Elizabeth Blakemore has been the curator of the Little Art Gallery in North Canton, Ohio, since 2007. She oversees the gallery, a permanent collection of over 200 works, and organizes art classes for patrons of all ages. Over her tenure, she has worked with hundreds of artists and creative professionals, curating approximately 200 exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. Graduating cum laude from Kent State University with a BA in art education, she began her career as an art teacher and security threat group coordinator with the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS). At DYS, the focus was placed on art as a form of therapeutic escape and refuge. Studying gang signs and symbols at federal and state levels, Elizabeth utilized knowledge of art as an ever-changing language. Later, she continued her education in art therapy and counseling at Ursuline College. She continues to create works of art for personal expression and as a commissioned artist. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries in North Carolina, Ohio, and Puerto Rico, and numerous pieces are housed in private collections. Blakemore has a passion for art and is committed to the local art scene. She strives to maintain the gallery’s success and its role in enriching the cultural landscape of North Canton.