Mural installation is underway in ATLC

Throughout September, a portion of the ATLC First Floor has been cordoned off while an art installation is underway.

The mural created by Cincinnati artist Derek Toebbe is scheduled to be finished by mid-October, and will be unveiled at a ceremony to be held before the end of Fall semester.

Work on the mural is being completed by a professional artist and two youth apprentices.

Funding for the mural comes from the Ohio Arts Council as part of the Ohio Percent for Art Program. This program was created by the Ohio Legislature in 1990 as a way to foster culture and the arts and to encourage the development of artists and craftspeople in Ohio.

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. Since the legislation went into effect, more than 160 art projects have been completed statewide.

The sculpture on Clifton Campus outside the ATLC building is a previous Ohio Percent for Art project.

The new mural is funded through a 2019 capital appropriation to the College of $4.3 million for renovations to the Main Building.

An Arts Advisory Group was formed in 2021, with faculty, staff, administrator, and student representatives. The committee discussed options, reviewed work by six different artists, and recommended installing a mural in a public area to be enjoyed by everyone who visits Clifton Campus. The recommendation was approved by the College Executive Team.

Artist Derek Toebbe was chosen for his connection to the Cincinnati area and his colorful painted mural style. Toebbe has served as a Lead Teaching Artist for ArtWorks and has created art for several local organizations and exhibitions.