By Julia Olson
Assistant Editor
Artworks and the Jewish Federation have partnered in the presentation of a new mural at 124 West 9th Street which celebrates Cincinnati’s Jewish history and heritage. The dedication of the mural, titled Let There Be Light, will be on Sunday, October 20, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The mural was designed by New York artist Jessica Tamar Deutsch. The work is inspired by Jewish ritual objects. It is designed to look like a tapestry or a ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract. The piece will also feature images of famous Jewish buildings in Cincinnati.
The mural was put together by a team of apprentices from ArtWorks, a local nonprofit that focuses on community-based public art and providing opportunities for local artists.
According to an article submitted to The American Israelite by Artworks, “The idea for the mural emerged during Jewish Cincinnati’s Bicentennial in 2021 and is part of ArtWorks’ Cultural Mural Series, which also includes the ‘Love Wins’ mural created in partnership with Cincinnati Pride, the Cuban cultural mural ‘Azúcar!’ in OTR, and the Indian Mandala mural in Walnut Hills.
“A team of 14 ArtWorks Apprentices and Teaching Artists Hannah Parrett, Kenton Brett, and Monte Jones have begun working on the mural and will continue through early August. The work is being painted on a special fabric, parachute cloth, which will later be adhered to the wall with industrial strength adhesive which mimics the mural being painted directly on the building. ArtWorks has successfully used this long-lasting technique many times.”
Those interested in attending must RSVP before the event. Registration information can be found on the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s website.
