Client: Woodburn Exchange

Overview

We recently finished a significant exterior mural project for Woodburn Exchange, located in East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. The mural measured 96 feet in width and 8 feet in height. It featured a map that displayed both the Cincinnati and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River. To ensure durability in varying weather conditions, we used 3/4”-thick PVC panels. Additionally, we attached 3” metal standoffs to the back side of the panels and secured them to the brick wall. It took approximately 3–4 weeks to complete the entire process of programming, cutting, painting, and mounting the object onto the wall. We made design adjustments based on the client’s needs and feedback, and the client was highly impressed with the final result.

Goals

The goals for integrating commissioned artwork into the Woodburn Exchange project were multifaceted. Firstly, one of the fundamental objectives was to celebrate the local area's cultural and geographical identity by featuring a representation of the Ohio River, highlighting its significance to both Cincinnati and Kentucky. The artwork serves not only as an aesthetic enhancement but also as an educational piece, offering viewers a visual connection to the surrounding region.

Another goal was to imbue the space with a distinct character that would resonate with the community and visitors alike. By choosing a map as the mural's subject, the artwork turns the building into a landmark, inviting engagement and promoting a sense of place.

The integration of the mural was of paramount importance to the overall design and impact of the Woodburn Exchange. It was crucial that the artwork complement the architectural elements while standing out as a focal point of the building’s exterior. Using 3/4”-thick PVC panels ensured that the mural would withstand environmental factors, preserving the integrity of the design for years to come. The 3” metal standoffs added a three-dimensional, contemporary element that brought sophistication to the installation.

Process

The collaboration process for the Woodburn Exchange mural was a comprehensive effort, involving multiple stakeholders and phases to ensure the project's success. Here's an overview of how the collaboration unfolded:

**Initial Consultation and Conceptualization:**

- Meetings with the client, Woodburn Exchange, were held to understand their vision, goals, and expectations for the mural project.
- Artists, designers, and possibly a curator or art consultant, if involved, exchanged ideas and proposed initial design concepts that embodied the essence of Cincinnati and Kentucky's connection via the Ohio River.

**Design Development:**

- Based on feedback from the initial proposals, the artists refined their designs and presented them to the client for approval.
- Specialists, such as local historians or cultural advisors, may have contributed insights to ensure that the map was not only artistically appealing but also historically accurate and culturally respectful.

**Material Selection and Technical Planning:**

- Experts were consulted to choose the appropriate materials (3/4”-thick PVC panels) for durability and maintenance considerations.
- Engineers or technicians may have been consulted during the selection of the 3” metal standoffs and the mounting system to guarantee the in