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Cincinnati Public Radio Mural Dedication & Red Door: Freedom Speech
On Friday September 11, 2026, 1001 Colors and Cincinnati Public Radio will celebrate the dedication of With Voices Raised, WE RESIST!, a new public mural designed by Cincinnati artist Ciara LeRoy and painted by 1001 Colors Youth Apprentices.
The celebration will continue with Red Door: Freedom Speech, a pop-up art auction and exhibition featuring 65 original artworks by 53 regional artists exploring themes of free expression, dialogue, identity, and the power of voice.
Together, these events showcase the role art can play in fostering conversation, amplifying community voices, and creating meaningful connections across Cincinnati.
With Voices Raised, WE RESIST! Mural
With Voices Raised, WE RESIST! is the newest mural in 1001 Colors' growing collection of community-driven public artworks.
Located at Cincinnati Public Radio's headquarters, designed by acclaimed Cincinnati artist Ciara LeRoy, the mural explores the relationship between language, media, public dialogue, and civic participation. Known for her vibrant text-based works, LeRoy creates artwork that encourages viewers to engage more deeply with the ideas and messages that surround them.
The mural was brought to life by a team of ten 1001 Colors Youth Apprentices working alongside teaching artists Margeaux Lim and Alex Tanveer, providing paid, hands-on experience in the creation of a large-scale public artwork.
The project reflects a shared commitment between 1001 Colors and Cincinnati Public Radio to elevate community voices and create spaces where expression, creativity, and dialogue can thrive.
About the Artist
Ciara LeRoy is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work focuses primarily on text-based art and visual communication.
Drawing inspiration from television, books, magazines, and internet culture, her work combines bold colors and striking language to create pieces that grab attention while encouraging deeper reflection. Her work has been featured by Insider, Better Homes & Gardens, and Frankie Magazine, and exhibited across the Midwest and South.
Red Door: Freedom Speech
Exploring the Power of Expression Through Art
Following the mural dedication, guests are invited to experience Red Door: Freedom Speech, the second Red Door Project exhibition and auction of 2026.
Featuring 65 artworks by 53 artists, the exhibition examines themes of freedom of speech, communication, personal expression, identity, and public discourse through a wide range of artistic mediums.
Presented inside Cincinnati Public Radio's headquarters, the exhibition creates a unique intersection between visual art and journalism, bringing together artists and audiences around a shared belief in the value of open expression and creative exchange.
Participating Artists
Red Door: Freedom Speech features work from 53 artists, including:
Gideon Smiley, Audrey Carranza, Derrick Smith, Janis Fay, Sage Fay, Lauryn Campbell, Ciara LeRoy, Faith Ogenyi, Finn Allen, Nas Williams, Autumn Walsh, Ashley DeBeer, Ndeye Wade, Merritt Holdcraft, Deborah Kovacs-Sturdevant, Shalena Alexander, Madeline Pinkerman, Laura Waligorski, Mark Rozzi, Angela Braggs-Brown, Cliff Warnken, Sean Murdock, Linda Chaney, Chad Koehneke, Mary Anne Donovan, Jen Edwards, Nathaniel Thomas, Bailey Francis, Clinton Wood, Parrish William, David Estep, Abriljoanna Huerta, Kat Rakel Ferguson, Kaden Carpenter Kellogg, Mary "Libby" DeFoor, Auggie Scribner, Roan Regnier, Star Smart, George Oeser, Gianna Edwards, Isabel Bravo Ocadiz, Teddy Wilson, Scott Jankowski, Arlene Koth, Frankie Freidhoff, Kristen Gillespie, Nailah Bradley, Sylvia Akamine Oramas, Greg Buening, James Conroy, Brooklynn Ahnafield, John Koveleski, and Jennifer Baldwin.
What Is the Red Door Project?
The Red Door Project is a twice-yearly pop-up art auction series that transforms unexpected spaces into temporary galleries celebrating Cincinnati's creative community.
Founded in 2014 by Barbara Hauser and now produced by 1001 Colors, the project supports artists while creating accessible opportunities for the public to discover and purchase original artwork.
Each edition is organized around a unique theme, encouraging artists to explore ideas and perspectives through their work while creating engaging experiences for collectors, supporters, and first-time visitors alike.
The 2026 season opened with a highly attended exhibition at Cincinnati Ballet in May. Red Door: Freedom Speech continues that momentum while bringing the series to Cincinnati Public Radio for a one-night celebration of art, dialogue, and community connection.
Event Information
Cincinnati Public Radio Mural Dedication + Red Door: Freedom Speech
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Location:
Cincinnati Public Radio
2117 Dana Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45207
Schedule
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Mural Dedication
With Voices Raised, WE RESIST!
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Red Door: Freedom Speech
Art Auction & Exhibition