the warm tones of the architecture, the color palette is soothing and nature inspired. A striking central focal point immediately draws people in, and they can find new details to enjoy each time they visit the library. I hope the river and her book inspire viewers to dive into the wonders of learning.”
Founded in 2016 as a partnership between the Fitton Center, the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Community Foundation, StreetSpark furthers the creative identity of the city through exciting murals and public art projects. The Ohio Arts Council and ArtsWave also help fund the program.
Since that first summer in 2016, artists designed and painted 17 murals and 14 utility boxes in a variety of styles. See all the murals online here or download a map here to visit them in person.
Up next, look for work on Madeline Tipton’s design - Bartels’ Butterflies – at Bartels Heating and Cooling to begin June 19; Jennifer Eickelberger leads the painting.
In addition to the murals, artists Kiera Fisher, Michelle Furr and Sarah Hynfield give a trio of utility boxes the StreetSpark touch this summer as well.
“Each of the designers highlighted something endearing about the particular area,” said StreetSpark Program Manager Jennifer Acus-Smith. “I believe they will resonate as universally appealing designs, as well as sources of neighborhood pride.”
“These designs really showcase the best of what we want StreetSpark to be,” said Fitton Center Executive Director Ian MacKenzie-Thurley. “All five of these artists really connected to specific elements of Hamilton - and to each of the selected neighborhoods in the city - and made their observations both personal and universal through their art.”
Enjoy some photos from the creation process in the gallery below.
The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.
Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture
