The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education proudly presented Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President and Founding Artistic Director of The Dancing Wheels Company with the 2025 OAAE Distinguished Leadership Award. Mary was presented with the Award during the Dancing Wheels Gala Benefit Concert on June 13, 2026, at the Mimi Ohio Theatre in Cleveland.

ABOUT MARY

A trailblazer in physically integrated dance, Mary has spent over four decades transforming the arts landscape for people of all abilities. As one of the world’s first professional wheelchair dancers, she founded The Dancing Wheels Company in 1980, and later established the Dancing Wheels School to provide training and career pathways for dancers of all ability levels.

Mary’s leadership and advocacy have influenced arts education, accessibility, and policy

nationwide. Her efforts contributed to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of

1990 and the creation of Ohio’s personal care assistance program, both of which expanded

opportunities for independent living and inclusion.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE) Distinguished Leadership Award was created in celebration of OAAE’s 50th anniversary. The DLAward honors individuals who have significantly advanced arts education in Ohio through leadership, creativity, and long-term commitment to:

•       Advocacy for the arts

•       Innovative teaching or educational leadership

•       Curriculum development or program design

•       Creating arts education materials

•       Mentoring or inspiring students, teachers, and artists

PAST RECIPIENTS

2024

Donna S. Collins, Columbus

Gary E. DeVault, Wooster

Ohio Alliance for Arts Education Executive Director, Jarrod Hartzler presents Mary Verdi-Fletcher with the OAAE Distinguished Leadership Award on June 13.

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Arts On Line Newsletter (AOL) is published weekly by the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education to keep you informed. We research, report and distill information affecting the arts, education, policy, research, and community arts and professional development opportunities. AOL is made possible with support from the Ohio Music Education Association, Ohio Art Education Association, Ohio Thespians, OhioDance, and the Ohio Arts Council. 

It is written by Joan Platz, OAAE's Research and Information Coordinator.