COLUMBUS, Ohio— “Charlottesville” is an imaginary town with collages and paintings by Columbus artist Charlotte McGraw.

  • The Ohio Craft Museum is featuring the works of eight studios across the state who teach people with developmental differences.
  • Columbus native Charlotte McGraw is one of the featured artists
  • "Shared Vision: Passions of the Human Spirit" exhibit runs until October 6

The colorful characters and made from paper and paint—and were inspired by some of her co-workers at the Goodwill Columbus Art Studio and Gallery.

“I love them to death and I just picture in my head what to make them look like," said McGraw. "And they love it. In a way it is weird, but I enjoy doing it. Charlottesville is a place where you are truly loved. And i'm the mayor of it.”

The “Shared Vision” exhibition is an opportunity for the public to experience multi-media artwork created by people with developmental disabilities.

Organizers say the exhibit challenges viewers to look beyond stigma.

“Absolutely brilliant. New ways of seeing prolific makers and so there's really, We don't have disability in our studio. We're making and we are fabulous,” said Patty Mitchell, the executive director of Passion Works Studio.

Kate Gorman considers herself fortunate to have worked with McGraw at Goodwill Arts Studio and Gallery in Grandview for the last decade.

“I think it celebrates the quirky and it celebrates it with so much love. And Charlotte is that person. She's an example to everyone about overcoming and being brilliant,” said Gorman. 

Dozens of artists' works from eight studios across our state are on display at the Ohio Craft Museum.

Works vary from canvas, ceramics, and repurposed materials.

For McGraw, who has her own solo exhibition, she's trilled to have her years of hard work on display for all to see.

“People are starting to understand that we all have our own talents and we love what we do. Young people today, they need to go with their dreams, because they never know what's going to happen in the future,” said McGraw.

The Ohio Craft Museum is located at 1665 West 5th Avenue and the "Shared Vision" exhibit runs through October 6. 

For more information, visit the Ohio Craft Museum's website.