Mural dedication set

Hamilton, OH – The newest mural project by StreetSpark scheduled its dedication ceremony.

The dedication event takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Myer Brothers & Sons (720 Maple Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011) in the Jefferson Neighborhood.

“Sparks of Labor” is a 1,650-square-foot mural designed by Sophie Groenstein of Hartford, Connecticut. She called it “a tribute to the hands that built Hamilton.”

The mural dedication is FREE and open to the public and features comments from Groenstein, StreetSpark Program Manager Jennifer Acus-Smith, city leaders and more.

Painting began July 6.  More than 40 community volunteers assisted with the creation of the “Sparks of Labor” over the course of two public painting days July 8 and 9. Detail work continues through July 19 and scaffolding comes down July 20 in advance of the dedication.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Groenstein said of the public painting days. “We actually ran out of paint at one point. They filled in the whole mural.”

Groenstein’s design becomes the 22^nd full-scale mural created by StreetSpark since founding the program in 2016.

“To celebrate 10 years of StreetSpark, our 2026 mural selections reflect the heart and history of Hamilton,” Acus-Smith said. “From our storied industrial roots to the vibrant families in our neighborhoods, these murals celebrate the diverse tapestry of our community.

“Our selection committee prioritized works that not only reflect the city’s many facets, but also introduce fresh, unique styles to our growing public art collection."

Work begins soon on the second 2026 full-scale mural - “Convergence” – a 700 square-foot design by Hamilton artist Brett Tachi at Pfefferle Tire & Auto (990 Main St. Hamilton, Ohio 45013). Tachi was part of the painting team that brought the 2025 StreetSpark “Viva El Sueno” mural to life at Hamilton Living Waters Ministry.

In addition to the full-scale murals, Melissa Peterson of Hamilton designed the High Street utility box entitled “Busy as a Bee,” which is already complete.

Hamilton High School public art class student Makayla Reinersman designed “Music for All” for a utility box on Second Street. She will paint the box with other Hamilton High School Students under the guidance of Hamilton art teacher Paul Loehle.

StreetSpark’s partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Community Foundation creates engagement by producing high-quality art, providing opportunities for local artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the city.

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