Discover Ohio’s Vibrant Creativity

Ohio is the “original” place to many celebrated storytellers, including Toni Morrison (Lorain), Sherwood Anderson (Clyde), James Thurber (Columbus), Harriet Beecher Stowe (Cincinnati), and Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (Cleveland). Through their words and illustrations, Ohioans create new worlds, inspire change and foster community healing.

Ohio has long been at the center of music movements, with Cleveland being known as the birthplace of the term “rock and roll.” Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Akron and others fostered local musicians and helped bands rise in popularity. Ohio’s contribution to music extends across the boundaries of genres and even created new ones. Ohio musicians blended blues, jazz, and country into new forms such as funk and hip-hop. The state’s central location between other music hubs exposed artists to different styles and helped spread their new sounds to Nashville, New York and Chicago. Musical opportunities still abound throughout the state of Ohio.

Ohio is a vibrant destination for art lovers, home to world-class museums, nearly 400,000 original artworks, and a rich artistic legacy. Philanthropy, including the founding of The Cleveland Foundation, has shaped Ohio’s art scene. Notable artists like George Bellows, Roy Lichtenstein, and Julian Stanczak have ties to the state. Key movements, including the Ashcan School, Pop Art, and Op Art, have roots in Ohio. Check museum websites for hours, events, and workshops.

Ohio’s abundant sand, clay, and limestone fueled a rich history in pottery and glassmaking, from Indigenous craftsmanship to thriving industries in East Liverpool, Zanesville, and Toledo. The state played pivotal roles in the Studio Glass and American Art Pottery Movements, with Cincinnati’s Rookwood Pottery blending American and Japanese styles. Today, Ohio offers countless opportunities to explore unique designs, learn from experts, and uncover the stories behind its remarkable artistic traditions.

Ohio’s vibrant folk-art traditions, influenced by its diverse immigrant and religious communities, showcase the state’s commitment to preserving heritage through quilting, woodworking, and storytelling. From the minimalist yet elegant designs of Shaker artisans to the intricate carvings displayed at the Warther Museum, the question of whether function or beauty holds greater importance often does not have a simple answer. Ohioans value their heritage, which is reflected not only in building preservation but also in the ways traditional folk art practices are preserved, taught, and celebrated.

Carousels evoke nostalgia, especially in Ohio, home to one of the largest collections in the U.S. Introduced by German immigrants, the first U.S. carousel operated in Hessville, Ohio, in the 1840s. Cincinnati became home to two carousel manufacturers during the art form’s heyday, and in 1986, Carousel Works revitalized the tradition after decades of dormancy. When the company closed following the pandemic, new artisans in Ohio continued the legacy. Ohio also contributes to the legacy of carousel music, with two band organ companies – Wurlitzer Company (founded in Cincinnati) and the Stinson Band Organ Company (Bellefontaine).