In the heart of Hamilton, Ohio, a vibrant initiative aims to transform the streets and walls into a dynamic gallery of public art. Thanks to a program called StreetSpark, the once-muted walls of downtown Hamilton now burst with color, creativity, and community pride.
Founded in 2016 by East graduate Jennifer Acus-Smith, StreetSpark began as a vision to revitalize Hamilton through the arts by collaborating with local artists and business owners to create vibrant murals and utility boxes that tell the story of the City’s heritage, aspirations, and the diverse voices within its community.
“StreetSpark started as part of the City of Hamilton Art Strategy Team, and we decided that murals and public art is what we should focus on,” Acus-Smith told Spark. “We wanted to be able to give jobs to artists in the area, so we started there and it just kept growing and growing.”
She also said that the program operates with a clear mission: to use public art as a catalyst for economic and social change.
“As you walk down the streets, it’s the diversity that captivates you,” Acus-Smith said. “The diversity of showing lots of different viewpoints, lots of different artists’ perspectives, and I think that’s the beauty of it.”
Through a careful selection process, artists from across the region submit their mural designs, each one aiming to add to the artistry of the city. A panel of judges, including local officials, art educators, and community leaders, select the most compelling designs to be brought to life on the city’s buildings.
“We have a selection committee, and it’s community member based. So the building owner gets to be on the committee, there’s people like the funders, City of Hamilton and Hamilton Community Foundation,” Acus-Smith said. “We appoint other artists to be on there and business leaders from different organizations. So it’s kind of like all these groups coming together to make these decisions about what’s going to go up.”
But what sets StreetSpark apart is its community-centered approach. Local artist and muralist Nicole Trimble has painted multiple murals for StreetSpark and she explained that residents are encouraged to participate in every step of the process, from brainstorming sessions to painting the murals themselves. This collaborative spirit ensures that each piece of art reflects the collective identity of Hamilton, making the city a canvas for its people’s dreams and stories.
“Jen, who manages StreetSpark, will always have a dedication event once the murals are done,” Trimble told Spark. “So it’s like a time for the artists to come and talk and explain their process and officially dedicate it to the city. And those are always full of people; people come on their random Thursday night because they want to hear the artists talk about whatever artwork is going up.”
Trimble said that StreetSpark’s impact on Hamilton has been nothing short of transformative. The murals have turned the city into an outdoor gallery, attracting visitors, art enthusiasts, and even new businesses. What was once a struggling downtown area is now a vibrant hub of activity, with people flocking to see the latest mural, snap photos, and explore local shops and cafes.
“The reaction is overwhelmingly positive. I feel like I see that every time I’m working on a large public project people are motivated to come talk to you and comment on it, and I very rarely have that happen in public otherwise,” said Trimble. “So I think it promotes a little bit of conversation and interest there, and I think people become kind of proud of the art that’s in their neighborhood.”
According to Hamilton residents, StreetSpark has rekindled a sense of pride in their hometown.
“When I left Hamilton after high school in 1983 it was, in my opinion, very depressed and gray,” said resident Julieanne Fischer. “The river was polluted, and there was an acid smell in the air because of the paper companies and I vowed I would never return. So there is a huge difference in the town since I first lived here. The public art does punctuate the breezy energetic feeling that I think Hamilton now has.”
The success of StreetSpark has inspired other initiatives across Hamilton, showing how art can be a powerful tool for community development. The murals have sparked conversations about the city’s history, its challenges, and its potential. They have become gathering points for events, from mural tours to festivals, further embedding art into the fabric of the community.
“We’ve really seen how [public art] does have a major impact with people; not only giving jobs, but your day to day experience in Hamilton. We’ve really been working hard to really beautify the area and change the perception of Hamilton, and I think having a lot of this public art has really helped,” Acus-Smith told Spark. “People will come from all kinds of outside areas, do the mural tour, and then realize that this isn’t what they thought of Hamilton.”
Moreover, the program has had a ripple effect on the city’s economy. Local businesses like True West Coffee, Neal’s Famous BBQ, and Sarah’s house have reported increased foot traffic, and new enterprises have opened their doors, drawn by the city’s revitalized image. Hamilton is no longer a place to just pass through—it’s a destination. “Since the StreetSpark murals started popping up, I’ve noticed more customers in my shop,” local business owner Tom Jenkins told Spark.
“Visitors come for the art and end up staying to explore the local businesses. It’s been a real boost for the entire downtown area, and I’m thrilled to see how much people are enjoying what Hamilton has to offer.”
Longtime resident James Carter said that in Hamilton, the streets have truly come alive, and the murals make living in Hamilton joyful and exciting.
“Hamilton has always been a great place to live, but the StreetSpark murals have added a new layer of charm to our city,” Carter told Spark. “It’s amazing how art can transform a place, making it feel more welcoming and alive. I look forward to seeing what new murals will pop up next.”
According to Acus-Smith, the program shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are already underway for new murals, each one promising to add another layer to Hamilton’s evolving story. The program’s organizers are also exploring ways to expand its reach, including educational workshops and partnerships with schools to nurture the next generation of artists.
“It’s like a little bright spot in the sea of the Midwest,” said Trimble.
