CINCINNATI — ArtWorks, an organization in Cincinnati, will hold a mural dedication next month that reflects "the resilience of the Cuban spirit, and the city's commitment to embracing its multicultural identity."
The mural called "Azucar!" was designed by renowned illustrator and artist Jorge Rodrigues Diez, and it pays tribute to the Afro-Cuban singer and pan-Latina Icon Celia Cruz, who died in 2003. ArtWorks said "Azucar!," which translates to Sugar!, was Cruz's notable exclamation that gained her title of the Queen of Latina music.
The mural features two people playing bongo drums with a deep lavender background, with details reflecting on Cuba's complex history.
The mural dedication will be held on Sunday, June 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1405 Walnut St. in the city's Over the Rhine neighborhood. The event will include salsa dancing, food, music and words from Diez as well as the apprentices who painted the mural.
The apprentices include:
- Nico Breen
- Sanada Caldwell
- Julisa Chinchilla
- Kaleah Crump
- Grey Garrison
- Isabella Hren
- Kayla Jackson
- Cora Legere
- Nyla Reed
- Teo Uribe
The mural is part of the series ArtWorks started in 2023, celebrating various cultures in the city. Other murals include the "Love Wins" mural celebrating 50 years of LGBTQ+ Pride in Cincinnati, as well as the Indian Mandala mural at Esoteric in Walnut Hills.