Charley Harper's creative legacy recognizes a new voice at DAAPworks 2026

Few artistic voices are as deeply rooted into Cincinnati's identity as that of Charley Harper. Known for his distinctive style and ability to transform nature into unforgettable visual language, Harper's work has become part of the city's creative DNA.

Generations of Cincinnatians have grown up recognizing his birds, animals and geometric forms, making his work a lasting part of the region's cultural identity. At DAAPworks 2026, that legacy found an unexpected continuation.

As part of the Creative Impact Awards, Annete Navarro from the Charley Harper Art Studio joined industry and community partners in reviewing graduating student work across the college. Among the projects reviewed, one in particular stood out: Nature Nextdoor Burnet Woods, created by Communication Design student Megan Giese.

Focused on Burnet Woods, the historic park located directly across from the University of Cincinnati campus, the project reimagines how visitors experience and connect with local ecosystems. Through a modular environmental graphics and signage system, Nature Nextdoor encourages visitors to slow down, observe patterns in nature and discover wildlife that often goes unnoticed in everyday movement through the park.

The project blends environmental storytelling, visual systems and experiential design into a solution that feels both playful and thoughtful, creating moments of curiosity and connection between people and their surroundings.

Projects like Nature Nextdoor reflect the interdisciplinary approach that defines the Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design at DAAP. Through design thinking methods and hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to move beyond aesthetics and create solutions designed around human experiences, helping people connect more meaningfully with their environments.

For the Charley Harper Art Studio representative Annette Navarro, however, the connection to the project was never about nature alone.

"I want her to know that I thought it was stellar right away, and it had nothing to do with it being nature-inspired or related to Harper. That didn't factor into my decision at all," Navarro shared.

Drawing from more than two decades of experience working with leading advertising agencies around the world, Navarro recognized something deeper in the work.

She also reflected on identifying with the balance young creatives often navigate between imagination and precision:

"I remember what it felt like as a young artist trying to blend creativity with precision, so I was especially impressed by her work."

The moment became one of the most memorable during the DAAPworks Awards Ceremony. As Navarro spoke about the project, Giese, already emotional after receiving multiple recognitions, was visibly moved. When she came to the stage, she asked if she could give Navarro a hug.

Sometimes recognition goes beyond receiving an award. Sometimes it becomes a moment of connection, one creative voice recognizing another. And at DAAPworks 2026, a Cincinnati artistic legacy saw something special in a student standing just at the beginning of her own journey.

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Article and interview conducted and written by Carolina De Salvo.

Featured image at top from Megan Giese's project website.

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