UC faculty to lead students behind the scenes for Blink 2024
DAAP offers unique fall course helping muralists for the nation’s largest public light and art event
Calling all University of Cincinnati students interested in unleashing their creativity through public art.
This fall, UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is offering an exclusive opportunity to dive into the vibrant world of murals and public art with unique course, Intro to Public Art, led by acclaimed muralist, public artist and UC Associate Professor Jenny Roesel Ustick.
This groundbreaking course promises a hands-on exploration into the creation of public art, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students from across UC’s diverse academic programs. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, urban planner, or simply passionate about community engagement, Intro to Public Art welcomes students of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Participants will not only gain insights into the behind-the-scenes work of one of the world’s most exciting light and art festivals, Blink Cincinnati, but also "learn the real-life business of mural making from start to finish while engaging with nearby communities and partners," says Ustick in a recent Instagram post.
Learn the real-life business of mural making.
Jenny Roesel Ustick
Intro to public art course student painting in class for the Sister City Mural for BLINK Cincinnati 2022. Photo/Samantha Norton.
Scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, the course will take place in and around Cincinnati and UC's campus, with live projects, studio visits, field trips and guest speakers. Students can look forward to a dynamic curriculum that includes hands-on mural creation, learning the intricacies of doodle grids, and developing proposals for future projects.
"No previous mural experience necessary," reassures Ustick, highlighting the inclusive nature of the course.
Moreover, Intro to Public Art counts towards DAAP's prestigious Graduate Certificate in Public Art and Placemaking, offering a valuable credential for students interested in the vital connection between fine art and urban planning.
"This is a rare opportunity," urges Ustick, emphasizing that the course is not regularly offered. Enrollment for Intro to Public Art is now open. Interested students are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this course. For more information and to register, visit the UC Course Catalog.
Don’t miss out on this chance to make your mark in the world of public art.
Featured image at top: Jenny Ustick's Sister City Mural for Blink Cincinnati 2022. Photo/Samantha Norton
Next Lives Here
At the University of Cincinnati, we realize the impact our teaching, research, artistry and service can have on our community and the world. So, we don’t wait for change to happen. We break boundaries, boldly imagine and create what’s Next. To us, today’s possibilities spark tomorrow’s reality. That’s why we are leading urban public universities into a new era of innovation and impact, and that's how we are defining Next for the performing and media arts.
We're about engaging people and ideas - and transforming the world.
We are UC. Welcome to what's Next.
Related Stories
News Cincinnati loved in 2025
January 2, 2026
The story of prohibition bootlegger George Remus was among WLWT's favorite segments in 2025. UC Law Professor Christopher Bryant spoke with journalist Lindsay Stone about Remus using a temporary insanity defense during a murder trial.
What to know about this year’s big tax changes
January 2, 2026
Local 12 reported that taxpayers can expect some major changes this tax season. Gary Friedhoff, adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently spoke to Local 12 about how to avoid surprises.
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.