The concept for Visionaries + Voices emerged in 2001 when Keith Banner and Bill Ross curated an exhibition in Base Gallery for artists Paul Rowland, Richard Brown, Antonio Adams, and Raymond Thunder-Sky. Bill and Keith both worked for county boards serving individuals with disabilities and met the artists throughout the course of their work. After that initial exhibition, more opportunities arose to organize shows and present the work of artists with disabilities.

2002
The network of artists interested in exhibiting their work was growing quickly. Antonio Adams suggested seeking a space for the collective of artists to work in a group studio. With the help of Carolee Kamlager and the United Cerebral Palsy Center of Greater Cincinnati, they found a home in Essex Studios. They opened their doors for artists of all abilities to make, market, and celebrate their art.

Visionaries + Voices became a full 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving up to 30 artists per week, including founding artists Antonio Adams and Raymond Thunder-Sky.

2007
Visionaries + Voices opened a satellite location in the Tri-County area, due to the generosity of FrameUSA President, Dan Regenold. V+V made a home in the corner of the FrameUSA warehouse, welcoming artists from Butler and Warren County to the new studio space.

2008
A monumental move relocated artists from Essex Studios to a larger venue in Northside. With space for a large studio, a gallery, and administrative offices, the space became the new home of V+V headquarters. 

2009
Artworks completed a mural on the Northside studio in remembrance of founding artist Raymond Thunder-Sky, who passed away in 2004. The mural was designed by Raymond’s long-time friend and fellow artist, Antonio Adams.

TODAY
Visionaries + Voices continues to serve over 150 artists in our studios every week. The Northside gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions each year. A growing number of regional, national, and international venues showcase work by V+V artists. 

The studio has also developed a groundbreaking education program that provides artists with opportunities to teach in community and classroom settings. The Teaching Artist Program (TAP) now reaches over 6,000 students each year.

A simple vision to create space for artists with disabilities has become a home for hundreds of artists to find their voice within the cultural landscape of Cincinnati.