Inspiring the Future

Completion Date: Summer 2019

Mural Location: Booker T. Washington Community Center (1140 S. Front St.)

Lead Artist and Designer: Jamie Schorsch

Supporting Artists: Zania Hasty and Kara Heckmuller

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"Inspiring the Future" was in part inspired by the Harlem Renaissance works of artist, illustrator, and art educator Aaron Douglas. The emphasis of the BTW Center as a means for providing a nurturing environment and enrichment for youth and teens through various programs serves as the primary inspiration for the imagery in this design. Moving between the children are spheres, radiating energy outwards, that depict inspirational figures related to the center’s history.

The Flowing Pride of Lindenwald

Completion Date: Summer 2019

Mural Location: Minnick’s Drive Thru (2537 Pleasant Ave.)

Lead Artist and Designer: Dave Rickerd

Supporting Artists: Ben Dysart and John Wolfer

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Lindenwald is a place rooted in rich history and community pride. This mural showcases the places and landmarks that helped make Lindenwald an integral Hamilton neighborhood. The classic, bold font and inviting color palette will welcome travelers as they enter Lindenwald's growing business district.

Incrementum

Completion Date: Summer 2019

Mural Location: First Financial-Max Stacy Flowers building (350 High St.)

Mural Sponsor: The Rotary Club of Hamilton

Designer: Paul Loehle

Lead Artist: Nicole Trimble

Supporting Artists: John McCoy, Carrie Pate, Sydnie Reatherford and Claire Talbot

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“Incrementum" depicts Hebe, the Greek goddess of Spring, as a central figure that pays tribute to the statue that will adorn the landscape in front of the mural. Flanking the statue are peace lilies, which connect with the doves on both the left and right side as a repeated symbol of peace. The curved archways surrounding Hebe deepen the connection to classical Greek art, and the right arch is engraved with the word "Incrementum," which is Latin for "growth." The gear symbols are included to represent the influence of the Rotary Club of Hamilton as the inner workings of the community; the support system which inspires Hamilton to blossom. The concept of "service above self," on which Rotary is founded, creates a strong community full of peace, growth and hope, as expressed through this design's strong symbolism.

Hey Caddy-O

Completion Date: Summer 2018

Mural Location: Jeff Pohlman Tire & Auto Repair (736 High Street)

Lead Artist and Designer: Nicole Trimble

Supporting Artists: Kinsey Downs, Nikki McGlosson, Melissa Smith

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“Hey Caddy-O” features a classic mint green Cadillac Coupe de Ville, parked on a highway trailing off into the sunset. This iconic mid-50’s car draws attention to the current use of the building as well as the automotive manufacturing history of Hamilton, in particular Fisher Body, which produced bodies for Cadillac from 1947 through 1988. The vintage-inspired color palette and sunbeam motif in the background reference classic car advertisements from the 50's and 60's, while the bright colors and graphic pop art quality of the design catches the eyes of travelers as they drive down High St. in the downtown district.

Paint the Town Red

Completion Date: Summer 2018

Mural Location: Miami Hamilton campus (1601 University Boulevard)

Designer: Stephen Smith

Co-Lead Artists: Stephen Smith and John McCoy

Supporting Artists: Abby Martin, Jamie Schorsch

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“Paint the Town Red” is a whimsical take on the skyline of Downtown Hamilton. It features many major buildings such as the historic Butler County Courthouse, the Municipal Building and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in 'Miami Red.' It also features the Great Miami River with the train bridge and the Main/High St bridge. The mural was designed using a bold and simple illustrative style so that it will be clearly visible to those traveling down River Road on the back side of the campus. The sky in the mural is meant to remain as the current brick so that the design is incorporated into the existing wall of the building. This design brings downtown Hamilton to the Miami Hamilton campus!

Golden Ethos

Completion Date: Summer 2018

Mural Location: North Second Tap (134 N. Second Street)

Lead Artist and Designer: Christian Dallas

Supporting Artists: Ciarra Craft, Mark Hanavan

 

With music being heard not only at the North Second Tap and Bottle Shop, but also across the street at the beautiful Riversedge Amphitheater, this mural amplifies the musical mood of the area and creates a visual marker of what this specific part of Hamilton is all about. Live music showcases the energy and movement of the performers, as well as the crowd. The electricity seems to permeate through anyone in the vicinity of the source, creating a sense of inspiration. The goal was to interpret these kinetic elements into a static form that interacts with the wall as opposed to a rectangular rigid design, just as a performer interacts with their audience. Portraying a powerful female figure participating in an occupation that is predominately male, helps to inspire women of all ages to strive towards being their true selves, and to not be afraid of the constraints of the social or professional norms we live in today.

Left Hander for Life

Completion Date: Summer 2017
Mural Location: Clarks Sporting Goods (15 South B Street) 
Lead Artist and Designer: Paul Loehle
Supporting Artists: Mark Hanavan, Abby Martin

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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.

The Delicate Balance of Progress

Completion Date: Summer 2017

Mural Location: Unsung Salvage Design Co. (212 Main Street)

Mural Designer: Annie Hamel

Lead Artist: Nick Scrimenti

Supporting Artists: Lori Farr, John McCoy, Ariel Williams

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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.

Taking Flight

Completion Date: Summer 2017

Mural Location: Rotary Park (High and Second Streets)

Mural Designer: Taylor Welch

Lead Artist:  Nicole Trimble 

Supporting Artists: Ciarra Craft, Nicole Chance, Sydnie Reatherford, Sara Toothman

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This design is titled "Taking Flight" and 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.

Alexander

Completion Date: Summer 2016

Mural Location: Armstead Park (Main and D Streets)

Lead Artist & Designer: Nicole Trimble

Supporting Artists: Christa Cape and Lindsay Shroyer

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This design consists of a stylized image of Alexander Hamilton, based on John Trumbull’s iconic 1806 portrait. It is rendered in a bright palette of pinks, blues and greens and combines graphic blocks of color with more painterly marks. The abstract and graphic qualities of the mural provide a compelling contrast to the surrounding area, juxtaposing contemporary art with the historic buildings of the neighborhood and furthering the focus on the arts in Hamilton’s Main Street area.

Make Way for McCloskey

Completion Date: Summer 2016

Mural Location: Hamilton Mill (20 High Street)

Lead Artist & Designer: Stephen Smith

Supporting Artists: Brian Imfeld, John McCoy, Hannah Moore

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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. The artwork pulls together McCloskey's classic illustrative works, but is depicted in a modern color palette.

 

Robert McCloskey is strongly tied to the original Municipal Building. He was commissioned to create designs that were carved in bas relief on the surface of the building. The pocket park at the corner of Front Street and High Street displays a sculpture inspired by his book, Lentil. The mural complements McCloskey's relationship to the building and brings an appreciation for his artistic efforts that were formed from his upbringing in Hamilton.

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