(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Mid-Ohio Valley residents already know Artsbridge is among the outstanding nonprofits that keep our region supported and connected. For Artsbridge, it’s all about what the organization can do “to bring the arts to life in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” and the folks in Columbus have taken note.

Last week, Artsbridge was recognized with the 2025 Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio, in the community development and participation category. How wonderful to know those in attendance at the ceremony got a little peek at the good things happening here.

“We couldn’t be prouder to represent our community on this level,” said Executive Director Lyndsay Dennis.

In fact, for Dennis, the award was not just about recognition, but a reminder of how important it is that Artsbridge continue building partnerships and collaborations that not only support artistic initiatives, but make the arts accessible to everyone.

In explaining some of the reasons the organization earned this year’s award, the Ohio Arts Council noted the number of people Artsbridge reaches in programs ranging from Artists on Tour and a catalog of artists in our schools to Art with Angels, which “brings healing and recovery to a woman’s rehabilitation center through arts therapy,” according to the council’s website.

These awards are supposed to be for “individuals and organizations who have been vital to the growth and development of Ohio’s cultural resources,” according to the Arts Council.

Ohio’s cultural resources — the kind of thing you’re used to hearing about places such as the Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland areas. That’s where nearly all the other awards recipients were from, anyway. Certainly, there were no others from southeast Ohio.

But perhaps Artsbridge’s honor is a sign the Buckeye State is beginning to catch on that we’ve got a few treasures to brag about, too. Congratulations, folks.