Creating Hope Arts employee Olivia Sellers, on left, collaborates with artist Mark Cook.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Creating Hope Arts are set to host the inaugural Beyond the Canvas: The Power of Unbound Expression.

The exhibit consists of art created by people with disabilities.

More than 60 unique pieces will transform the walls at the Belmont County Board’s office at 68421 Hammond Road.

Visitors can walk through the gallery during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning March 26 through the end of April.

Pamela McCort, director of communications for the county board, and Jennifer Diehl of Creating Hope Arts have curated the Beyond the Canvas gallery.

“This exhibit is about giving artists a public space where they can be seen and recognized for their talent,” McCort said. “It also invites the community to rethink what they believe and recognize that people with disabilities have a deep capacity for creative expression.”

Diehl collaborates with people of differing abilities every day and understands the potential that lies within each one.

“All people really need is the opportunity to express themselves,” she said. “Each piece reveals a voice that is powerful and unmistakably individual.”

An opening reception will unveil the exhibit and introduce the artists to the public on Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 304-218-5398.

The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities coordinates and funds services for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Creating Hope Arts is an adult day service provider in Bethesda that supports and inspires artists with disabilities. Its array of creative opportunities allows unique talents to flourish, cultivating pride, confidence and independence.

McCort said she asked artists to submit their work by March 2 but will still accept submissions that arrive later.

“We’ve got it up on the wall, and we’ve transformed the hallways at the County Board of Developmental Disabilities into an art exhibit,” she said. “We’re really excited about having that opening night reception on Thursday the 26th. The public, as well as the artists, is invited. I’m hoping most, if not all, of the artists will be there to talk to people about what they do.”

McCort added that the exhibit is like any other art show; the only difference is that it features work created by people with differing abilities.

“I think anytime we can get people with and without disabilities together is wonderful. That’s what true inclusion is — we all bring something to the table, regardless of whether we talk, walk or think differently,” McCort said. “Anytime we can have these types of events, you form connections with people, and that’s really what it’s about. All of us, regardless of ability, want connection.”

She said she hopes the exhibit serves as an opportunity for people to connect with others they’ve never met before — both attendees and artists.

“Hopefully friendships will develop or connections that help one another,” she said. “This event provides an opportunity for people to express themselves through artistic expression.”

McCort added that she’s pleased with the community interest in the event.

“We would love for this to become an annual event. We’re very pleased with the interest from the artists. A lot of people are excited to see what we’ve put together,” McCort said. “We’re really hoping this is the first of what will become an annual event.”