From Alaska to Florida, retailers nationwide sell artwork created by artists with developmental disabilities at Passion Works Studio, inspiring support from not only its hometown of Athens, but also galleries across the country.
Although 70 percent of the Passion Works art is purchased in the studio, 20 E. State St., many retailers purchase and resell the studio’s products, said Kasey Winterbotham, a production artist at Passion Works.
“We are part of a network with Wholesale Crafts, a website that sells all handmade crafts,” Winterbotham said. “Retailers can look through their catalog and buy things directly from our studio.”
Some of the connections are made by word of mouth Winterbotham said, adding that many OU alumni support the studio.
Local businesses that display Passion Works art — including Kroger, So Livi’s, and Baker Center — not only advertise for the studio, but also bring in revenue.
“For the most part, (the artwork is) for sale everywhere,” Studio Coordinator Wayne Savage said.
Purple Chopstix, 371 Richland Avenue, has partnered with the studio since it opened and has covered the walls from floor to ceiling of their whole dining area with artwork made at Passion Works.
Ed Fisher, owner of Purple Chopstix, said he took the unsold pieces from the studio’s first art show at the Kennedy Museum and has been collecting it ever since.
“We used to be the main sales outlet until they opened their studio on State Street,” he said, adding that he now refers prospective customers to the studio.
Between 30 and 40 individuals come into the studio per week to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are translated into items such as ornaments, greeting cards, mugs and jewelry, all of which are for sale.
The most common piece around town is the painted metalwork “Passion Flower,” which is the official flower of Athens. The largest size, at 19 inches, costs $100 and the smallest, which is 11 inches, costs $60.
The revenue from the artwork supports both the studio and the artists who work there.
“There are three ways that the artists get paid,” Winterbotham said. “There is an hourly rate for the artists who are working on painting metalwork or paper-mache flowers, ornaments, clocks and other items like that in the studio.”
Artists are paid a licensing fee for any artwork they create that will be reproduced.
Passion Works also sells original pieces of fine art and the revenue is split between the studio and the artist.
According to Passion Works’ website, the production of these pieces not only creates employment for people with and without developmental disabilities, it is allowing for a flow of creativity that is innately a part of all people.
“Some of the artists have been here since it opened,” Winterbotham said. “We’re making a positive impact on our artists’ lives.”
Fisher, who visits the studio frequently, said he agreed that the art has a powerful curing method and he’s glad that businesses like his and Passion Works are there to support each other.
“You can just see the healing going on,” Fisher said. “It’s really fulfilling for me to know that we live in such a supportive community.”
ls114509@ohiou.edu
