Locals shine in statewide art exhibition

Editor's note: Artists' Open Studio is a Norwalk–based nonprofit that provides a creative and supportive studio environment for artists with developmental disabilities. NORWALK — Artists' Open Studio (AOS) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three of its artists in the 2026 Accessible Expressions Ohio (AEO) exhibition, a statewide adjudicated exhibition presented by Art Possible Ohio that features original artwork by Ohio artists with disabilities. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the AEO exhibit. Three AOS artists — Summer Braddock, Kobi Astalos and Andy Kirkpatrick — were accepted into the exhibit, which opened on April 12 at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown. Summer Braddock received the Special Category Award in the Professional division for her painting "Together Again." The piece, an acrylic canvas depicting a skeletal figure in a power wheelchair moving through a wildflower meadow with a heart-shaped ribbon trailing behind, was inspired by the loss of her dog Leela, who had been training to become a certified therapy animal. "'Together Again' is a meaningful piece inspired by the loss of my girl — my soul dog — Leela," Braddock said. "It's a tribute to our souls one day meeting again." Braddock, who was born with a rare disorder affecting the use of her arms and legs, taught herself to write and draw using a pencil held in her mouth beginning in kindergarten. She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and paints in acrylic, oils, watercolor, and ceramics. Her work can be viewed at paintingsbysummer.com. "Being able to create at Artists' Open Studio has been incredible and inspiring — getting to create beside so many talented artists. It's a place of love, positivity, inclusion, and togetherness," she said. "A place where I feel seen and heard with the creations I make." Kobi Astalos was accepted in the Emerging artist category with his watercolor pencil piece "A New Day," a vibrant abstract work in blues, oranges, reds and yellows. "AOS makes it possible to bring our loved ones together to be inspirational and creative that inspires endless possibilities. The growth I have seen in my son since attending AOS has been amazing," Lisa Astalos, Kobi's mother, said. "The independence he has gained and the social outlet AOS provides for our family has been the greatest gift ever." Also accepted into the exhibit was AOS artist Andy Kirkpatrick, whose acrylic work "Peach Harvest Season" is featured in the Emerging category. Accessible Expressions Ohio is an adjudicated, statewide exhibition and tour of 2D and 3D art by Ohio artists with disabilities, presented annually by Art Possible Ohio. The 2026 exhibition features 58 artists from across the state. "Having AOS artists accepted into the Accessible Expressions Ohio exhibit is such a meaningful recognition of their talent, creativity, and unique artistic voices," Lindsey Esker, executive director of Artists' Open Studio, said. "Opportunities like this not only celebrate the incredible work our artists are creating, but also help expand visibility and inclusion for artists with disabilities across Ohio. We are so proud to see their work represented on a statewide level." See the exhibit The 2026 AEO exhibit opened at the Butler Institute of American Art on April 12 and will remain on view through June 7. The exhibition will then travel to venues across Ohio throughout the year. A portion of the exhibit will be on view at Artists' Open Studio in Norwalk from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. Accessible Expressions Ohio at Artists' Open Studio • Viewing dates: Nov. 23 through Dec. 31• Address: 32 E Main St, Norwalk, OH 44857• Hours: -Tuesday & Thursday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.-Friday & Saturday | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.