By Irina Perry

The spirit of creativity and service filled the air in downtown Columbus on October 29, 2025, as veterans, artists, and community members came together for the Grand Opening of the 2025 Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition.

Held at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, the evening was a heartfelt celebration of artistic expression, courage, and healing.

Hosted by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council, the event opened with warm welcomes and inspiring remarks from ODVS Director John C. Harris Jr., Cat Sheridan, Director of the Riffe Gallery, and Daniel King, the Air Force veteran and art instructor who served as juror for the exhibition.

King shared his reflections on reviewing more than 100 submissions from talented veteran artists across Ohio, saying: “Each work spoke deeply — not just through color or form, but through emotion and story. Every artist brought something profoundly human to this exhibition.”

Guests gathered in the beautifully lit lobby, surrounded by more than three dozen captivating artworks — each piece telling a story of service, sacrifice, and transformation. Laughter, gratitude, and quiet moments of reflection intertwined as attendees connected through shared experiences and appreciation for the power of art.

As the celebration concluded, it was clear that this event was more than an exhibition — it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring connection between art and the human spirit.

The Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition remains open through December 6, 2025, inviting all Ohioans to experience the creativity and heart of the state’s veteran artists.

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