Artist2Artist Collective exhibit at BZTAT Gallery fosters inclusion through collaboration

A unique and inspiring art exhibit is on display through Oct. 17 at the BZTAT Gallery in downtown Canton. The artworks are fascinating on their own, but just as compelling is the story of how the exhibit came to be.

 For many, the COVID-19 pandemic is a time they would rather forget. Yet for local professional artist Vicki Boatright, known as BZTAT, that period led to something positive. While working in an art program for adults with developmental disabilities, she forged meaningful relationships that grew into an ongoing collaborative project.

“During the COVID pandemic, I worked in an art program for adults with developmental disabilities,” BZTAT said. “The pandemic enhanced the close relationships I made with these individuals, because, besides our families, we were all about the human connection we had during that unique time. When things started opening back up, I proposed an exhibit to the Massillon Museum with collaborations between established artists in the community and the artists in the program where I worked. The exhibit was so impactful, I decided to create a program around the idea.”

That idea became the Artist2Artist (A2A) Collective, which she launched in 2022 from her studio. The group began with just two artists and now has eight, supported by a grant from ArtsinStark and a partnership with Phoenix Rising Behavioral Healthcare & Recovery Inc. This fall’s exhibit is the first devoted entirely to the A2A Collective, though BZTAT often includes its members in other gallery shows.

The current exhibit pairs six A2A Collective artists with six established professionals. Collective artists include Chase Jackson, Theo Italia, Michele Vogt, Heather Dunlap, Brenda Case and John Jacobs. Local partners are Christopher Triner, Sara Caplinger, Sarah Shumaker, David McDowell, Laura Hollis and BZTAT.

Each pairing met to discuss past work and share ideas. From those conversations, both artists created new pieces inspired by one another. In one case, a Collective member interested in digital art was paired with a professional digital artist, leading both to create works using digital techniques.

“The results were amazing,” BZTAT said. “Some pieces demonstrated obvious inspirations, reflecting a technique or content idea they gained from their partner. Other pieces were more nuanced. All of the artworks reflected dedication to creating art with a purpose. The exhibit showcases the unique artworks of the Collective and the professional artists together, raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues amongst the public.”

BZTAT herself is best known for her animal-themed art. For this exhibit, she partnered with a Collective artist who enjoys creating murals, and each produced a mural for the show.

“Throughout my life, two things have remained constant: my love of art and my love of animals,” she said. “It was only natural that the two constants would come together as art reflecting the joy that animals bring to my life. I enjoy connecting with other people who enjoy their animal companions as much as I do, so finding customers is natural as well. In the early days of social media, I developed a worldwide community of animal lovers who helped spread the word about my work, and that community continues today.”

She works primarily in acrylics on wood and canvas, though she often incorporates mixed media such as paint markers, Prismacolor pencils, fabrics and found objects.

A graduate of Marshall University, she earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in painting and printmaking in the 1980s, when career options for artists were limited. She later returned to Marshall for a master’s in counseling and spent 20 years as a clinical counselor before turning back to art full time. As Canton’s Arts District began taking shape, she opened her first studio and gallery in 2008 and has kept a studio presence in the city ever since.

For her, the A2A Collective is both about artistic growth and human connection.

“All of the emerging artists who participated in the exhibit have continued as members of the A2A Collective, and they are very dedicated to their artwork,” she said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of the project is that many of the artist pairings have grown into lasting relationships. One pair has found comfort in connecting through their art as they share personal stories of trauma, while another has bonded over exploring character and story development in digital art. It is inspiring to see these connections flourish.”

The exhibition will be on display until Oct. 17. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at BZTAT Studios, 730 Market Ave. S in Canton. More information is available at bztatstudios.com.

“I am really proud of the A2A Collective artists, in the ways they have grown as artists and as individuals,” BZTAT said. “I am looking forward to adding more individuals to the Collective and involving them in community projects moving forward.”

She also has plans to redesign her studio to include a coworking space for small-business entrepreneurs.

“We aim to create a vibrant, creative and innovative environment that supports collaboration and growth among creative thinkers,” she said. “I believe working in a space that is both creative and professional will empower our artists to contribute more fully to their community, while also breaking down barriers often faced by people with disabilities. At the same time, it will give the broader community an opportunity to see these artists in a new and more inclusive light.”