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. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.

2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition

Cassandra Harner

Website: Portfolio Website

Artist Statement

Cassandra Harner is already familiar with thinking of herself in the third person, performing as alter-egos in music, drag, and comedy. She is a draglesque performer named Dusty Bucket, and a self-absorbed piece of art-work, Kay-T Critiques. She’s most recently been awarded Master of Amazement for Ohio Burlypicks 2020. She is a video artist and editor. She’s an illustrator and instructor of comics and pastel portraits. She has led classes in drag, camming, video art, and drawing. She’s an oversharer and radically vulnerable. She’s queer and kind of swears a lot. 

In the pastiche of Cassandra’s artistic practice, there are two main pillars holding it aloft: camp and fashion. If her audience isn’t laughing or at least bewildered, she is not fulfilled. Art isn’t limited to being gravely nodded at, in quiet contemplation from a safe distance. (Although nowadays, everything should be a safe 6 feet away) Being “serious” isn’t the only way to make thoughtful and legitimate work, even when it’s about queer identity, pop culture, art theory, or capitalism. She may have more to reveal than just a wig underneath another wig underneath another wig.

Or maybe, she just loves a gimmick.