FotoFocus Cincinnati awarded ArtWorks with a grant to create a photo-based project this summer after the cancelation of the biennial.
ArtWorks called upon photographer Nikita Gross to lead a team of eight Youth Apprentices to create the inspiring photo installation, Heart and Soul. Heart and Soul is a series of wheat-pasted mini-murals featuring Black womxn from Cincinnati amplifying their stories, voices, and faces. Gross captured the portraits, collected stories and inspiration from each of her subjects.
The Youth Apprentices’ work then followed. These young creatives added their own creative touches, such as paint, collage, and digital design to enhance Gross’ portraits. The designs were influenced by each womxn’s story, in addition to their own artistic aesthetic and voice. Below you will find the locations, mostly which are Black-owned businesses.
Designer
Youth Apprentices
Nikita Gross
3635 Reading Road Nancy, 3546 Montgomery Road , 2936 Colerain Avenue, 2866 Colerain Avenue, 5021 Whetsel Avenue, 4595 Paddock Road, 901 Findlay Street, 1801 Baymiller Street, 1900 Baymiller Street
Leeza Poselski, Jessi De Noma, Izzy Chinchilla, Hafsah Diakho, Rory Walsh, Shawn Kuchenmeister, Myles Williams, Destine Laudat
Fotofocus