Summer 26: A Summer of Creativity, Collaboration and Growth

After a Summer of creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning, the 2026 Youth Apprentice Program has come to a close. The program’s more than 100 young artists and creators spent the summer developing new skills, building confidence and contributing their talents to projects that will continue telling Cincinnati’s stories for years to come.

From large-scale murals and traditional sign painting to film, graphic design, screen printing and community-centered research, apprentices worked alongside professional artists and project partners to bring 12 ambitious projects to life. Their work honored the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, explored the First Amendment and freedom of the speech, celebrated Cincinnati’s business community, supported arts education and examined how young people experience safety, belonging and connection.

The summer was about much more than the artwork. Apprentices learned how to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, navigate challenges and support one another. They showed up for their teams, accepted feedback and discovered that creative work is not only about making something new, but also about making a meaningful contribution to the community.

The season closed out beautifully at our End of Summer Celebration at Skate Downtown Cincinnati. Apprentices, teaching artists, project managers, board members and staff spent the morning skating, playing games, sharing a meal and celebrating everything they accomplished. Our sincere thanks go to Skate Downtown Cincinnati for providing such a welcoming space for this celebration and helping us give our apprentices the sendoff they deserved.

Full Photo Album

The celebration also recognized apprentices with team-specific superlatives and presented the annual Biggie Award.

Named in honor of lifelong arts supporter Andrew D. Smith, the award celebrates an apprentice who demonstrates exceptional communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity while positively influencing teammates and the project.

This year’s nominees were Ester Blazer, Dimitri Burnworth, AJ Domelle, Claire Erion, Finn Kennedy, Audrey Strait and Isabella Urcaregui Naranjo.

Congratulations to Isabella Urcaregui Naranjo, the 2026 Biggie Award winner.

Thank You to Our Amazing Teaching Artists!

This summer’s accomplishments belong to every apprentice who imagined, created and persevered, and to everyone who gave them the resources and encouragement to succeed. The artwork may remain throughout Cincinnati and beyond, but the confidence, connections and creative ambitions built this summer will travel with these young artists wherever they go.

Thank You to Our Project Partners

We are grateful to the organizations and community partners who collaborated with us to bring this summer’s creative projects to life: America 250, Better Business Bureau, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, Cincinnati Public Radio, City of Mt. Healthy, Kim & Mike Hoeting, Neyer Properties, Paycor, Playhouse in the Park, Standing Room Only, UC DAAP and The Well.

Thank You to Our Ongoing Supporters

Each organization makes our work possible year round: ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

Thank You to this Summer’s Program Supporters

This summer would not have been possible without the generous support of: Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Haile Foundation, Bob & Jeanne Coughlin Foundation, Friedlander Foundation, Lauren Hannan Shafer, Mayerson Foundation, The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Procter & Gamble and Benmlouka Charitable Fund.

Because of these partners and supporters, 1001 Colors can continue creating opportunities for young people, empowering artists and transforming public spaces across our region.