Cincinnati Art Museum Hosts Exhibit Featuring Artists with Disabilities

An annual exhibition hosted at various venues throughout Ohio is coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum for the first time. Accessible Expressions Ohio is a traveling collection of art made by artists who identify as having a disability. Out of 165 state-wide submissions, a panel of artists, educators and arts administrators chose a select bunch of Ohio artists to exhibit.

Accessible Expressions Ohio opens March 29 and runs through May 12. This year’s themes are self care and mental health and the pieces represent both 2D and 3D work. The exhibition is organized by Art Possible Ohio, an organization that bridges the arts and disability and advocates for inclusivity and accessibility

A preview of work included in Accessible Expressions reveals a range of talent and mediums. Emerging artist Stephanie Hinders of Powell, Ohio delivered a charcoal piece called “Get Out.” The work is a realistic scene of a contorted person with two hands clawing at the neck. The use of gradation and highlighting achieves an intensity that establishes a feeling of discomfort or rage.

Cincinnati artist Saya Amend’s work "It’s Time To Get Up," was also selected for the exhibition. The oil on Bristol board painting is a dark scene that depicts an empty bed with disheveled covers and a window in the background. Amend’s expert use of contrast connects the viewer to the image on a deeper level.

Another participating artist, Lisa Merida-Paytes said in a press release that participation in Accessible Expressions has given her the freedom to educate viewers on how her disease affects her body and her work.

"Being a part of Accessible Expressions Ohio is very significant because it enables me to reach new audiences, exhibiting work and engaging our community members in how disease informs my work,” Merida-Paytes said in the release. “As an artist with disabilities my artwork has become a vehicle to interpret transformative changes occurring in my body caused from the progression of disease while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.”

Accessible Expressions Ohio is CAM’s first exhibit solely featuring artists with disabilities. According to the museum’s website the exhibit is, “One of the most accessible and diverse art presentations ever displayed at the museum.”

It runs through May 12 and after that travels to the Massillon Museum in Massillon, Ohio from June 22–August 18. It will also see the Dublin Arts Council from November 9-December 19 and visit other venues in between.

Accessible Expressions Ohio is on view from March 29 - May 12 in the museum’s Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Gallery and the Manuel and Rhoda Mayerson Gallery (Galleries 124 and 125). Visit cincinnatiartmuseum.org for more information.