On June 1, 2026, the Cincinnati arts community gathered at Mercantile Immersive for ArtDinner: In Living Color, a landmark celebration commemorating 30 years of impact throughout the region.
The evening brought together supporters, artists, civic leaders, corporate partners, alumni, and community champions to honor three decades of transforming Cincinnati through public art while looking ahead to an exciting future.
Hosted at Mercantile Immersive, ArtDinner: In Living Color transformed the space into a vibrant, ever-changing digital canvas.
Throughout the evening, guests experienced immersive visual storytelling, inspiring artist presentations, and powerful reflections on the organization's legacy of creating public art, employing artists, and connecting young people to meaningful career opportunities.
A highlight of the program featured Kyra Watkins, a former youth apprentice who has grown into a full-time professional muralist. Her story exemplified how investment in artists and creative workforce development can create lasting opportunities and transform lives.
The evening also showcased internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Saya Woolfalk, who presented a captivating one-night-only immersive installation and live artist talk. Her work added another layer of inspiration to a night dedicated to imagination, artistic expression, and community connection.
Guests also participated in a curated auction featuring original artwork from 30 local and international artists. Together, attendees helped raise critical support for future public art projects, youth apprenticeships, and professional development opportunities for artists across the region.
As the evening reached its culmination, attendees witnessed a historic moment: the official introduction of 1001 Colors, the new name and brand identity that will carry the organization forward.
The unveiling served as both a celebration of ArtWorks' remarkable 30-year legacy and a bold declaration of what's next, launching 1001 Colors' expanded vision for the future.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
ArtDinner: In Living Color would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners who believe in the power of public art, creative workforce development, and community impact.