Mamie Smith—a legend, icon and Cincinnati native—was the first-ever African American blues recording artist.
In celebration of her remarkable contributions to the American sound of rhythm and blues and her significant place in Cincinnati’s musical history, ArtWorks commissioned Buffalo, New York-based artist Julia Bottoms to create this piece that authentically sings out Mamie’s story and legacy.
A resilient, passionate, committed woman who pushes passed adversity to make her mark on history, Mamie stands as an example that no dream is beyond grasp, no matter the circumstances. This mural is part of ArtWorks’ Cincinnati Legends Series, a collection of large-scale public murals, primarily spread across Over-the-Rhine, honoring a diverse group of local personalities who have made names for themselves in the city of Cincinnati and beyond by creating lasting, inspiring legacies through their individual impacts on the world.
A team of 12 local Youth Apprentices worked under the direction of three Teaching Artists to paint this mural. How do you enjoy music around Cincinnati? Who is your favorite Cincinnati musician?
Apprentices
Kennedy Boyle, Miles Brueggemeyer, Kyle Casey, Daniel Elad, Megan Grafe, Leonardo Hernandez, Isaac Larsen, Corinne Lerma, Henry Lindeman, Maggie O'Neal, Crystal Rudd, Marian Scruggs
Mural Generously Funded By
2018 Adopt-an-Apprentice Campaign Contributors, American Scaffolding Inc., ArtWorks Board of Trustees
Additional Support from
The Art Academy of Cincinnati, Matt Kotlarczyk, Dennis Eisen
Project Manager
James Effler
