Megan Howard on Using Art and Creativity as Therapy
Megan Howard is a Columbus artist whose artwork, “Helpful Ostrich,” will be on view as part of the Accessible Expressions Ohio 2026 exhibition, July 30 – Sept. 4, at the Palmer Hall, Broad Street Presbyterian Church. We chatted with her about her artistic work, especially in light of her complex medical issues, and how creativity serves as a form of therapy.
Megan Fitze: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Megan Howard: I’m an animal and nature lover, and a little bit of a weirdo, like most artists I know. Due to having several complex medical issues, I spend most of my time at home in bed, which is where I complete most of my art.
Megan Fitze: How did you become an artist?
Megan Howard: I always enjoyed arts and crafts as a young person but really got interested in drawing in middle school thanks to encouragement from a friend. We drew together a lot. I would turn to writing when I was upset, but words felt too vulnerable, so I would scribble away my words, and images would emerge. Eventually, I would skip the writing and go straight to making art.
When I was diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease during college, I knew I wanted a career in the arts, but I also wanted to be helpful to others. I found art so therapeutic personally that when I learned about a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy, I knew that was the right path for me to pursue. Unfortunately, my illness became too disabling for full-time work. I was heartbroken to be unable to utilize my degree as planned, but I still use art as my own therapy.
Megan Fitze: How would you describe your artwork?
Megan Howard: Very colorful! I just love color, and like to use bright, bold colors even when depicting subjects lacking much color in nature. I would also describe my work as imaginative, abstract, humorous and/or emotional. I like to make stylized animal portraits, designs with hidden images and abstract designs.
Much of my work also confronts aspects of living with a disability. While I suffer immensely with chronic pain, my art is filled with hope, humor and imagination.
Megan Fitze: What is your process like?
Megan Howard: I work with two distinct and very different mediums: I make acrylic paint marker drawings from bed, and on days when I am able to get out of bed, you’ll likely find me creating fused glass art. Making art allows me to express what words cannot, distracts me from pain and gives me a sense of purpose.
I am currently working on merging these two art-making methods, by introducing my unique designs into my glasswork.
Megan Fitze: Your current work is part of Art Possible Ohio’s Accessible Expressions Ohio exhibition. What has it been like to be part of that exhibition?
Megan Howard: It has been such a thrill and honor to work with Art Possible Ohio and be included in the AEO exhibitions for the last three years, and to see my work hung in prestigious museums and galleries throughout Ohio. I have also formed friendships with several of the other artists that I’ve met at the opening receptions.
The piece I have in the exhibition this year is titled “Helpful Ostrich” and was created with acrylic paint markers from bed, during an intense week of elevated pain. After utilizing every other medically advised method to minimize my pain, I reached for my drawing pad to distract myself from the pain I was feeling, and a goofy-looking ostrich with its mouth wide open emerged. In this instance, it was a “Helpful Ostrich,” however, my art is always helpful to me, and has gotten me through many moments of 10/10 pain in my life.
Megan Fitze: What advice do you have for other artists in Columbus?
Megan Howard: Keep at it! Columbus is an amazing place to live if you’re an artist because there are so many opportunities. Look up local art groups and organizations that are available nearby, get involved, make connections, and continue to practice your art.
There are amazing opportunities here to learn, exhibit, teach and a lot of local organizations will even trade volunteer hours for studio time or class credits. The Greater Columbus Arts Council offers generous grants and opportunities for artists’ professional development.
Joining the Ohio Art League is another great way to increase opportunities to exhibit work in Columbus and other areas in Ohio.
Megan Fitze: Where can people find your art?
Megan Howard: My glass art piece, “Life in Pain,” is currently on display digitally in the Disabled Women Make History (and Art) exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art. You can also find my glass jewelry and ornaments for sale here in Columbus at the Columbus Glass Art Center. I have a new online shop, where you can find a variety of art items, from prints to pillowcases, stickers and jewelry.
Megan’s artwork, “Helpful Ostrich,” will also be on view as part of the Accessible Expressions Ohio 2026 exhibition, July 30 – Sept. 4, at the Palmer Hall, Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus.
About the author
Megan Fitze is executive director of Art Possible Ohio.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.