Switch on Avondale

In partnership with the community of Avondale, ArtWorks presents Switch on Avondale, a series of permanent light-based sculptural works.

This project aligns with the Avondale Quality of Life Plan to create colorful, community-driven sculptural installations that increase senses and safety and promote healthy activity along Hirsch Recreation Center’s new walking trails. With support from the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtWorks hired teams of Youth Apprentices to support the design and execution of several light-based sculptures under the leadership of local artists

Generous sponsors and partners: National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, SunTrust Bank, Avondale Development Corporation, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Green Umbrella, Avondale Community Council, and Gabriel’s Place.

Silver Linings

Silver Linings is a public art series of conversations and events tapping into the collective wisdom and goodwill of the Avondale community, resulting in 4 large scale light-based sculptures that bring light and positivity to the new walking trail. These short phrases of encouragement were collaboratively designed by the residents of Avondale. The lights will provide safety while the words will provide familiar and friendly comfort and trust. These words, written in the handwriting of a fellow community member will acknowledge the wisdom of those who are already in this community while encouraging those who partake in the new walking trail.

The words of wisdom and encouragement were solicited by Lead Artist, Calcagno Cullen and two Youth Apprentices who placed several sculptural and fun ballot boxes that ask passersby to “Share some encouragement with your neighbor. What would you say to make their day?” Ballot boxes were placed in gathering spaces around Avondale (the food mart, the laundromat, the hardware store, etc.) to collect submissions in early 2020.

Project Manager/Teaching Artist: Calcagno Cullen

Youth Apprentices: Candace Krois, James Bond

Sunflowers

Created by local artist Matthew Grote, Sunflowers are solar powered lights on posts that look like flowers. Each flower will be unique in color and shape. Each illustration in the sunflower interior was created by ArtWorks Youth Apprentices in response to community engagement with Avondale residents. The use of solar lights speak to the future and independence. The flowers speak to growth and strength in the community The bright colors speak to the vibrant diversity and personality of the community

Project Manager/Teaching Artist: Matthew Grote

Youth Apprentices: Maeleigh Douglas, Kandace Krois