PaintNSkate Mural Celebrates 'We the People' at Cincinnati Riverfront Rink
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the PaintNSkate mural initiative has turned the Cincinnati Riverfront Rink into a colorful display that embodies the theme 'In America, the people are supposed to be in charge.' Spearheaded by Art on the Streets under Margy Waller's direction and financed by Think Big Alliance, this project drew insights from Topos Partnership, which consulted with over 4,700 citizens. Lead artist Pam Kravetz, along with engagement artist Rick Wolf, worked closely with the local roller skating community to create a mural measuring 40 by 60 feet. In August 2026, more than 100 volunteers, alongside professional artists and Cincinnati Parks, painted the mural, highlighting themes of solidarity, inclusion, and civic pride.
Key facts
- The mural is located at the Cincinnati Riverfront Rink, the largest waterfront skating surface in North America.
- The project was funded by Think Big Alliance and led by Art on the Streets.
- Topos Partnership conducted research for Think Big, listening to over 4,700 Americans.
- The narrative 'In America, the people are supposed to be in charge' was central to the project.
- Lead artist Pam Kravetz and engagement artist Rick Wolf designed the mural with community input.
- Over 100 volunteers painted the mural on a single day.
- The mural covers 40 by 60 feet and includes functional elements for skating and hockey.
- All local TV stations and the local weekly magazine covered the event.
- Morgan Rigaud of Skate Downtown Cincy praised the mural as a collaborative and functional artwork.
- The project is part of celebrations leading up to the US 250th birthday in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Pam Kravetz
- Rick Wolf
- Matt Whitby
- Craig Davis
- Morgan Rigaud
Institutions
- Art on the Streets
- Think Big Alliance
- Topos Partnership
- Skate Downtown Cincy
- Cincinnati Parks
Locations
- Cincinnati
- Ohio
- United States