(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art hosted its 15th Annual Art Auction on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Findlay. The event featured original artwork created by participants of all ages and abilities from the organization’s therapeutic and educational visual art programs.

The annual event serves as Awakening Minds Art’s primary fundraiser, providing critical support for program operations and accessibility. Proceeds from this year’s Mission Auction were designated for the organization’s Forever Fund, an endowment established to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of its programming.

The event included dinner, live music, and a live auction where students presented their artwork to attendees.

“Fifteen years of the Awakening Minds Art Auction and our community continues to show up in powerful ways,” said Sarah Ricker, founder of Awakening Minds Art. “The ongoing support from donors, sponsors, and families makes it possible for us to keep creating inclusive spaces for all ages and abilities in Northwest Ohio. I continue to be overwhelmed with the support this event receives.”  

Each year, Awakening Minds Art also recognizes an Honorary Family, individual, or agency for their contributions to the organization. The 2025 Honorary Family was the Holly family of Lima, Ohio (Tim, Heather, Harrison, & Logan), recognized for their long-term dedication and participation in programming.

Awakening Minds Art, founded in 2009, provides therapeutic and educational visual art programming for individuals of all ages and abilities throughout Northwest Ohio.

More information about the organization and its programs is available at www.awakeningmindsart.org.