Art installations are typically large-scale constructions made of various media, such as murals or a sculpture park. They serve as a unique form of public art designed for a particular place. Read on to learn where to find art installations in West Chester so you and your family can get out and enjoy the art around you.

Just Add Water

Chalk by John Morgan is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Just Add Water, found at varying sites around Butler County, is sidewalk art with a twist — they’re only visible when wet. These murals were painted with water-reactive hydrophobic paint, making them surprising, delightful, and fun to hunt for throughout the city. If you’d like to discover the sidewalk art that comes to life with water, check out their website for specific locations.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton, features an outdoor sculpture garden with an array of contemporary sculptures. Pyramid Hill also currently features an indoor installation called Coral Beliefs, an immersive exhibit created by Jill Krutick, which surrounds visitors with stunning colors and textures drawn from the world’s fragile and remote coral reefs. Krutick was inspired to create this 84.5-foot collection of mixed media work of art that combines energetic splashes with radiant amoebas to transport the viewer into the vibrant coral reef biosphere through her scuba diving experiences.

Miami University’s Sculpture Garden

To take a scenic stroll through a sculpture garden, visit the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum at 801 S. Patterson Ave. in Oxford. This public sculpture collection is located on the museum grounds and draws upon many 20th-century art movements. The pieces explore materials, geometry, and expressionism. Admission to the museum and grounds is free, and Miami University’s Sculpture Garden is open all year round.

Wings of Hope at the Fitton Center

Wings of Hope at the Fitton Center is a collaborative community mosaic mural featuring artistic depictions of butterflies. This uplifting piece was created by 392 artists from around the world, ranging in age from 2 to 92 years old. The mural features 1,026 mosaic butterflies. Lori Kay Farr designed the mural to unite the community, but what started as a local project turned international. The inspiration behind the mural was the butterflies’ representation of change and transformation and their association with peace, hope, and joy. The mosaic is free to view at 101 S. Monument Ave. in Hamilton.

StreetSpark Murals

StreetSpark is a collection of murals on buildings, walls, and utility boxes throughout Hamilton that encompasses 17 murals and 14 painted utility boxes. A call goes out to artists each year to add more murals. The mission of StreetSpark is to engage the local community and visitors with high-quality art and lend visual appeal to the landscape, beautifying the city. These pieces can be viewed for free around the city, and the locations of the murals are listed on the StreetSpark website.

The Fringe Coffee House

Step into a vibrant art world at The Fringe Coffee House at 604 High St. in Hamilton. This cool coffee shop serves up more than just a good brew, offering music therapy and bringing local street art indoors. It features art with bright colors to uplift the spirits and provide a safe space for all to feel welcome.

The Fringe Coffee House aims to bring hope to the local community and visitors and help the community holistically by hiring people re-entering society post-incarceration, offering second chances to those rebuilding their lives. The Fringe Coffee House even has a podcast available for your entertainment. You can visit the lovely people at Fringe Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sculptures Around Fairfield

You can view a series of 12 beautiful bronze sculptures throughout Fairfield, each with a unique story. Many of these can be found within Town Center and Village Green Park. This area is a hub for the city’s creativity, with a community arts center and a park that hosts a summer series of theatrical performances and musical events. This collection of sculptures began in 2002, and the city has gradually added pieces over time. Stop by and see the sculptures around Fairfield anytime for free.

The Strauss Market Murals

Created by 10 different artists, The Strauss Market Murals are located in and around the parking garage at Market Street in Hamilton. In a nod to the beautiful sunsets that grace the city of Hamilton, all the works of art were painted in the color Obstinate Orange. While each mural stands alone, viewed from left to right, they tell a story together.

Cincinnati Public Art 

Around a half-hour away from West Chester, you’ll find a world of public art in Cincinnati. There are many murals to view throughout the city, along with a series of site-specific sculptures in the historic Pendleton neighborhood called The Pendleton Spinnradl. You’ll also find a series of artistic sculptural, but still functional, bike racks throughout the city. You can visit the Gallery at Gumbo as well, a series of artworks displayed at the Gumbo barbershop, located at 1300 Main St. in Cincinnati. Stop by for a haircut and view some art at the same time.

The Duke Energy Convention Center, located at 525 Elm St. in Cincinnati, is home to Kaleidoscope, a glass installation of butterflies that fill the air at the café and atrium. This piece was designed by Brazee Glass Design, who helped supervise and guide the ArtWorks youth apprentices in bringing the creation to fruition. There are also multiple museums and art galleries in the area, including the Cincinnati Museum Center and 1305 Gallery, if you want to step inside to see more artwork.

The Crème de la Crème of West Chester staff sees the value of public art for the community, including the joy it brings to art lovers of all ages. We are blessed to have so many art installations in the West Chester area. Take the time to get out and explore the art around you with your family. It’s never too early to introduce your child to the wonders of art.