Art on Wheels brings creativity to Bay Library

Carolina Martin of Art on Wheels totes a wagon full of supplies for her visual art classes.

Carolina Martin from Art on Wheels Inc. returns to the library with more art fun Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. as part of the Octavofest celebration of bookmaking and paper arts. Carolina will guide children ages 4-10 in making a peek-a-boo style spooky book while learning different art processes.

Art On Wheels, a non-profit organization, was created in 1989 to provide high quality, traveling hands-on art education activities in the visual arts. Their mission is to give a voice to individuals of all abilities through these arts experiences that enrich the lives of individuals, their families and their community.

Carolina Martin’s mom, Charlet First, a playwright and artist, battled lung cancer for the last six years of her life. To maintain her mobility, she drove a motorized electric cart. On weekly outings, Carolina and her family attached a wagon to the back of Charlet’s cart that carried her lunch, oxygen tank, art supplies, and her granddaughter. To continue Charlet’s positive spirit, her passion for the arts and her love for people, her daughter, Carolina, and granddaughter, Julia Barnes Garmon, use the wagon to carry all of the supplies needed for conducting visual art classes.  

Throughout the years they have established inspiring artistic relationships with 15,000 budding artists around Ohio each year.  From preschoolers to students in schools to adults with special needs, Art on Wheels has helped them get in touch with their inner artist and go away with a sense of accomplishment. For more information go to Art on Wheels' website at www.aowinc.com.