The Ohio Creativity Trail debuted at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion this morning, February 7th. This collection of 109 sites across Ohio showcases the work of writers, musicians, painters, glass-blowers and other creatives who’ve made their mark on artistic expression. It is the second of six planned driving trails for America 250-Ohio’s signature Trails & Tales program as America 250-Ohio prepares for the nation's 250th anniversary next year. Â
“We’ve curated what you might call a gallery or museum on wheels, a collection of sites that provide just some of the many examples of how Ohioans have revolutionized and contributed to artistic expression,” said OTA Executive Director and America 250-Ohio Commissioner Melinda Huntley. “Of course there are more places where you can experience the arts in Ohio. It’s our hope that the Ohio Creativity Trail makes people curious to learn more. It’s the jumping off point for countless other experiences.”
Sites were selected based on their national and regional contributions to artistic movements and creativity, as well as their ability to tell their stories through publicly-accessible exhibits and tours on a regular schedule.
Ohio Creativity Trail sites are grouped into six creative categories:Â
On the Page - poets, authors, children book illustrators, graphic novelists, cartoonists
Music - singers, songwriters, musicians, instrument makers
Visual Arts - painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers
Glass & Pottery - glass artists, glass-blowers, ceramic artisans
Folk & Traditional Art - designers, skilled masters, functional art makers
Carousels - carvers, band organs, operating carouselsÂ
Visitors can choose a multi-media experience and explore all sites in a region, or they can filter the sites by their interests based on the above themes.
“Ohioans have made remarkable and significant contributions to the arts - authoring books and poems that speak to our shared experiences, writing music that moves us, crafting beautiful objects out of textiles, glass, paint, and canvas; even constructing the carousels we rode on as children” said Lance Woodworth, Destination Toledo President and Trails & Tales Project Co-Leader. “With the launch of the Ohio Creativity Trail, we celebrate the gifts of Ohio creators past and present and invite people to explore and admire their artistic talent.”
“We’re so excited to have Ariel-Foundation Park featured on the Creativity Trail”, said Olivia Toth, Marketing Manager at the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Ariel-Foundation Park is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year and has some great programming planned throughout the year; this is the perfect addition to a year of celebrations”, said Toth. In January 2024, Knox County became a designated “America 250-OH Community” through the State Commission. “Our team has been working closely with the state officials and with our local committee to bring the celebrations of America 250-OH to our county in 2026. We look forward to welcoming folks that follow the creativity trail or that join us over the next few years as we celebrate America, our local history, creativity and innovation.”
America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story. The charge is to to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future. To download the creativity trail or learn more about this multi-year celebration visit https://america250-ohio.org.
For more information about Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau or AM250-OH in Knox County, email [email protected].
