Convention center re-do to reveal hidden Harper mural

Charley Harper's art can be seen at the Cincinnati Museum Center, in Lumenocity lights and even on the wall of Cincinnati's federal courthouse.

But, there's another public place to see his work – the Duke Energy Convention Center. It just hasn't been possible since 1987. That's when Harper's "Space Walk" mural was covered with drywall because, well, it didn't go with the decor and Harper wasn't the nationally known artist he is today.

Now, as part of a $5 million convention center upgrade, the mural, estimated to be worth $1 million and is in good condition, will be uncovered and restored.

"This is a dream come true," said Charley Harper's son, Brett Harper, who owns the Charley Harper Art Studio online."My late father loved this city and it seems that Cincinnati loved him. He would have been brought to tears to see his mural see the light of day once more."

Brett Harper remembers seeing it when he was 15; he can't remember his father ever expressing disappointment that it was hidden away.

Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach has pushed for the mural to be uncovered since last year when David Smith, of cf3 (Cincinnati Form Follows Function), a group devoted to the awareness, preservation and education of modern design, asked Seelbach to help uncover the mural.

Seelbach found a lot of work had already been done and realized the renovation was the perfect time to do it.

"The fact we have this mural, which is very different than the rest of his work and can be open to the millions who will go to the convention center makes this a very worthwhile investment," Seelbach said. "The growing popularity of his art, combined with the prominent display at Lumenocity, makes this a national progression of bringing his art back into the public life."

The Enquirer, along with Seelbach, got an up close look at the mural Monday through a hole that has been sawed in the wall. As a maintenance worker shined a flashlight into the dark cavern between wall and mural, pink and orange and black ceramic tiles gleamed.

But, why not until now? That answer: "Money," the councilman said.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, City Council, Hamilton County Commissioners and the Convention Facilities Authority, which runs the convention center, have already approved the improvement plan.

The Convention Facilities Authority is redoing its bonds at a lower interest rate, during which the facilities authority will borrow $5 million more for the upgrades. They'll use that money for the upgrades.

"It is critical the convention center remains in good shape and continues to be an asset for Greater Cincinnati," said Scott Stiles, interim City Manager.

The total cost to uncover the mural: $195,000.

The plan also includes adding an outdoor deck to the grand ballroom. Other fixes are more basic, but still necessary: restrooms will be remodeled and added; the cafe will be overhauled and the "obsolete" security system will be upgraded.

The single biggest ticket item: Replacement of four escalators, which will cost almost $1.6 million.

About Space Walk

The ceramic tile mural, titled Space Walk, was installed in 1970 when the convention center was built. Harper designed it – using graph paper to map out individual ceramic tiles – specifically for the convention center. It is one of the only non-representational images Harper created.

About Charley Harper

Charley Harper is a nationally known artist, famous for his minimalist wildlife paintings, prints and posters. He died in 2007 at age 84. He lived in Finneytown.

He created three ceramic tile murals:

• 1964: Tree of Life, which can still be seen at the Peck Federal Building Downtown

• 1970: Space Walk

• 1986: Web of Life, which is in Miami University's Pearson Hall

Source: Enquirer research