Jonathan Salzman is Passion Works’ featured artist for July. Jonathan is best known for his whimsical animal illustrations. Cobras, turtles, rhinos, elephants and bats are his favorite and most frequently painted animals. These creatures have graced one-of-a-kind paintings, Sneaky Cat and the ceramic tile Lizard on Lion on Cat. Jonathan’s elephant, polar bear and rhino designs have been translated into ornaments and his birds can be seen on the Prayer for World Peace print.

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We feature a Passion Works Artist every month but you can buy original artwork from any of our artists.

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Are you looking for a thank you gift for a special teacher, student, or perhaps someone you may be visiting this summer? The Passion Works Gallery Shop offers unique art and gifts. You’ll find many items travel well right in your suitcase! Remember, Passion Flowers are “The Official Flower of Athens, Ohio” and make a great gift.

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A Story of Flying was written as a birth gift to a family who had just had a beautiful baby boy, Gabriel. Gabriel was born with Down syndrome, and poet Deni Naffziger wrote “A Story of Flying” in anticipation of the joy that would be shared between Gabriel and his sister, Sophia, the adventures they would have, and the hopes and dreams of their parents for their children. This book is a celebration of potential — when we encourage each other to fly and dream, incredible things are possible. Naffziger’s poem has been the inspiration for countless pieces of art work, conversations about ability, the PBS documentary “Passion Works: A Story of Flying”, and encouragement for all parents who dream of the best for their children.

Passion Works Studio in Athens, Ohio, and Colors of the Soul Studio in Punta Arenas, Chile, both support collaborations between artists with and without developmental disabilities. Through an international, artistic exchange, these two studios have created the artwork for “A Story of Flying”. Different languages, cultures and locations need not inhibit our ability to share, dream, create beautiful works of art and encourage everyone to dream and fly!

This exchange was supported through the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically. With funds from the Ohio Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the OAC provides financial assistance to artists and arts organizations.