Ohio Creativity Trail
Posted on Feb 4
Discover Ohio’s Vibrant Creativity
Ohio boasts a rich artistic heritage, with talented creatives leaving their mark across various fields. The Ohio Creativity Trail showcases this vibrant culture, featuring over 100 inspiring sites statewide. Spanning seven distinct artistic genres — Literature, Music, Visual Arts, Glass & Pottery, Folk & Traditional Arts, Carousel Art, and more —the trail offers a journey through the state’s diverse creative spirit.
Butler County is proud to be home to four of these remarkable artistic attractions.
William Holmes McGuffey House & Museum
401 E. Spring Street | Oxford, OH
The McGuffey House & Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and showcasing materials related to William Holmes McGuffey, the renowned McGuffey Eclectic Reader series, the history of Miami University, and the 19th-century domestic life and architecture of southwest Ohio. In 1836, McGuffey compiled the first edition of his Eclectic Reader, a foundational text that taught reading, spelling, and civic values through engaging stories that emphasized honesty, hard work, and moral integrity, alongside excerpts from classic literary works.
BeauVerre Riordan Studios
1054 Central Avenue | Middletown, OH
Established in 1838, BeauVerre Riordan is the oldest continuously operating stained glass studio in the country. Nestled in a historic building in the heart of downtown Middletown, the studio specializes in stained, beveled, etched, painted, and fused glass. Sourced from around the world, the glass features rich, variegated hues, allowing artists to harness its natural tonal gradations, textures, and densities. This unique approach brings depth and vibrancy to every design, transforming flowers, leaves, mountains, and countless other subjects into stunning works of art.
Richard & Carole Cocks Art Museum
801 S. Patterson Avenue | Oxford, OH
Located on three acres of picturesque sculpture park grounds at the southern edge of Miami University, the Richard & Carole Cocks Art Museum showcases five dynamic galleries with rotating exhibitions and a growing permanent collection of over 17,500 artworks. The outdoor sculpture park is ever-evolving, with new installations continuously enhancing the landscape. Designed by world-renowned architect Walter Netsch, the museum has earned both national and international acclaim.
Make Way for McCloskey Mural & Lentil Sculpture
20 High Street | Hamilton, OH
Robert McCloskey, a world-renowned author and illustrator, left a lasting impact on children's literature with his beloved stories and enchanting illustrations. The McCloskey Wonder Works Museum celebrates his legacy while honoring his roots in Hamilton, Ohio. Inside the museum, you can find some of McCloskey's original sketches and illustrations. The outside of the museum also features a StreetSpark Mural titled, Make Way for McCloskey, that incorporates images from three of Robert's books; Blueberries for Sal, Make Way for Ducklings and Homer Price.
Right outside of the Hamilton Municipal Building, you can find a statue of Lentil and his dog, the popular character from Robert's very first book, Lentil.