What Is The Della Lyons Artistic Opportunity Center?
The Della Lyons Artistic Opportunity Center was created as a means for people with developmental disabilities to display and sell their artwork and crafts to the public. It was originally part of the People First Cafe which closed in May of 2024. The center remains a beacon of creativity and expression, even as the Cafe closed its doors. Plans are underway to fill the Cafe space with another business operated by The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley. This interim period where the actual building is closed will be marked by a vibrant showcase of art available for purchase through the Center’s Facebook Page. Art enthusiasts are invited to explore the collection and can acquire pieces by arranging a convenient pickup time via direct message. This initiative ensures that the spirit of the arts continues to flourish within the community.
Who Was Della Lyons?
Della Lyons was a hard working and very dedicated staff member of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley. She was friendly, efficient and detail oriented. She also followed a project through until it was not only done, but done right. She left The Arc for health reasons and then volunteered her time to help oversee and manage the construction of the People First Cafe. She was awarded a Key to the Community by The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley for her never ending work to serve people and make the world a better place than it was when she found it. One of the goals of the Cafe was to provide a location where people with disabilities could display and sell their artwork. The center was named in Della’s honor. She passed away in December of 2022.
What Can You Find In The Center?
Paintings, original music, bracelets, cards, shirts and more all created by artists with developmental disabilities including Amee Shah, Christopher Phillips, Delmar Davis, members of People First of Ripley and member of People First of the Mid Ohio Valley.
Who Gets The Proceeds?
From the very beginning, once the idea of a Cafe came about in 2020, The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley wanted a location to allow people with developmental disabilities to display and sell their arts and crafts at no additional cost. 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of items from the center go to the artist.