The goal to become a writing professor is what brought Keith Banner to Ohio—but thankfully for Visionaries and Voices, Keith’s goals have changed. Upon obtaining his master’s degree in Creative Writing from Miami University, Keith decided he wanted to “do” rather than teach. He was hired by the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in 1993, and still works there today.

When beginning to work for MRDD several years ago, Keith began meeting many disabled, but incredibly talented artists. Upon coordinating efforts with co-founder Bill Ross, Keith began helping these artists showcase their work. Several steps and years later, V & V is what is today, thanks in large part to Keith. Keith is still actively involved in V & V, by visiting the studios, writing grant proposals, speaking to the community about V & V, or doing whatever else he can to shine a spotlight on the organization he says is about “respecting and celebrating what people are capable of.”

Keith has also published two books and sometimes teaches classes at Miami University. On the side, he produces his own artwork, which has been showcased in Cincinnati, Chicago, and Indianapolis. His favorite part about V & V is “the atmosphere of generosity, equality, and creativity.” Keith is a resident of Forest Park.