Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar Standing in front of Nils Johnson’s mural, which was unveiled at the Davis YMCA in Boardman on Sunday are, from left, Celie Altmare, longtime receptionist at the YMCA; Nils Johnson; Beth Scheller, CEO of the YMCA; and Marykaye Carlson, marketing director for the YMCA.

BOARDMAN — Creativity, community and celebration filled the gallery of the Davis Family YMCA as dozens of artists from the Purple Cat Adult Workshops showcased their talents during the fourth annual Cat’s Meow Art Show.

The event featured more than 120 works of art created by participants of Purple Cat’s seven locations and included the unveiling of a large community mural created by local attorney, artist and longtime YMCA member Nils Johnson.

For many of the artists, the show represented far more than an opportunity to display paintings. It was a chance to share their perspectives, connect with the community and celebrate accomplishments that have been months — and in some cases, years — in the making.

The Purple Cat Adult Workshops provide opportunities for adults with disabilities to develop independence, employment skills and social connections. According to art coordinator Preston Gibson, the organization’s mission is reflected in its motto: “Work Hard. Be Kind. Have Fun.”

“The Purple Cat adopts unique and creative ways that help our folks foster independence both for employment and in daily living,” Gibson said.

Art plays an important role in that mission. Participants can explore a variety of creative outlets, including painting, ceramics, music, cooking and woodworking. While the finished artwork often attracts attention, Gibson said the benefits of the creative process reach much deeper.

“I think the sense of accomplishment does wonders,” he said. “When they see what they are capable of. Also there’s an ability to express themselves and communicate beyond the bounds of doing so verbally, which is something that might limit some of our friends.”

In addition to strengthening fine motor skills that can be useful in employment settings, art helps participants develop patience, time management, multitasking abilities and job completion skills.

“The process of creating is such a fundamental journey where we often find our sense of self and how to express it outwardly,” Gibson said. “Our friends find confidence in that journey of expression and find confidence in taking control of that narrative.”

Artwork featured in the show came from participants across all seven Purple Cat locations. Throughout the year, artists create individual works and collaborate on community projects. Preparation for the annual exhibition typically begins in late spring, allowing participants ample time to complete pieces for display.

Gibson said each artist develops a unique style, with staff members encouraging creativity while teaching various artistic techniques.

“Art for our folks at Purple Cat allows them to communicate things they ordinarily wouldn’t necessarily be able to convey,” he said. “It’s an outlet and a source of extending their unique and individual perspectives that give back to the community when paid attention to.”

For the artists, displaying work publicly can be both exciting and intimidating.

“To show your art to the world in any capacity takes bravery,” Gibson said. “Rightfully so, our friends are proud of themselves.”

The appreciation shown by visitors and potential buyers adds another layer of validation.

“After they’ve created something from nothing, the success of the endeavor has been met,” Gibson said. “But having their work appreciated gives them an unparalleled sense of joy and pride.”

The exhibition also offers families a chance to witness growth they may not always see in day-to-day life.

“They love to see how far their folks have come and what they’ve been working so hard on,” Gibson said.

Among the artists displaying work this year was 25-year-old Michael Alexander of Hubbard. His painting, “Hedge Hogs,” celebrated the 35th anniversary of the popular Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. Alexander has been creating art since childhood and enjoys working with both paints and colored pencils. Inspired by video game characters, he said painting makes him feel happy and relaxed.

For Renee Raich, 50, of Canfield, art has been a lifelong passion. Her painting depicted a leprechaun standing beneath a rainbow. Raich has been painting since she was 4 and said creating art helps her feel calm. She also hopes visitors enjoy her work enough to purchase it.

Kissiwa Rowe, 41, of Youngstown, entered a painting inspired by the anime character Sailor Moon. Having painted for only two years, she credits Gibson as a major inspiration and says art takes her to her “happy place.”

Missy Baker, 46, of Liberty, submitted a painting officially titled “Northern Lights,” though she prefers to call it The Galaxy. Baker has been painting since 2017 and describes the activity as relaxing. Trees are among her favorite subjects. One of the things she enjoys most is discussing her artwork with others and hearing the different interpretations viewers bring to it.

MURAL UNVEILING

The celebration also included the unveiling of a striking mural that now adorns the YMCA. The large-scale work was created by Canfield attorney and artist Nils Johnson, whose connection to the YMCA stretches back nearly seven decades.

Johnson first attended the YMCA as a child in the 1950s. After graduating from law school in 1976, he returned to the downtown YMCA and has remained a dedicated member ever since.

“The Y has been the majority of my social life for my whole professional career,” Johnson said. “I believe it is the most important social institution in the county.”

While widely known as an attorney with the Johnson & Johnson law firm in Canfield, Johnson is also an accomplished artist and musician. He performs with a jazz trio alongside his son, Nils Peter Johnson, and has earned membership in several prestigious art organizations, including Allied Artists of America in New York City, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts and the Copley Society in Boston.

Johnson’s interest in large-scale public art developed several years ago. Previous projects have included a mural celebrating Canfield’s Fourth of July Parade and another depicting the Ohio women’s suffrage movement.

The YMCA mural grew from a desire to support the organization’s arts programming, led by Suzanne Gray.

“I thought it might be fun for people to see art being executed at the Y when they go to work out,” Johnson said.

The project became a labor of love spanning more than two years. Johnson photographed YMCA members and children participating in programs at the Davis YMCA and Camp Fitch. Using graphic design software, he developed a composition incorporating those images into a larger vision.

“It took me five months to draw everyone and then the balance of two years to paint it all,” he said.

The completed mural captures scenes of exercise, recreation, friendship and youth. Above all, Johnson hoped to convey a sense of joy.

“In the mural I tried to express joy,” he said. “The joy of youth, exercise, fellowship and good clean fun.”

Together, the mural unveiling and Purple Cat art exhibition highlighted the power of creativity to bring people together. For the artists, families, YMCA members and community supporters who attended, the event served as a reminder that art is more than paint on canvas. It is a way to communicate, build confidence, celebrate individuality and strengthen connections across the community.

As Gibson reflected on the impact of artistic expression, he noted one of the most rewarding moments comes when participants discover abilities they never knew they possessed.

“We are all artists,” he said. “Sometimes we forget. When that assessment of self changes and they realize they can do whatever they set their minds to, it’s amazing to see that glass ceiling shatter to reveal the sky being the limit.”