Community art and skating event “PaintNSkate” transforms Cincinnati’s Riverfront Rink

A unique blend of public art, community engagement, and recreation took over the Riverfront Rink at Sawyer Point in April. PaintNSkate invited residents to celebrate creativity and civic pride in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Organized by Skate Downtown Cincy in partnership with Art on the Streets, Cincinnati Parks, and national nonprofit Think Big Alliance, the event brought together artists, skaters, and community members to co-create a large-scale, interactive mural on one of the country’s most prominent outdoor skating surfaces.

Festivities began on April 19, with a public painting day where attendees of all ages were encouraged to contribute to the mural. Brushes and supplies were provided, and participants painted for a few minutes or stayed for the entire session. The celebration continued to the following weekend, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community skate party this past Saturday featuring music from DJ V Vibez.

Leading the artistic vision is Cincinnati-based artist Pam Kravetz, known for her collaborative, community-centered work. She is joined by fellow artists Rick Wolf and Matt Whitby, along with a team of assisting artists. Together, they conjured to life a design shaped directly with input from the local skating community.

“I’ve always seen myself as an artist,, and an advocate,” says Kravitz,. “and for years, I’ve dreamed of painting a roller rink. So, when I was approached with the opportunity to create something in a public space in Cincinnati, my mind immediately went to Sawyer Point and its skate rink. It’s perfect. Open, accessible, and deeply rooted in community.”

The mural spans approximately 40 by 60 feet across half of the rink, creating a vibrant and functional artwork designed for visual impact and also for movement. Painted lines guide skating patterns and accommodate activities such as roller derby and street hockey, aligning with the upcoming launch of a youth hockey initiative at the rink.

At the heart of the design is a powerful concept: celebrating everyday people. The visual theme “crowns” members of the community, highlighting the idea that civic strength and cultural identity are built from the ground up. Organizers say the project reflects years of grassroots engagement at the rink, where volunteers have played a key role in maintaining and activating the space.

PaintNSkate also aimed to redefine traditional ideas of patriotism. Rather than focusing on passive celebration, the event emphasizes participation, collaboration, and collective responsibility. Organizers point to research from Think Big Alliance suggesting that civic engagement, through activities like volunteering and creative collaboration, fosters a deeper sense of belonging and pride.

Morgan Rigaud of Skate Downtown Cincy noted that the project transforms the rink into both a canvas and a gathering place. “This project is really about the spirit of the U.S. Even beyond that, it’s about redefining patriotism through community participation. You see it right here: skaters painting alongside park workers, people coming together to literally lay down the mural as a shared act. That kind of collaboration is the artwork just as much as what ends up on the ground.”

The event highlights the broader mission of its partners. Skate Downtown Cincy focuses on activating public spaces through inclusive programming, while Cincinnati Parks continues to provide accessible green spaces for recreation and community connection. Art on the Streets brings a track record of integrating public art into neighborhood development, and Think Big Alliance contributes a national perspective on civic engagement strategies.

PaintNSkate offered a rare opportunity for Cincinnati residents to leave a lasting mark on a major public space while celebrating art, movement, and community spirit.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this event offers a local reminder that the story of America is still being written….one brushstroke, one skate, and one shared experience at a time.