This article is included in our Spring 2022 newsletter. Click here to view the entire newsletter!

The Pinnacle of Creative Collaboration

On Saturday, April 9th, Open Door Art Studio & Gallery will proudly unveil the eleventh installment of This Inspired That, a collaborative exhibition where community artists draw inspiration from Open Door artwork to create brand new pieces of their own.

Each pair of works, displayed side-by-side, show the pinnacle of creative collaboration.

“The amount of talent that we have seen has been nothing short of amazing,” said Sean Moore, Program Director of Open Door Art Studio & Gallery.

View artwork slideshow below!

This Inspired That is a great opportunity for Open Door artists to meet other members of the surrounding art community; true bonds have been formed over the years that have led to longstanding friendships. Having their artwork selected by these community artists is one of the best compliments an Open Door artist can get.

Throughout the storied history of This Inspired That, our studio has been honored to partner with some of the best artists and collectives that Columbus has to offer.

Last year’s partnership with Blockfort was so successful that the studio was eager to find another great group to partner with for this year’s exhibition. Sean reached out to longtime friend of Open Door Stephanie McGlone, the Community Director of 400 Square who is also the former director of Art Outside the Lines, another studio space that represents artists with disabilities.

“We knew that she would jump at the chance to help us form a partnership with the 400 Square artists,” said Sean.

The idea of a partnership was met with a lot of enthusiasm from the artists at 400 Square. “I had 10 responses from them the first day,” said Claire Smith, Creative Mentor at Open Door Art Studio.

Some of the 400 Square artists are returning as artists for This Inspired That—but many are new faces who are learning about us for the first time. “They were excited about the volume and range of artwork that is made at the studio. When they came in during studio hours, they commented on how great the creative energy felt,” said Claire.

There is always a little bit of a competitive air around This Inspired That as Open Door artists await the selection of their work. Early on in the creative process, some Open Door staff members egg each other on to work on their own pieces for the exhibition, discussing ideas for pieces and what they should create next.

It all leads up to the This Inspired That opening reception, held April 9th from 5-7pm at Open Door Art Studio in Grandview. (Get your tickets now!)

“The This Inspired That opening reception is always one of my favorites,” said Sean. He especially noted the impact on the individuals we support when the community artists are able to personally meet with them at the event.

“This opening reception is always extra special for me because it was the first time I ever went to Open Door,” said Claire. “I knew someone that had participated in This Inspired That and came to support them. I fell in love with the artists, the amazing artwork, and the program so I signed up to volunteer.”

The staff all look forward to seeing what each artist drops off and the different interpretations and creativity that goes into each piece. When the show comes together, audiences enjoy the accessibility: they can see both pieces side-by-side accompanied by the artist statement—an insightful message that communicates the artist’s creative journey.

Come and enjoy the fun at our This Inspired That opening reception on Saturday, April 9th from 5-7pm!

Let us know you’re coming by registering for a FREE ticket! Then, show your ticket at the opening to be automatically entered to win a $25 Open Door Art Studio gift certificate!

Can’t make it to the show but still want to offer your support? Our This Inspired That exhibition will be on display until May 6th, so feel free to stop by and take a look or purchase a donation ticket and help us continue inspiring creative journeys!