Ohio is home, but what is home? What is our relationship to place? How does place and home impact our lives? How do our lives impact place and home?

In partnership with the Ohio Art Council, the Art Academy of Cincinnati is hosting a new visual art exhibition this winter called, The Ohio Site Map Project. The purpose of the exhibition is to feature custom artwork made from K-12 students and teachers across Hamilton County to express their ideas, notions, and representations of home and place in Ohio. This collaborative exhibition will prioritize perspectives and compositions of youth in our community to elevate their values of home and place. Maps for this project will vary from realistic, surreal or anything in-between, all focused on what students see, think, and interpret about their experiences of home and place in Ohio.

Art has the power to bridge history, culture, and imagination. OHHS National Art Honor Society students Molly Audretch and Annie Riley, alongside Ms. Schorsch, embarked on a creative journey to produce an artwork that pays homage to the vibrant and multifaceted identity of Cincinnati.

The Foundation: Researching Cincinnati’s Roots
The project began with a deep dive into Cincinnati’s historical maps. These maps provided more than geographical information—they served as a visual narrative of the city’s evolution over time. By studying these maps, Molly and Annie gained insights into the foundations of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, the development of its infrastructure, and the changing patterns of its cultural and economic hubs. This research informed the overall composition of the artwork, grounding it in a sense of place and time.

Collaging “A Changing City”
Building on this historical framework, the students incorporated collaged images from “A Changing City,” a cartoon book created for peace and justice as part of SOS ART. This piece served as a reflection of the city’s adaptability and resilience, themes that resonate deeply with Cincinnati’s history. The integration of these images added layers of meaning to the artwork, linking the past and present while honoring the creative initiatives that seek to make art a force for positive change.

Inspired by Murals: Cincinnati’s Outdoor Gallery
Cincinnati’s downtown murals, iconic for their vibrancy and storytelling, became another element of inspiration. The students drew on the colors, styles, and narratives of these murals to weave the city’s artistic energy into their piece. These elements not only celebrated the city’s thriving public art scene but also connected the collaborative artwork to a larger conversation about the role of art in urban spaces.

The Flying Pigs: A Symbol of Whimsy and Resilience
No celebration of Cincinnati would be complete without a nod to its most whimsical and beloved icon—the flying pig. Representing the city’s humor, resilience, and nod to its industrial past, the flying pigs were seamlessly integrated into the artwork. These elements brought a playful yet meaningful layer to the composition, reminding viewers of Cincinnati’s unique character and enduring spirit.

The final piece stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of Molly, Annie, and Ms. Schorsch. By blending historical research, artistic inspiration, and community-centered themes, the artwork reflects Cincinnati’s rich heritage and dynamic future. It is not just a visual representation of iconic landmarks and symbols but also a narrative of a city that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire. This Ohio Site Map Project highlights the power of art education and community engagement, showcasing how young artists can honor the past while creating something that resonates with the present and inspires the future..

Join the Art Academy of Cincinnati and our partners in celebrating the completion of The Ohio Site Map Project for the exhibition opening reception:
Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 5p-8p
SITE1212, Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Light refreshments provided
Exhibition will be on view through Thursday, December 12, 2024
Gallery Hours: 9am-9pm