Artists with developmental disabilities show their work at Art and Soul Awards Gala

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- A celebration of artistic talents of people with developmental disabilities throughout Ohio took place at the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch on Saturday.

The Art and Soul Awards Gala attracts hundreds of people each year, and is tied to a month-long juried exhibition featuring 40 works by artists using a variety of media.

The exhibition is currently on display in the library’s Opportunity at Patterson Space.

One of the amazing works featured in the show is a six-foot canvas titled “Dancer in the Night” by Toledo artist Tara Murphy.

Murphy said she was inspired to create this piece by the events of the pandemic to remind us all that we can dance in the middle of darkness.

Awards included best of show, judges’ choice, and first through 10th place awards.

Devin Gallegos of Findlay, Ohio received first prize in this year's exhibition for his piece "Vintage Locomotive."

For more than 30 years, this exhibition and the accompanying awards have been organized by Choices in Community Living, Resident Home Association, and Toward Independence—all agencies that provide direct care services to people with developmental disabilities.

Sponsors of the exhibition include the Montgomery, Greene, Hamilton, Miami, Warren and Scioto County Boards of Developmental Disabilities; ARC Industries; and the DD Council.

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