The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
Alicia Hopkins
Bio
Alicia Hopkins is a disabled artist, author and advocate from Ohio. She uses her art in a dynamic way. She advocates for accessibility in the arts and also in independent living. In 2021, she painted nine feet of art on the Ohio Direct Support Crisis. She has used her art to advocate for funding for home and community based services and supports for people with disabilities. She met the U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh with her art in October of 2021. In 2022, she launched a project called #Postcards4Advocacy to help people with disabilities and caregivers to engage in letter writing to legislators about the Ohio Direct Support Crisis. This year four panels of the nine feet of art she painted on the care crisis is featured in the 2022 Accessible Expressions Exhibit by Art Possible Ohio.
In the past, she has won several awards. She was 2020 American Royal Spirits High Hostess Ambassador Queen. She was 2018 Ohio Miss Amazing Sr Miss Queen and got 1st runner up at the National Miss Amazing pageant. She won an impact award for her the community arts event she created in Northeast Ohio. She was the 2018 Arts Alive Community Outreach Award Recipient and applauded as an Unsung Hero in the Beacon Journal in 2019. Some of her projects include founding the Art Speaks All Abilities Art Expo, Art Speaks Ohio Art Supply Program, the Poetry4All Initiative, and the Art of Christmas. Alicia has a Bachelor of Arts from Malone University. She has written numerous articles on disability rights, arts advocacy, and accessibility. She is the author of four poetry books and a young adult non fiction book. Additionally, she has been involved with Akron Cultural Plan, is a former board member for the Center for Applied Drama and Autism and Art Sparks. She enjoys genealogy, writing poetry, dance, and visual arts.
Artist Statement
Art has the power to tell stories, change perspectives, and help unite communities on various causes and issues. Alicia Marie Hopkins uses her art to engage people in dialogue on current events, advocacy issues, disability rights issues and much more. The bulk of her art explores real life issues. She interviews people and works hard to bring diversity and inclusion to her work.