CINCINNATI, Ohio – If you drive or walk through downtown Cincinnati it's hard not to miss giant murals.

Most are the creation of ArtWorks Cincinnati, a non-profit focused on creativity to transform people and places.

Since 1996, they've hired 3,300 youth and 2,900 professional artists to create more than 12,000 public and private art projects in the Cincinnati area. Youth aged 14-21 work side-by-side with artists to learn about art, from coloring and shading to stenciling and gridding.

“They [youth] work under a professional artist in the traditional apprenticeship model to complete larger than life murals throughout Cincinnati,” said Catherine Eifrig, ArtWorks spokeswoman.

Downtown Cincinnati is home to more than 50 of ArtWorks' projects. The latest mural was just unveiled at the Ziegler Park pool in Over the Rhine.

Andrew Neyer is a father of four and his family used to live in an apartment next to the pool. The mural is his second with ArtWorks and he thinks the projects around Cincinnati are starting to become some of the Queen City's culture.

“Especially using local artist to do the public art,” Neyer said. “I think there's something to be said about that. It pairs really well and its kind of a good reflection of Cincinnati's style and everything.”

The mission at ArtWorks is supported by various southwest Ohio partners. Donations are always welcome to help support youth jobs and other transformational activities. ArtWorks isn't just about murals, they also create sculptures and park benches.

ArtWorks is always looking for mural sponsors.

Private tours of its murals also provides a revenue source for the non-profit. There is a map on the group's website for those who would like to take a self-guided tour.

ArtWorks also has a book called Transforming Cincinnati and is available for purchase online and at several Cincinnati-area retailers.