Doing a Little Window Popping! Artist Adding Whimsy All Over Fort Thomas

By Mary Casey-Sturk

In 2024, we introduced our readers to mural artist Diana “Dee” Cendales. You may have seen her work inside area businesses including Blue Marble Books, Tickle Pickle or Highland Square Café. As a long-time resident of Campbell County, this Fort Thomas-based talent has brought smiles to many faces as we shop and dine.

This past winter, Cendales started working with even more area businesses to add a touch of whimsy to shop front windows. Christmas, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Days and the much-needed welcoming of springtime have been celebrated with fun and creative designs that pop with color!

Growing up in an artistic home, Cendales’ murals, jewelry and other artworks have been enjoyed by residents and businesses for years. With the addition of windows to her repertoire, walkers and drivers have had a chance to spy trains, Snoopy, owls, flowers and more.

Businesses that showcased her art included Southgate’s Bubbles and Suds. This dog groomer chose Snoopy (and his pal, Woodstock) to brighten their windows for Christmas, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Days and a fun spring theme. The spirit of holidays was also embraced at The Post and Fort Thomas Pizza & Tavern. The real estate office of Warden & Associates featured a train during Christmas, a nod to their popular annual train display.  Blue Marble Books, Midway Café and others featured themed windows, and the Hidden Chapter Bookstore and Café went with a Harry Potter theme, complete with Hedwig the owl. 

As Cendales shared previously, she likes to keep her murals bright and bold, happy and uplifting. “I love taking jobs that bring out the kid in me. It’s a good thing.” Adding, “the murals to me are fun and bring the community together, it’s my essential goal, to bring families together.” True of her murals and her windows.

FTL asked Cendales what prompted her to reach out to businesses with this fun concept?

“When I first reached out to neighborhood businesses, I thought it would be fun for the holidays and for the whole neighborhood, especially the kids.  My daughter especially enjoys seeing all the window art.” Stated Cendales. 

FTL: How is painting windows different from murals?

Cendales shares, “Painting murals and windows are very much the same.” Adding, “It dawned on me that window surfaces could be used for art display. I really liked the concept because it wasn’t permanent and I could personalize each window painting to fit the different businesses’ personality and style. Obviously, my medium is temporary paints, I use all sorts of paints, whether it be latex based, acrylic, and others. The greatest challenge during the winter months was not letting my paint freeze, lol. I like the outdoors, so I didn’t mind the cold much. Unlike permanent works, windows can be changed easily, which I like to do.”

FTL: Will Cendales continue this into the future?

“Yes, art is as much therapy for the community as it is for the artist.” Cendales shares enthusiastically, “I love being able to create beautiful scenes for the community.  I especially love working with different business owners. This community has exceptional people, whether it was working with Lea and Raymond doing the Grinch at the Tickle Pickle, or doing Buddy the Elf with Staci and Erika at Midway Cafe or doing garlands with Lindsey and her beautiful family at The Post, or Max from Where the Wild Things Are with Caroline at the Blue Marble. One of my personal favorites was working with Dave on Hogwarts Castle at Hidden Chapter and creating the Nightmare Before Christmas scene with Jack Skelington, at The Barbershop Near Me, as well as many more I have yet to mention. I didn’t expect it to go into the new year, but I enjoyed painting Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day themes.  I was also glad to participate in the Bengal’s Jim ‘s Before the Roar Tailgating Experience, painting the tiger at Midway Cafe, and I love curating the Snoopy scene at Bubble and Suds for each holiday season.  I haven’t reached out to every business in the area, so I also look forward to facilitating new partnerships in the near future!”

Beyond murals, Cendales keeps busy, “I recently completed a blackboard chalk piece with Lauren, at Taste Cellar and Pantry. I’ll be at Flea on Fort, in August. I will also be participating in art shows out of town, in Hamilton, Ohio, for the Art Attack event, at the Artspace Gallery and I’ve been hosting Paint and Sips at The Post for the whole family, it has sold out almost every month. I love to keep myself busy, and the season is just beginning. I look forward to doing more community-based projects.” Cendales thoughtfully adds, “I just want to add that it takes a village. I urge you to support your local businesses, however great or small. Your support ensures they will be here for many years to come. Each deserves recognition. It is truly magical when you see your neighborhood flourish and support each other.  It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the Fort Thomas neighborhoods and surrounding neighborhoods.” 

To learn more about Cendales’ work, visit her Facebook page Cendales Mural Art.