A colorful mural paying tribute to one of Cincinnati’s most colorful characters now adorns an Over-the-Rhine building housing an organization that meant so much to him. A ceremony to dedicate the new Jerry Springer mural at Tender Mercies will be held Saturday morning.
In March, ArtWorks announced it was working with Tender Mercies, a nonprofit that helps adults experiencing homelessness by providing housing and resources, on the mural memorializing late Cincinnati mayor and iconic TV talk show host Springer, who had been a generous supporter of Tender Mercies for over 25 years. The mural features a smiling Springer alongside his famous sign-off: “Take care of yourself and each other.” There is also a QR code that when scanned takes you to to a page with a short appeal from WLWT’s Courtis Fuller and the opportunity to donate to Tender Mercies.
ArtWorks says the mural reflects Springer’s support of philanthropic endeavors, including advocacy for social justice issues and support for charitable organizations. Cincinnati City Council Member Jeff Cramerding and Jene Galvin, a longtime friend of Springer, proposed the creation of a mural to honor Springer’s life in a meaningful way.
“We believe Jerry would not want simply a mural to pay homage to him, but instead he would want a mural to help him, even in death, to continue the work that was in his spirit, meaning he would want to try to help others through the mural, in this case, Tender Mercies. It all fits the theme of, ‘take care of yourself and each other,’“ Galvin said in a press release in March.
Cincinnati-based artist Brady Corcoran designed the mural. Corcoran says his aim as an artist is to create something that people can connect with, builds a memory with that place, informs on the history of an area, honors a person, starts a conversation, provides perspective and adds an attraction.
The Jerry Springer mural dedication will be held outside Tender Mercies at 24 W. 12th St. in Over-the-Rhine from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Tender Mercies CEO Russell Winters, ArtWorks CEO Colleen Houston and friends and family of Springer will be in attendance.
Learn more about Tender Mercies here.
Learn more about ArtWorks here.