03/03/2026

ACBDD-supported artwork on display at Ashtabula library

Christopher Gillett

ASHTABULA — Visitors to the Ashtabula Public Library will have the opportunity to see art made by people supported by the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities at William Tokarczyk Gallery throughout March.

This is the third year ACBDD-supported artists’ work has been displayed at the library for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The library had a reception for the exhibition Monday, which allow Board of DD staff and the artists come to see the work on display.

Board of DD Director of Quality and Community Outreach Manda Jackson said she was thankful for the partnership with the Ashtabula County District Library.

“It’s wonderful when our community really comes together to showcase the talents of everybody who lives here,” she said.

Board of DD Community Outreach Specialist Angela Thomas said Board of DD-supported artwork is rotated at eight county-affiliated venues, with the Kingsville Public Library being a new part of the rotation.

“When the person gives me their artwork, I always remind them, ‘You won’t see this for eight months, because it travels each month to a different location,’” she said.

This year’s exhibition features 72 pieces of artwork from more than 34 individuals, she said.

Thomas said its wonderful to see the people she helps create art for the public to enjoy.

“I’m just grateful that the community is interested, and they are walking through, and experience the many talents that people do have, and the variety of artwork that’s being created,” she said.

Alongside paintings, the exhibition features works made from crochet, duct tape, woodworking and other mediums, Thomas said.

She said the artists feel wonderful seeing their work is being brought out to view.

“It makes them feel like they’re contributing to the community,” Thomas said. “They feel special. They’re happy to know that their work is being viewed, that people are enjoying it.”

Nicole Mackellar said she likes painting and takes inspiration from artists she sees on TikTok.

Kim Drozd said her grandmother taught her to crochet, and said she has made lots of blankets.

She said makes many of her blankets to friends and sells them at crafts shows.

Thomas said she and the rest of the board of DD are grateful for the library’s support for the annual exhibition.

“The library is such as welcoming community-centered space,” she said.

ACDL Public Services Manager Lyn Glover said library staff want to provide inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

“Exhibitions like this help break down stigma,” she said.

People with developmental disabilities are just like anyone else, Glover said.

“They have their own talents, they have their own strengths, they have their own weaknesses, they have emotions,” she said. “They’re just like us.”

Glover said she has the opportunity to meet many people with developmental disabilities inside and outside the library.

“I’ve gotten to know so many of them by name, and their different personalities and quirks, and they really are just like everybody else,” she said.

Thomas, who agrees with Glover, said the display sends a powerful message to the artists that their talents deserve appreciation.

“We all have differences, but together, we’re able to learn from each other and contribute in our own way,” she said.