The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), in partnership with the Disability EmpowHer Network, is proud to present the fourth annual Disabled Women Make History (and Art) exhibition on Saturday, May 17, from 6–8 p.m. in the museum’s Glass Pavilion. This vibrant event showcases the work of 20 selected artists with disabilities and provides an opportunity for the public to meet the artists, view their work, and celebrate the intersection of art, identity, and advocacy.
More than 90 artists applied to participate this year, working across various mediums including painting, sculpture, fiber, and mixed media. A quick program will kick off the evening, followed by time for guests to mingle with artists and explore the exhibition. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
“This event is about more than displaying beautiful and compelling artwork—it’s about community, representation, and providing a platform for voices that are too often unheard,” said Katie Shelley, TMA’s Conda Family Manager of Access Initiatives. “These artists are sharing not just their creativity, but also their lived experiences. That’s powerful.”
Disability EmpowHer Network Director of Programs Sophie Poost added: “When disabled women are given space to tell their stories through art, the impact is transformative—not only for the artists, but for every visitor who experiences the exhibition. This program empowers artists to lead, speak up, and make history through their work.”
Featured artists include Haylie “Haze B.” Beatty, Milan; Rebecca Boutin, Lima; Desiree Delonia, Sacramento, California; Brittany Dickson, Perrysburg; Leora M. Druckman, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Hope Hooper, Toledo; Chelsea Lackey, Troy, Michigan; Brandi Lewis, Cincinnati; Elizabeth M. Meadows, Toledo; Rachel Pointer, Toledo; Peninnah Posey, Plymouth, Michigan; Elisha Ramey, Bryan; Donna Ray, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Michelle Robison, Napoleon; Percival Seagraves, Bowling Green; Teresa Siwajek, Bowling Green; Vernoica Usher Davenport, Flushing, Michigan; Juniper Wolfenbarger, Ypsilanti, Michigan; Jessica Wood, Toledo; and Trystan Yoder, Belleville, Michigan.
As part of the program, artists will participate in workshops the day of the exhibition, including a session on pricing their artwork for sale and a public speaking workshop designed to build professional and personal confidence.
Disabled Women Make History (and Art) is made possible in part through the generosity of the Ohio Olmstead Task Force and the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council.
For more information, visit toledomuseum.org/events.