Walk through history (and drink some beer) on this Cincinnati mural tour

Erin Couch, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Located at 1037 E. McMillan St. in Walnut Hills, "Looking to Tomorrow" is a mural that represents the growth of the community.
Located at 1037 E. McMillan St. in Walnut Hills, "Looking to Tomorrow" is a mural that represents the growth of the community.

You've seen the giant mural of famous Cincinnatian Mr. Tarbell tipping his hat to Vine Street. The larger-than-life James Brown boogieing at Over-the-Rhine's bar district. The rendering of famed Cincinnati Zoo hippos Fiona and Bibi taking a swim.

What you may not know about Cincinnati's murals? Each one has a unique backstory about local culture and historic events that have shaped the city. ArtWorks, a nonprofit arts organization that has commissioned more than 200 of the city's murals, wants to tell those stories.

It'll host a mural tour through Walnut Hills on Saturday, starting at Esoteric Brewing, where tourgoers can enjoy a tasting of crafts beer before hitting the neighborhood to learn more.

Local artist Radha Lakshmi will then share stories behind her mandala mural design currently being created at the brewery. It is set to be finished in the spring, and Esoteric will featured it on beer cans.

A mandala design created by Cincinnati artist Radha Lakshmi will be featured on Esoteric beer cans. Lakshmi's design will also appear on a mural at the brewery.
A mandala design created by Cincinnati artist Radha Lakshmi will be featured on Esoteric beer cans. Lakshmi's design will also appear on a mural at the brewery.

Lakshmi told The Enquirer the lotus mandala design reminds her of her childhood home in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The practice of making a mandala is handed down from mother to daughter. Women would create a design each morning with rice powders, only to have the design blow away every day as an offering to Mother Earth. The lotus symbol represents sacredness, beauty and resilience.

As Esoteric's first artist in residence, she hopes to share the history behind the mandala and how it has brought her peace through hard times in her life.

"I always try to create art that is healing," Lakshmi said. "I brought that sacredness into my soul to make this beautiful work, so people can show others how to create this mandala."

The walking tour goes from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, and starts at Esoteric Brewing, 918 E. McMillan St. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.

More ArtWorks mural tour opportunities

Pendleton

  • Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Downtown

  • Saturday, Nov. 11, from 2-4 p.m.

Over-the-Rhine

  • Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, Nov. 25, from 2-4 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ArtWorks to host mural tours throughout Cincinnati