Local Artist and Teens Create Mural for Contemporary Arts Center

ArtWorks to Unveil 'Story Tree' at Contemporary Arts Center

CINCINNATI—ArtWorks and the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) are proud to announce Story Tree, ArtWorks' newest installation created for the CAC's UnMuseum this year. Story Tree is a multi-dimensional wall mural with paneled boxes illustrating classic folk stories from around the world. The project, conceived and led by Cincinnati-based artist Natsuko Dyer, will be executed with a team of 4 student Apprentices employed in ArtWorks' After-School Program.

Story Tree will be unveiled to the public during the CAC's Family Saturday Celebration on May 28, 1- 4pm. Apprentices and lead artist Dyer will make a brief presentation, and will be available to speak with visitors. Refreshments will be provided by Take the Cake. Admission for the event is free with CAC museum admission: Adults: $7.50, Seniors (65+): $6.50, Students w/ID: $5.50, Children (3-13): $4.50, and Members and Children under 3: FREE.

Story Tree features classic children‟s tales from many different countries including The Emperor's New Clothes, Hansel and Gretel and The Boy Who Stole Fire. The stories were selected by ArtWorks Apprentices, ages 14-19, students at School of the Performing Arts, St. Xavier and Oak Hills High School. The team worked on weekends during March, April and May to complete the project.

“The Contemporary Arts Center takes great pride in supporting the development of emerging artists. This is not only evident in our exhibitions, but extends to nurturing young talent locally as well. We look forward each and every year to the amazing installations the ArtWorks team creates for our visitors, and we believe in shining a spotlight on them,” says Raphaela Platow, the CAC's Alice & Harris Weston Director & Chief Curator.

Story Tree will be on exhibit beginning May 28th in the UnMuseum—the CAC's family-friendly gallery of interactive art designed to offer visitors of all ages an enjoyable experience with the most innovative art of our time. The UnMuseum is located on the 6th floor of the Contemporary Arts Center. CAC hours are Monday 10am-9pm (free admission after 5pm), Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm.

About ArtWorks: Founded in 1996, ArtWorks is a non-profit arts organization that connects artists of all ages with opportunities in the arts through inspiring apprenticeships, community partnerships, and public art. ArtWorks hires teen and professional artists to make innovative public art to enrich the Greater Cincinnati community. To date, ArtWorks Program has provided job opportunities for more than 2,200 teen Apprentice Artists and 440 professional artists. ArtWorks receives ongoing support from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. /U.S. Bank Foundation, City of Cincinnati, ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more, visit ArtWorksCincinnati.org.

About the Contemporary Arts Center: Founded in November 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary women in Cincinnati, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the U.S. dedicated to exhibiting the art of our time. In May 2003, the CAC relocated to its first free-standing home, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, designed by Zaha Hadid. Throughout its distinguished history, the CAC has earned a reputation for stimulating thought and introducing new ideas by presenting the work of diverse artists from around the world, including hundreds of now-famous artists such as Laurie Anderson, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Nam June Paik, I.M. Pei, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. The CAC focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media, presenting six to 12 exhibitions and over 20 performances annually. The CAC receives ongoing support from: ArtsWave; Ohio Arts Council; The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, City of Cincinnati Arts Grant Recipient; The National Endowment for the Arts; the generous contributions and grants of individuals, corporations and other foundations; CAC memberships, facility rentals, special events and sales from the CAC Store. For more information, visit contemporaryartscenter.org