March 29–May 12, 2024

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CINCINNATI — March 4, 2024 — The Cincinnati Art Museum is honored to host Accessible Expressions Ohio–an exhibition featuring approximately 60 2-D and 3-D works from Ohio artists of all ages who identify as having a disability–from March 29–May 12, 2024. Museum partner Art Possible Ohio organizes the annual exhibition, which is hosted at several venues throughout the state.

Art Possible Ohio, based in Columbus, is a nonprofit that works with artists of various ages who identify as having a disability to advocate for accessibility, inclusivity and diversity through arts integration.

This year’s exhibition themes are “self-care” and “mental health.” A panel of practicing artists, educators and arts administrators—who determined standards, originality and diversity—reviewed more than 165 state-wide submissions in Youth, Emerging and Professional categories and made the final selections in a juried process. In addition, this panel selected specific artwork that will receive awards.

While CAM has previously collaborated with community partners to host exhibitions highlighting regional artists with disabilities, this is the first time the museum will display a show of works solely by people with disabilities. 

"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,” states Lisa Merida-Paytes, one of the featured artists in the 2024 exhibition. “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.”

After premiering at CAM, the exhibition will travel throughout Ohio with stops at the Massillon Museum in Massillon, Ohio (June 22–August 18, 2024), Dublin Arts Council (November 9-December 19, 2024) and several other venues.

Accessible Expressions Ohio is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from Ohio Arts Council. The exhibition will be on view in the museum’s Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Gallery and the Manuel and Rhoda Mayerson Gallery (Galleries 124 and 125) across from the Terrace Café. No tickets are required. General admission to the museum and parking are also free. Photography is encouraged, but no flash. On social media, use the hashtag #AEO2024.

Upcoming, related events:

Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony, 1–3 p.m., Saturday, March 30, Cincinnati Art Museum

Focused on elevating artists with disabilities in public spaces, this exhibition and opening welcomes artists and their support people from all corners of the state to engage in the afternoon of fellowship and interactive arts experiences. This year, a Cincinnati-based ensemble of adult musicians with disabilities will perform as part of the event schedule. Additionally, Visionaries and Voices, an art studio producing professional-grade art by artists with disabilities, will offer an art-making workshop led by studio members. An awards ceremony will follow art engagement activities.

ASL interpretation and live audio description will support the programs to make the arts engagement experiences more accessible for all.

CAM Kids Day, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, May 4, Cincinnati Art Museum

Celebrate the exhibition with a day filled with fun for the whole family. Enjoy scavenger hunts, preschool and docent-led activities, family-friendly performances and art-making stops throughout the day. Free. Reservations not required. 

Schedule subject to change. Visit cincinnatiartmuseum.org for the latest information. 

About Art Possible Ohio

Art Possible Ohio is the statewide service agency for art and disability. By bridging arts and disability, our programs and services promote inclusive spaces and accessible opportunities for Ohioans.

About the Cincinnati Art Museum

One of the oldest arts institutions in the United States, and the first purpose-built art museum west of the Allegheny Mountains, the Cincinnati Art Museum features a diverse, encyclopedic art collection of more than 73,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the museum conducts extensive research and creates and organizes several exhibitions each year. It also hosts national and international traveling exhibitions. Through these critical projects and art-related programs, activities and special events, the museum contributes to a more vibrant Cincinnati by inspiring its people and connecting its communities.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is supported by the generosity of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Cincinnati Art Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Cincinnati Art Museum gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Cincinnati, as well as its members. Free general admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum is made possible by a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation. Exhibition pricing may vary. Generous support for the museum’s extended Thursday hours is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Parking at the Cincinnati Art Museum is free. More information is available at cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

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