Art show opens in Norwalk

NORWALK — Established in 1996, Accessible Expressions Ohio is one of the most diverse art exhibits on display through Art Possible Ohio. Accessible is an adjudicated, statewide exhibition and tour of 2-D and 3-D works by artists with disabilities all over the state of Ohio. This year, Artists' Open Studio, Inc., 32 E. Main St. in Norwalk, will be an official host site for the Accessible Expressions 2021 touring exhibit. Twenty-three selected works will travel to Norwalk for display at the local gallery. The exhibit will run until June 26. Artwork in this tour is available for purchase through Art Possible. The opening of the show took place on Saturday, and a pop-up flower bar occurred in honor of Mother's Day weekend courtesy of Petal Pushers by Mandy. Artists' Open Studio, Inc. is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Artists of any age living in Ohio with a disability are represented in the youth, emerging or professional categories of the exhibit. Accessible raises awareness by presenting the show in inclusive settings designed to change perceptions about disability. Artists' Open Studio's participation in this exhibit has been a highlight for local artists and the program for many years. Four studio artists are represented in this year's exhibit: • Joan Hahler's colored pencil drawing "New Glasses" • Judy Hersha's clay figurine "It's A Good Day" • Charlie Kromer's clay vase "Really" • Michael Tkach's "Change of Color'' acrylic painting. Hersha's notable piece "It's a Good Day" earned third place in the Emerging Artist Category for this year's exhibit. "Art Possible seeks to professionalize works of artists with disabilities through this highly regarded exhibit," Artists' Open Studio managing director Jackie Hug said. "We are so honored to partner with Art Possible because we believe in their mission and passion to bring the lived experiences of artists with disabilities to the forefront of the arts," Hug said. "We look forward to bringing this exhibit to Norwalk to showcase the visions and voices of a diverse group of artists in Ohio."