A vibrant new mural celebrating Cincinnati’s rich history and culture will transform a storied space in the Queen City, thanks to a significant grant and a collaborative vision.
Bader+Simon, a new nonprofit art gallery opening in Cincinnati later this year, is partnering with local artists to create an 80-ft mural celebrating the city’s cultural heritage.
The project is inspired by themes of community, cultural, and artistic diversity and vibrancy in Cincinnati throughout the ages, and aims to create a visual narrative that resonates with the curriculum offered at Bader + Simon, said Tamara White, its founder.
“We want to create something that doesn’t just beautify our space, but opens a conversation — about who gets remembered, who gets celebrated, and the stories of their legacy,” said White.
Designed by the female and minority-owned Enodia Studio, the mural will also serve as an educational and community-driven project, including a public painting day.
The project received a $5,000 grant from ArtsWave, the nation’s first and largest community campaign for the arts, and the Cincinnati region’s local arts agency.
However, they are seeking an additional $4,200 to complete the project to support the artists and community.
You can help support the project by donating just $5 by texting Mural2026 to 71777 or by contributing directly here.
The visual style envisioned for the mural will feature a striking combination of black and white, with neon-pink accents and pops of color. It will incorporate rich textures reminiscent of mercantile and machinist elements. Art Deco architecture and lines will be integrated, blending historic styles with bold, contemporary colors.
The mural will also spotlight some important proponents of social justice and the arts in the region. Among those being considered for inclusion are people like Cincinnati artist and activist Robert O’Neal, LGBTQ+ rights activists Jim Obergefell and John Arthur, portrait and landscape painter Elizabeth Nourse, American West painter Cornelia Cassady Davis, American-born Mexican artist Elizabeth Catlett, former Vice Mayor of the Cincinnati City Council Marian Spencer, former Cincinnati Mayor Bobbie Sterne, and the legacies of Cincinnati label King Records and Rookwood Pottery.
Another key element of the design is its homage to the original Bader and Simon: 19th-century machinist Ferdinand Bader and mercantilist Emmanuel Simon, who were the original tenants of the future home of Bader + Simon gallery.
It will also incorporate “Easter eggs” drawn from the gallery’s permanent collection and the surrounding neighborhood, creating layers of meaning for those familiar with Cincinnati’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Elements referencing the city’s industrial past, such as machinist tools and patterns, and locations along waterways, including Mill Creek, the Ohio River, and the Licking River, will also be integrated.
Once completed, Bader+Simon plans to incorporate the mural into their day-to-day programming, targeting audiences ages 8 and up.
They intend to host school groups and young professional collectives to discuss the mural’s design process, the meaning behind its elements, and its connection to broader themes of art, history, and social justice.
Documentation of the design and creation process is also a priority, enabling the gallery to use the mural as an educational tool.
“Our goal is for this mural to be a part of our programming for visitors and local school groups, by providing insight into art, social justice, and how they intersect in the city’s history. Our collaboration with Enodia Studio is a crucial first step in making that happen,” White added.
