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Frank Herrmann's Landmark Mural and Scholarship
For more than forty years, Frank Herrmann shaped Cincinnati's creative community as an acclaimed painter, Professor Emeritus at the University of Cincinnati DAAP, mentor, and longtime Northside resident.
His artwork is found in collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Yet his greatest influence may have been felt in the classroom and studio, where he challenged students to think critically, work tirelessly, and pursue artistic excellence.
This fall, Cincinnati will celebrate the life and legacy of one of the region's most influential artists and educators through the unveiling of the Frank Herrmann Legacy Mural, a landmark public artwork wrapping all four sides of his longtime Northside studio and the establishment of the Frank Herrmann Scholarship Endowment at UC DAAP
What began as a collaboration with Frank himself has become something even more meaningful. Following his passing on August 30, 2026, the mural now stands as both a tribute to his extraordinary life and a lasting reminder of the values he championed: artistic excellence, mentorship, curiosity, and generosity.
"Frank Herrmann helped define Cincinnati's cultural landscape as both an internationally respected artist and one of the most influential educators our region has ever known. His passing is a profound loss. I am deeply grateful that we had the opportunity to work with Frank on this mural, one of the last significant painting projects of his lifetime. Through this mural and the Frank Herrmann Scholarship for students attending the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program we are carrying forward his extraordinary artistic legacy and lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists." - Colleen Houston, Chief Executive Officer + Artistic Director, 1001 Colors
The mural project was developed with Frank before his passing and draws from imagery, forms, and visual language found throughout his body of work. It transforms decades of artistic exploration into a public experience that can be encountered every day by neighbors, visitors, students, and future artists.
Realized through 1001 Colors' Youth Apprentice Program, the project brought together professional teaching artists and youth apprentices in a collaboration that reflects the very spirit of Frank's career: artists learning from one another across generations.
One of the most powerful aspects of this project is who painted it.
Throughout the summer, youth apprentices worked alongside professional artists to bring Frank's vision to life. Through thousands of hours of design, preparation, painting, and collaboration, these emerging artists gained real-world experience while contributing to an important piece of Cincinnati's cultural landscape.
For many apprentices, the project offered a direct connection to an artist whose influence they may never have experienced in a classroom, but whose impact they can now see, study, and share with others.
Help Carry Frank Herrmann's Legacy Forward
While the mural makes Frank's legacy visible in the community, the Frank Herrmann Scholarship ensures his impact continues in the classroom.
Created in partnership with the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), the scholarship will support future generations of students pursuing creative careers.
As a professor and Painting Area Coordinator, Frank spent decades helping students discover their own artistic voices. The scholarship extends that commitment by investing directly in emerging artists.
Every gift made toward this campaign helps create opportunities for future students while honoring a teacher who dedicated his life to helping others succeed.