Numbers and Trees: Cincinnati Cottonwoods

A prime example of ArtWorks’ mission is the new mural at ArtWorks’ Hannan ArtPark at 2412 Gilbert Ave—a once-vacant, blighted lot transformed into a vibrant gathering space in the heart of Walnut Hills.

As part of ArtWorks’ permanent creative campus, the ArtPark both beautifies the neighborhood and serves as a community hub. At its center is the park’s focal point: “Numbers and Trees: Cincinnati Cottonwoods” (2024), the first mural in Cincinnati by renowned contemporary American artist Charles Gaines.

Part of his celebrated tree series, the mural depicts cottonwood trees native to the region. ArtWorks’ youth apprentices, guided by teaching artists, brought Gaines’ vision to life using his signature numbered grid technique. As viewers engage with the mural, they experience a vibrant visual progression, with each tree layered in increasingly rich colors—inviting reflection, exploration, and connection to place.

The mural will serve as the cornerstone of ArtWorks’ Creative Campus, transforming the building wall into a vibrant canvas, made possible through the generous support of the Joseph Automotive Family.

Apprentices

JiKyllie Allen, Kaiya Batton, Alex Cribbin, Katie Collins, Sam Fluker, Katie Frazee, Ellie Glenn, Mason Huster, Vinny Ilunga, Nathan Knoll, August Martin, Abel Mooney-Bullock, Alaina Rizzo, Ellie Rockford, Jackson Sackenheim, Jeffery Samuel, Sylvie Tiro, Batise Tucker, Marcus Walker, Neal Wefers, Olivia Werner