May 2026

May - Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, Literature & Heritage

Ohio Creates Through Public Art

From vibrant murals in downtown Urbana to inspiring sculptures and hidden artistic gems across the county, public art tells the story of who we are — creative, connected, and proud of our community..

This May, celebrate Ohio Creates by exploring the incredible artists and artwork that bring color, history, and imagination to our streets. Whether you’re snapping selfies at murals, discovering local history through monuments, or taking a weekend art stroll, there’s inspiration waiting around every corner.

Featured works include:
📍 “The Urbana Mural” - 108 Miami Street Urbana, Ohio - Artist: Riley Johnson
📍 “Man on the Monument” - Monument Square Urbana, Ohio - Artist: Thomas Dow Jones
📍 “Wish You Were Here" - 7 North Main Street Mechanicsburg, Ohio - Artist: Alison Maxurkiewicz
📍 “Be The Light” - 114 Scioto Street Urbana, Ohio - Artist: Madison Laroque
📍 “Harmless Farmer” - US 68 Near West Liberty, Ohio - Artist: Mike Major
📍 “Ethel’s Mural” - 239 Scioto Street Urbana, Ohio - Artist: Claire King
📍 “Simon Kenton Memorial” - Oak Dale Cemetery - Artist: John Quincy Adams Ward
📍 “go. be. do.” - 127 North Main Street Urbana, Ohio - Artist: Gail Wilson

Ohio Creates Through Literature

Acclaimed author and journalist Beth Macy has deep roots in Champaign County, making her an inspiring example of how Ohio stories can resonate far beyond our communities. A graduate of Urbana High School, Macy has built a nationally recognized career telling powerful, deeply human stories that explore resilience, industry, addiction, and rural America.

Her bestselling books — including Factory Man, Dopesick, and Raising Lazarus — have sparked national conversations and brought attention to the experiences of working families and small-town communities across Appalachia and the Midwest. Dopesick was later adapted into the award-winning Hulu series that introduced Macy’s work to an even wider audience.

In her newest book, Paper Girl, Macy turns the lens inward, sharing her own story of growing up in a working-class family and discovering her voice through journalism and writing. The memoir reflects on her upbringing, ambition, and the experiences that shaped her career as one of America’s most respected nonfiction authors.

Beth Macy’s success reflects this month’s theme, Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, Literature, and Heritage, reminding us that some of the most impactful stories begin in hometowns like Urbana. Through journalism and literature, she has helped preserve and share the voices, struggles, and strength of communities often overlooked.

Champaign County is proud to celebrate creatives like Beth Macy whose work continues to educate, inspire, and connect people across the country.

Ohio Creates Through Art & Heritage

Celebrated sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward has a lasting connection to Champaign County through one of Urbana’s most recognizable landmarks — the Simon Kenton Memorial in Oak Dale Cemetery. Known as one of America’s most influential 19th-century sculptors, Ward helped shape the nation’s artistic identity through monuments that honored history, leadership, and the American spirit.

Dedicated in 1890, the Simon Kenton statue stands as both a tribute to the famed frontiersman and a reflection of Ward’s extraordinary craftsmanship. His work can be found across the country, including notable sculptures in New York City’s Central Park such as The Pilgrim and the Shakespeare monument, as well as pieces displayed in the U.S. Capitol and other major public spaces. Champaign County is proud to be home to one of his enduring works of public art and history.

Ward’s legacy reflects this month’s theme, Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, Literature, and Heritage, reminding us that art has the power to preserve stories and connect generations. Through sculpture and public monuments, his work continues to inspire curiosity about the people and events that shaped our communities.

From historic memorials to vibrant murals and local creativity, Champaign County celebrates the artists and visionaries who help tell Ohio’s story.

Ohio Creates Through Art

Artist and sculptor Mike Major has made a lasting impact on Champaign County through artwork that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Known for his large-scale sculptures and public art installations, Major’s work captures the spirit of Ohio’s communities while celebrating imagination and history through visual art.

Among his most recognized works is Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees) in Dublin, Ohio — a striking public art installation featuring dozens of larger-than-life concrete corn sculptures that has become one of Central Ohio’s most iconic artistic landmarks. Major also created a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln displayed in Dayton, Ohio, honoring the legacy and leadership of one of America’s most influential presidents through thoughtful public art. His portfolio includes sculptures and creative works displayed throughout Ohio and beyond, reflecting his distinctive style and ability to transform history and everyday subjects into memorable artistic experiences.

Here in Urbana, Major’s studio on Miami Street serves as both a creative workspace and a reminder of the artistic talent rooted in Champaign County. In addition to creating original works, he has played an important role in preserving local history through restoration efforts on the historic Simon Kenton statue in Oak Dale Cemetery and the iconic “Man on the Monument” statue in the square. His work helps ensure these treasured landmarks continue inspiring future generations.

Major’s connection to Champaign County highlights this month’s theme, Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, Literature, and Heritage, reminding us how artists help define the places we call home. Through sculpture, restoration, and design, his work sparks curiosity, conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the creativity found throughout Ohio communities.

Ohio Creates Through Art & Heritage

James Roy Hopkins and Edna Boies Hopkins left a lasting artistic legacy that connects Champaign County to the wider world of American art. James Roy Hopkins, a Mechanicsburg High School graduate born in 1877, began his studies at The Ohio State University in electrical engineering before following his passion for art — a decision that would shape an extraordinary career in painting, teaching, and fine arts leadership.

While studying and traveling in Paris, Hopkins moved among influential art circles that included Degas, Renoir, and Monet. Together, James Roy and his wife, artist Edna Boies Hopkins, traveled extensively and incorporated new artistic influences into their work. Edna became nationally recognized for her wood block printing and played an important role in reviving the art form in America through her innovative designs and techniques.

James Roy Hopkins later served as chairman of the Department of Fine Arts at The Ohio State University until retiring in 1947 to “Darbyland,” the family farm outside Mechanicsburg. He became especially known for his paintings of Cumberland Mountain communities, capturing everyday life and culture with remarkable detail and humanity. His impact on the arts is still recognized today through Hopkins Hall at Ohio State University, named in his honor.

Champaign County proudly preserves the Hopkins legacy through artwork displayed at the Mechanicsburg Public Library and a historical marker honoring James Roy Hopkins outside the library. Their story reflects this month’s theme, Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, Literature, and Heritage, celebrating how creativity rooted in small Ohio communities can leave a lasting influence on art and culture far beyond our region.