The Oak Hills High School Gallery of Honor seeks to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its alumni in the field of art and design. Nominations for induction into the Hall of Honor should meet the following criteria to demonstrate excellence in the realm of art and design:

Distinguished Creative Accomplishments
Significant Impact
Professional Standing
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Originality
Sustained Career Success
Community Engagement
Multidisciplinary Excellence
Exemplification of Oak Hills High School Values

Amy graduated from Oak Hills High School in 2006, already demonstrating the curiosity, dedication, and creative spirit that would define her path. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture, Cum Laude, from the Art Academy of Cincinnati and furthered her studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art. These experiences laid the groundwork for a career that blends artistic practice, leadership, and community engagement.

Amy’s career has been deeply connected to the Cincinnati arts community. For nearly a decade, she worked at ArtWorks Cincinnati, eventually serving as Director of Artist Impact. In that role, she designed and led programs that provided hundreds of young artists with meaningful creative employment and professional development. Through youth workforce initiatives and career-readiness programs, she helped emerging creatives gain not only technical skills, but also confidence and a pathway into the arts.

Her leadership was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many organizations struggled to continue operating, Amy redesigned workflows, digitized systems, and introduced new technologies that allowed ArtWorks to maintain and even expand opportunities for artists. During this time, the organization employed nearly 230 youth and artists annually, the largest cohorts in its history.

Amy also helped shape some of ArtWorks’ most influential programs. She contributed to the development of Creative Studios, a year-long workforce program that gives young artists experience in both creative production and professional project management. She also helped design the JumpStart initiative, which funds community-based projects that address civic and social challenges, positioning artists as active contributors to community well-being. Alongside her leadership in arts programming, Amy maintains an active creative practice. Her work has been exhibited at venues including the Dayton Art Institute and Semantics Gallery, and in 2015 she received a People’s Liberty Project Grant for PLOP!, a project she continues to develop today. She is also the co-founder of Pull Club Studio, a collaborative, women-centered design and printmaking studio that celebrates creativity, experimentation, and empowerment.

Amy’s work frequently crosses creative disciplines. Through projects such as Live(In) Gallery and the Important People reading series, she has helped create platforms for artists and voices that are often underrepresented. These initiatives reflect her belief that art can build inclusive spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected. More recently, Amy has applied her design thinking and organizational leadership to La Soupe, helping coordinate food rescue and equitable distribution throughout the city. It is another example of how her creative problem-solving skills translate into meaningful social impact.

Her dedication to community extends through volunteer leadership as well. As a longtime workshop facilitator with Girls Rock Cincinnati, Amy has helped young people find confidence and creative voice through music. As former President of the Art Academy of Cincinnati Alumni Association, she strengthened connections among graduates and supported emerging artists as they begin their careers.

Amy Scarpello’s career reflects creative excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to others. She has influenced the field through program development, mentorship, and collaboration across sculpture, printmaking, education, and community initiatives. Those who work with her often speak of her warmth, humor, and ability to bring people together—qualities that foster welcoming spaces where creativity can thrive. In every sense, Amy embodies the values of Oak Hills High School: creativity, leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning and service.

Nearly two decades after graduating from Oak Hills, Amy continues to shape the cultural and civic life of the Cincinnati community. Her career demonstrates what is possible when talent is paired with purpose and generosity.