Sitting before an easel, Wallace Peck contemplates his subject. Scrutinizing the canvas, he begins a process of art and imagination. With a full-color background and thick-black lines, Wallace creates a portrait unlike any other, one that can be pinpointed as a uniquely his own. As he finishes his artistry, he sits back with a wide grin, illuminating the room with his warmth.

Wallace Peck is one of many artists at the Open Doors Art Studio, located in Grandview. The studio acts as a creative space and gallery, providing art services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This local space was formed in 2007 with the support of the Columbus Center for Human Services. The executive director, Dona England, had a profound fondness for Ralph Bell, a long-time resident of CCHS with cerebral palsy. Bell had a celebrated career as an artist and his influence helped create the studio.

The Open Door Art Studio creates incomparable opportunities for many of its artists. Take Wallace for example. His creative ingenuity shines through his portraits, and as a result he has become a locally renowned artist. About the studio, Wallace says, “I’ve been drawing my whole life. I like to make painted pictures so that people can look at my pictures and feel happy, feel good. I want to paint people… People I knows, peoples I trust. That’s why I come here.”

Wallace’s words have an impact. For him, art is a way to make others happy, and, in turn, that makes him happy.

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