Anne Visher is the driving force behind OWI's creative Art Department. A former shop owner and customer of OWI from back in the days when there were only six employees, she has seen the company grow by leaps and bounds.

Anne says "I grew up with a mom who loved to sew. I loved to decorate, especially for all the holidays. We made everything by hand. My mother and I took ceramic classes, stenciling classes and did our first show together over 25 years ago. I was hooked; I studied floral design, spent hours at the library and helped my neighbor open an antique store in exchange for all her knowledge and experience. I went on to rent space at the Country Barn, a cooperative for over 12 years, as well as consigning in many smaller shops. I grew and dried my own flowers and herbs, sold wholesale to other stores, gave presentations and classes.

Floral designs and antiques were my greatest passion. I was definitely in my zone when designing. It was the perfect job for raising my children- my two sons Daniel and Jason grew up doing shows, restocking shops and going with mom to buy supplies. My family was very supportive and very involved when I opened my own shop."

When Anne's youngest headed for college and she was facing the empty nest, she applied at Ohio Wholesale. "We design over 2000 SKU's a year. I work with a wonderful design team. I love the whole process from concept to completion. I can't wait to see the new catalogs and tradeshow sets. We put our hearts and souls into product development. It is very exciting work and we try to get better and better. To ascend, always try to ascend."

When she is not working, Anne loves to read. "I love to keep learning, to garden, to shop and spend time with my family and friends. Work and non work blend beautifully when your job is to inspire, uplift and make people laugh. It's a match made in heaven and I am thankful for the opportunity every day. To create is to work with God."

View products designed by Anne.

Mike McNosky has worked at OWI since 1997 and has been an artist for as long as he can remember. As the very first full-time artist hired by OWI, he left a sixteen year machinist's career to work at doing what he really loves to do... create.

His top selling hand-carved items are evidence of the diligence and craftsmanship he puts into all of his work. Some of Mike's favorites can be found in the Officially Licensed Jeff Foxworthy product line. Mike says he does some of his best work when he knows it makes people laugh.

View products designed by Mike.

Cheryl McMullen is the "seamstress" artist. She loves working in all mediums but sewing is her favorite. Trying new methods and techniques keeps her items fresh and new. She loves to make items for Grandparents and her inspiration comes from her two grandchildren. Prior to joining OWI, she was an elementary school teacher and a graduate of Kent State University. Sometimes she says it is difficult to pinpoint what inspires her, but in ten years she has not run out of ideas.

View products designed by Cheryl.

Eileen Cantillon loves the whole creative process, from conceiving an original idea to final completion. She has enjoyed an exciting career as a professional artist and designer and has been the recipient of numerous awards of excellence for artistic achievement. Although she is skilled in a variety of media and styles, she especially loves designing for our Irish Line. Her Irish heritage and travelling to Ireland ignited her creativity and has inspired many wonderful products.

View products designed by Eileen.

Linda McCormick has enjoyed creating and painting things ever since she was a child. For the majority of her working years she worked as a professional artist and has been featured in several magazine articles. While she is working, she draws inspiration from thinking about the seasons, the outdoors and reminiscing about her past. Linda has created several best sellers with Ohio Wholesale and plans on creating even more! A "Crafter" at heart, Linda enjoys working with all mediums with the hope that her art will bring as much joy to the person buying the item as it does to her when she makes it. Linda has been making "joyful" items at OWI for many years. She resides with her husband, Jim, on a lake where they enjoy the country area with friends, family and visits from their granddaughters Ashley and Emily.

View products designed by Linda.

Ben Gray has always had a love of art. He knew in elementary school that he would love to be an artist. Ben and his friends spent a lot of time drawing even as youngsters. As he got older, he seriously considered becoming an art teacher. Ben went to Muskingum College and graduated with a degree in Art with a focus in graphic design. While in college, he freelanced doing logos, business cards and t-shirts. Upon completion of school, Ben joined us here at OWI. We are so glad he did, not only for his multitude of talents but for his great attitude and work ethic.

View products designed by Ben.