Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center Mural

Project Overview

This large-scale mural at the Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center celebrates imagination, community, and the power of youth to shape the cities they live in. Designed as a vibrant, immersive landscape, the piece blends recognizable Cincinnati landmarks with playful, oversized children who appear to interact directly with the city itself.

The mural invites viewers—locals and visitors alike—to see Cincinnati through a lens of possibility, creativity, and future-building.

Concept & Background

At the heart of the mural is the idea that our environments are shaped by the dreams and curiosity of the next generation. The children featured throughout the piece are intentionally larger than the cityscape, symbolizing their influence, potential, and ability to reimagine the world around them.

By incorporating iconic Cincinnati architecture, bridges, neighborhoods, and cultural references, the mural creates a sense of place while remaining accessible and inspiring to audiences of all ages. The bright colors, clean linework, and illustrative style reflect my ongoing practice of blending realism with cartoon elements to tell meaningful visual stories.

Collaboration

This project was a true collaborative effort between myself and Black Art Speaks, an organization dedicated to amplifying Black artists and creative voices within the community. From concept development to execution, collaboration played a key role in bringing this mural to life at such a large scale.

Working together allowed us to combine artistic vision, technical skill, and shared values around representation, storytelling, and community impact. Projects of this magnitude are never the work of one person alone, and this mural stands as a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork and collective creativity.

Impact

Installed in a highly trafficked public space, the mural serves as both a visual landmark and a welcoming statement for the city. It reflects Cincinnati’s commitment to art, culture, and inclusion while inspiring viewers to reconnect with imagination and possibility.