Creating space for creativity: OHIO Southern graduate expands local opportunities

For Bill Tussey, art isn’t just about expression—it’s about opportunity. As a proud Ohio University Southern alumnus, he has turned his passion for the arts into a mission to create accessible spaces for local artists to showcase their work. His journey from student to community arts advocate reflects his dedication to education, perseverance and the belief that art should be for everyone.

Tussey graduated from Ohio University Southern in 2017 with a degree in arts communication. His first foray into exhibiting his own work came through undergraduate shows at Ohio University Southern, eventually leading to a solo virtual exhibition during the pandemic. Now, he’s focused on ensuring others have even greater opportunities to share their creativity.

That mission took shape nearly three and a half years ago when Tussey and a friend took a hard look at the local art scene and realized there was room for something more. They envisioned an art show that truly supported local artists, and so, with just seven participants, the first April Showers Art Show was born. In its second year, participation grew to 11 artists. Now, in its third year, the show boasts 20 artists and over 60 pieces of artwork in a wide variety of media—from oil and acrylic paintings to photography, sculpture, and even homemade taxidermy.

"It’s humbling," Tussey said of the show’s growth. "We tend to have a lot of artists who have never exhibited before or who don’t exhibit often. We’re happy to facilitate that."

With the show’s success, Tussey and his co-organizer, Marlee Kaiser, took their vision a step further, forming a nonprofit organization called Inspired Opportunities. The goal? To provide artists with spaces to exhibit and perform—particularly those who lack the financial resources to rent traditional galleries or performance venues. The nonprofit keeps costs low, utilizes non-traditional spaces and ensures accessibility for artists of all backgrounds.

"So many times in our area, there are impediments—whether it’s cost, location, or something else—that prevent people from seeing, performing or participating in the arts," Tussey said. "We want to be as accessible as possible."

The April Showers Art Show remains central to that effort. The show is open to artists within a 65-mile radius of Ashland, Kentucky, encompassing areas from Charleston, West Virginia, to Chillicothe, Ohio, and Morehead, Kentucky. Submission fees are kept to a minimum—just $15, a fraction of what most juried art shows charge. 

Unlike other regional shows that provide ribbons or certificates, April Showers awards a trophy for Best in Show. "We wanted something significant—something they can look back on and say, ‘You know what? I did that,’” Tussey said.

The upcoming exhibition will be held in the corporate event space at Camp Landing in Ashland. A VIP reception is set for April 4, welcoming local and state dignitaries, business leaders and arts advocates. The public show is April 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with awards at 7:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, and all artwork is available for purchase—with 100% of the sale going to the artist, as the show takes no commission.

Tussey’s vision extends beyond this single event. Inspired Opportunities is actively seeking new locations for pop-up exhibits, performance events, and educational opportunities. From vacant storefronts to unconventional outdoor spaces, the organization is committed to bringing art directly to the community in innovative ways.

"If the space is empty, we need to fill it with art," he said. "We want to remove some of the mystique and pretentiousness that sometimes surrounds the art world. We want people to engage with it."

Tussey credits his experience at Ohio University Southern with shaping his approach to arts accessibility.

"My first-ever show was the undergraduate exhibit at OU Southern, and I also had a solo show here during COVID," he said. "That experience gave me confidence, and I want to help provide that for others."

With April Showers growing and Inspired Opportunities expanding, Tussey is showing that art isn't just to be admired from a distance—it belongs to everyone. And thanks to his efforts, more local artists than ever before have a place to share their vision with the world.