ArtsOhio Blog

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Amy Summers, Third and State

After Hours Spotlights the Artistry of State Workers

Artists are known for their resilience, creative problem solving, and visionary perspectives. Of course, the artists of After Hours: Artwork by State of Ohio Employees 2021 are no different. These artists are working full-time serving Ohio’s citizens and making time after work to develop their artistic practices, give back to their communities, and share their unique skills and perspectives with their fellow Ohioans.

This exhibition gets at the heart of everything I love about artmaking. For all of the artists in the exhibition, their work requires energy, emotion, and time, things that can be in short supply after strenuous day jobs. On the other hand, what all artists know is that the work rewards you with meditation, release, and tangible objects that represent even more than the hours spent creating them.