Accessible Expressions Ohio Opens at The Butler
The Butler Institute of American Art is honored to serve as the opening venue for the 2026 Accessible Expressions Ohio (AEO) exhibition and reception. As a museum rooted in the belief that art belongs to everyone, we look forward to opening our doors on April 12th and welcoming the talented artists, their families, supporters, and guests for what promises to be a memorable afternoon of art, community, and recognition. It is a privilege to help launch this important exhibition on its statewide tour, and we are proud to stand alongside Art Possible Ohio in celebrating the creativity and vision of Ohio’s artists with disabilities.
The exhibition runs at the Butler from April 12 through June 7, 2026, before traveling to venues across the state through the end of the year.
What Is Accessible Expressions Ohio?
Accessible Expressions Ohio is a statewide adjudicated exhibition and tour designed to change perceptions and raise awareness about disability through the power of art. Each year, artists from every corner of Ohio, working across youth, emerging, and professional categories, submit original work to be reviewed by a panel of practicing artists, educators, and arts administrators. Selected works then travel to inclusive community spaces and galleries throughout the state.
The exhibition is produced by Art Possible Ohio, whose mission is to make creativity accessible for all Ohioans. From schools and shelters to galleries and museums, Art Possible Ohio works to ensure that artists with disabilities have the platforms, resources, and recognition they deserve.
This year’s 58-artist exhibition includes work in a range of media and styles from painting and drawing to mixed media and fiber arts, representing the full breadth of Ohio’s artistic community.
Meet the 2026 Artists
The 2026 Accessible Expressions Ohio exhibition features artwork by the following Ohio artists:
Alana Patterson, Andy Kirkpatrick, Aric Gurzynski, Austin R., Bailey Ryan Hammond, Brittany Mason, Cam Goodrich, Ceith Purifoy, Charlie Long, Christopher Sansui Cole, Christopher Wallace, Dakota Robinson, Derrick Maassel, Ebony Alli, Elizabeth Beltre, Elizabeth H., Elizabeth Hoverman, Em Robin, Emma Ashby, Emma Shuster, Hannah Howard, Jacob B., Jaymi Molina, Jen Cockrell, Joshua Young, Joy Mistovich, Julie Verostko, Kaydence Denson, Kira Weber, Kobi Astalos, Kristin Morris, Lacey Yontz, Lee Souverbielle, Lisa Merida Paytes, Luke P. Cooper, Lydia Wickham, Madison Wright, Marie M. Weirich, Mary Cole, Matt Swift, Maurielle Cooper, Megan Beatty, Mean Howard, Nico Amberger, Nova Stewart, Parja, Rebecca Gonzalez, Regina E. Dorfymeyer, Rita Elswick, Sheree Green, Steve Edinger, Steven B., Summer Braddock, Susan Osborn, Tessa Bender, and Tony Conti.
Award winners will be announced at the opening reception on April 12th. Awards will be given in Youth, Emerging, and Professional categories, along with a Best in Show and a special Honoring Support Animals award.
Opening Reception: April 12, 2026
Join us at The Butler for a full afternoon of art, community, and celebration.
Where: The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44502
1–2 PM: Fellowship, Food, and Artmaking
Explore all 58 works on view, meet the artists, and connect with Art Possible Ohio staff and community partners.
Drop-In Workshop: Make Recovery Flags for Health and Healing
Participate in a hands-on workshop with the Remember Love Recovery Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to destigmatize addiction disorder through art, education, and human connection. Using fabric, paint, glue, stitchery, scraps, and markers, visitors are invited to pour their compassion into a recovery flag: to focus on hope, allow grief to surface, reflect on forgiveness, memorialize a loved one, or send positive thoughts to anyone touched by addiction or in need of healing. No art experience necessary.
The workshop is led by Patty Bode, founder of the Remember Love Recovery Project. Born and raised on the Northside of Youngstown, Patty is thrilled to return to the Butler, a museum that shaped her young artist’s soul and propelled her future in art education.
Performance by The Feral Cats
Youngstown’s own The Feral Cats will perform during the fellowship hour. Established in 2016 and comprised of a talented group of adults with disabilities, The Feral Cats perform a wide variety of music spanning from the 1950s to the present day, alongside several original tunes. They’ve performed at First Night Youngstown, the Canfield Fair, the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest, and more. Expect energy, heart, and a whole lot of fun.
2–3 PM: Award Ceremony
Art Possible Ohio will formally recognize its Arts Partners in Accessibility, all 58 exhibiting artists, and this year’s award winners with a special performance by The Feral Cats.
Accessibility at the Opening
The April 12th reception will include:
- ASL interpretation
- Audio Description
- Braille materials
- A Quiet Room / Sensory Room
- Tactile Artwork
Parking: A free lot is located directly adjacent to the museum. Overflow parking may be available at the F1 Parking Lot on the YSU campus (corner of University Plaza and Bryson Streets). Check butlerart.com/plan-your-visit for updates.
Accessible Expressions Ohio on Tour
After its debut at the Butler, the exhibition travels across Ohio through the end of 2026:
- July 12 – September 13: Beck Center for the Arts, Cleveland
- July 30 – September 4: Ohio Art League at the Palmer Hall, Broad Street Presbyterian Churck in Columbus
- September 26 – November 15: Massillon Museum, Massillon
- October 1 – November 20: Wagnalls Memorial Library, Lithopolis
- November 23 – December 31: Artists’ Open Studio, Norwalk
Note: The tour is split into Show A and Show B, which is why some dates overlap. Details on which artworks will appear in each half of the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.
Purchase an Artwork
Art Possible Ohio actively encourages the sale of artwork. Every purchase directly supports the artists. Works from the 2026 exhibition will be available for purchase in the week of April 6th. For purchase inquiries, contact info@artpossibleohio.org.
Learn more about Accessible Expressions Ohio and Art Possible Ohio at www.artpossibleohio.org.
About The Butler Institute of American Art
Founded in 1919 by Youngstown industrialist and civic leader Joseph G. Butler, Jr., The Butler Institute of American Art holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States built exclusively to house American art. Known as “America’s Museum,” the Butler has spent over a century championing the nation’s visual arts heritage from its founding collection of paintings to today’s robust program of exhibitions, education, and community engagement.
Free and open to the public, the Butler welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, Noon to 4 PM. The museum is located at 524 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44502.