Imagine discovering a treasure chest of artwork that
connects you to the soul of the artist. My husband told me about Visionaries + Voices in
Cincinnati that provides a professional studio environment for artists with disabilities.
The idea of a grassroots program that features work by self-taught artists led
us to visit one of the workshops. We admired Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals,
and paintings. Then a drawing caught my eye. The impressionistic cabin and
evergreen now hangs in my kitchen.
Visionaries + Voices started “specifically for
artists with disabilities.” Artists given the chance to grow on a personal and
professional level have the opportunity to learn new techniques and sell their
work. Samantha Charek, Outreach Director, for Visionaries + Voices answered a
few questions for me.
Tell me
about the mission of Visionaries + Voices and how many people the program
serves.
Founded
in 2003, the mission of Visionaries + Voices is to provide artistic, cultural,
and professional opportunities for artists with disabilities. We create a world
in which artists with disabilities not only produce and share works of art, but
also are given continuous opportunities to learn, develop professionally,
collaborate, exhibit, and celebrate with community members.Visionaries + Voices currently
supports approximately 150 artists.
Can you
explain what the term outsider art refers to?
Outsider art is a term that refers to
art created "outside" the established art world.
Is the
group local or are there any national groups?
V+V is a local 501c3 organization.
There are a few organizations around the country that have similar missions,
but there's only one V+V. Our founders, Bill Ross and Keith Banner, started out
just making art with a couple of artists in their basement and things grew from
there. V+V later expanded into a studio space at the Essex and today we have
two locations in Cincinnati. One is in Northside on Spring Grove Avenue and the
other is in the Tricounty area on Northland Blvd.
Where is
the artwork sold? Can any be purchased online?
V+V artists exhibit their work
constantly. We curate one show per quarter in our gallery at the Northside
studio location (the next one, "Up, up, up, and up" is opening on
February 21st 5-8pm). Artwork is always available for sale at every opening and
we also welcome people to drop in during studio hours (M-TH 8am-8pm and F 8-4)
to meet artists and check out the work. Our artists also participate in
countless other exhibits in galleries and public spaces (like coffee shops and
salons) throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Our website is currently being
redesigned. We do have an online store, but it is primarily used for
merchandise (T-shirts, posters, etc.) WIth150 artists making work all year
round, inventory is a massive job. We've found that shopping for original works
of art online is not something that most people are looking for. They need to
experience it first hand to decide. We do accept donations online and people
can sign up for our "Collectors Club" membership online as well.
Does the
artist receive payment when their work sells?
Yes. When V+V artists sell their work
at a V+V sponsored exhibit, the artist receives 70% of the final sale and V+V
keeps 30%. Outside galleries usually charge a larger commission, but we ensure
that our artists never make less than 50% even if that means we (V+V) don't
keep anything.
V+V artists who teach lessons for the
Education Program also receive a stipend for their work.
Does the
organization use volunteers? If so, how does that work?
We love our volunteers at V+V! If you
are interested in volunteering as an individual or as a group just contact our
volunteer coordinator, Jennifer Franks, jfranks@visionariesandvoices.com
How long
have you worked for V+V? Can you tell me a highlight for you from working with
the program?
I have worked for V+V since June of
2008. Every opening is a highlight for me. That might sound too cliché to be
true, but the environment at V+V exhibition openings is unlike any other I have
ever experienced. There is so much diversity and appreciation and respect for
that diversity at each event. That includes people and artwork.
Do you have any interesting art programs in your area?
I wrote this story for my grandparents. My nana asked me
years ago what I wanted from her house when she passes away. One thing caught
my attention: her trunk from China. Unfortunately, my cousin claimed it first.
I told my grandmother whatever she wanted to leave me was fine. I had memories
my cousin didn't. 
