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Inside the Heilbrun & Leahr Mural: How 1001 Colors Is Transforming History Into Public Art
Across Cincinnati, public art has transformed ordinary spaces into places of reflection, discovery, and connection. The Heilbrun & Leahr Mural, a major new public artwork coming to downtown Cincinnati, is carrying forward that tradition by preserving one of Ohio’s most remarkable stories through large-scale art.
Created by 1001 Colors and designed by internationally acclaimed artist Conrad Egyir, the mural honors the extraordinary legacy of Cincinnati veterans John Leahr and Herb Heilbrun, whose lives were connected through childhood, military service, and a friendship that became an example of understanding across generations.
While the story behind the mural is rooted in World War II history, the artwork itself is about something timeless: courage, perseverance, connection, and the power of shared humanity.
Now, the mural is moving from concept to reality as the design is transformed into a monumental work of public art by the talented young artists participating in the 1001 Colors Summer Youth Apprentice program.
When developing the mural, Conrad Egyir approached the project with the goal of creating an artwork that felt both significant and personal.
"I wanted the mural to feel monumental yet personal, so the figures carry both historical weight and warmth," said Egyir. "The visual language blends portraiture, aviation, memory, and symbolism to honor their service while highlighting their bond."
The design brings together the many layers of the Heilbrun and Leahr story. The portraits of the two pilots serve as the focal point, while aviation imagery and historical references connect their military experiences with their shared Cincinnati roots.
Rather than presenting history as something distant, the mural invites viewers into a human story.
"Rather than presenting history as distant, I approached the mural as a living civic image that invites viewers into a shared American story," Egyir shared.
That approach reflects the power of public art at its best. A mural does not require a museum ticket or a history book to create an encounter. It meets people where they are, inviting conversation and curiosity every day.
"Public art can place overlooked stories into the daily life of a city, where people of all generations can encounter them," said Egyir. "A mural can serve as a civic classroom, a monument, and an invitation to remember differently."
The creation of the Heilbrun & Leahr Mural is also a story about the future.
Through 1001 Colors’ Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program, young artists are working alongside professional muralists to help translate Egyir’s design from concept into a finished public artwork.
Behind the scenes, apprentices are carefully applying layers of color, refining details, and learning the technical and professional skills required to create large-scale murals. Working across expansive panels, they are gaining firsthand experience in public art production while contributing to a project that will become part of Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.
These young artists are not simply learning how to paint a mural. They are learning how art can preserve history, strengthen neighborhoods, and create meaningful opportunities.
They are becoming part of the story.
For three decades, 1001 Colors has used public art as a pathway for young people to develop skills, build confidence, and pursue creative careers. The Heilbrun & Leahr Mural continues that mission by connecting emerging artists with a historic Cincinnati story that deserves to be remembered.
When completed in Fall 2026, the Heilbrun & Leahr Mural will become a permanent addition to Cincinnati’s public art landscape at 126 W. 6th Street in the downtown Cincinnati Convention Center District.
The location adds another meaningful connection to the project. After years of searching for the right site, the mural found a home just blocks from where John Leahr and Herb Heilbrun first met after their World War II service.
The artwork will serve as a visual reminder that history is not only found in archives. It exists in the communities where people live, work, and gather.
By bringing this story into public view, the mural will help residents and visitors discover a significant chapter of Cincinnati and Ohio history.
A Community Effort Making the Mural Possible
Projects of this scale are only possible because of a community that believes stories matter.
The Heilbrun & Leahr Mural is becoming a reality thanks to generous support from from America 250-Ohio, Kim & Mike Hoeting, GE Aerospace, Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council.
Their investment is helping preserve an important Cincinnati story while creating paid artistic opportunities for young people who are helping bring this project to life.
We are deeply grateful to these supporters for recognizing the importance of honoring John Leahr and Herb Heilbrun through public art.
The transformation from design to finished mural is underway, but there is still work to be done.
A remaining funding gap must be closed to complete the artwork, support educational opportunities connected to the project, and continue providing youth apprentices with meaningful creative employment.
Your support will help ensure that this important piece of Cincinnati history has a permanent place in the city’s landscape.
It will help future generations encounter a story of service, perseverance, friendship, and connection.