New mural “commands attention” in ATLC
The new mural in the ATLC First Floor Lounge was officially dedicated during a ceremony and reception on October 21.
Artist Derrick Toebbe, who designed the mural, said the work is a “reflection on light and the meaning of existence” with a pattern inspired by his mother’s love of quilts. Toebbe also said he was happy to see “a small idea turned into a large reality.”
Graphic Design Program Chair Jason Caudill, who spoke on behalf of the Cincinnati State Arts Advisory Group that selected the art, described the mural as work that “commands attention while it invites you into the space” within the ATLC that is used by a variety of students, employees, and visitors to the College.
“The mural is in a tall space and it gives those who see it a feeling of being lifted up,” Caudill said.
President Monica Posey said she looks forward to bringing people to campus to enjoy the “amazing” work of art.
ArtWorks Cincinnati Teaching Artist Hannah Smith, who led the team that installed the mural, presented to Dr. Posey a plaque that explains the project. The plaque will be permanently placed near the mural.
Funding for the mural comes from the Ohio Arts Council as part of the Ohio Percent for Art Program, created by the Ohio Legislature in 1990 to foster culture and the arts and to encourage the development of artists and craftspeople in Ohio.
Kathy Signorino, the Percent for Art Director of the Ohio Arts Council, said the new mural “brings light and energy to the space.”
Ohio institutions and organizations that receive capital funding from the state of $4 million or more must use one percent of the allocated funds to commission and install a public art project.
Signorino said more than 200 art projects have been completed statewide since the program started. She also noted that the sculpture on the lawn outside the ATLC was one of the first Percent for Art works to be completed.
The new mural is funded through a 2019 capital appropriation to the College of $4.3 million for renovations to the Main Building.
A Cincinnati State Arts Advisory Group was formed in 2021 to discuss options. The group reviewed work by six different artists, and recommended installing a mural in a public area to be enjoyed by everyone who visits Clifton Campus.
Abby Kacen, the Creative Projects Manager for ArtWorks Cincinnati, the organization that coordinated the work, attended the dedication event along with several other ArtWorks representatives.
Members of the Cincinnati State Arts Advisory Group included Destiny Howard, Jason Caudill, Christine Barrow, Allyson Knue, and Bryan Dell. Student Talia Bailey also was a member of the Advisory Group.
