Sarah Ricker has dedicated her life to fostering creativity, promoting inclusivity, and enriching her community. As the founder and board member of Awakening Minds Art in Findlay and the owner of Whirlwind Productions, her impact on both the art and business worlds is nothing short of inspiring.

Sarah (Crisp) Ricker was born into a family with a deep appreciation for all forms of art and creativity. Her childhood was filled with music, creative outlets, and endless encouragement from her support system, who recognized her talents. As Sarah grew older, her passion for the arts only intensified. While she pursued her education in psychology at the University of Findlay, her passion for the arts never let up. In fact, her passion became heavy in finding a way to merge her interest in human behavior with the arts. Her academic journey broadened her perspective on the profound impact that art can have on individuals and communities.

In 2009, Sarah (Crisp) Ricker founded Awakening Minds Art, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic and educational visual art programs for all ages and abilities. Her vision was to create a safe and inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds could unleash their creativity while improving their overall well-being. Under her guidance, Awakening Minds Art flourished, offering a wide range of art programs and workshops that continue to transform lives.

Sarah's work at Awakening Minds Art didn't stop at offering art programs. She tirelessly advocated for the power of the visual arts and it’s ability to heal and provide personal growth, collaborating with healthcare professionals and educators to bring her vision to a wider audience.

In addition to her work with Awakening Minds Art , Sarah Ricker pursued her passion for event planning and marketing strategies. She founded Whirlwind Productions in 2023, a company dedicated to producing and promoting innovative and meaningful marketing and event strategies at an affordable cost to allow small businesses and nonprofits to keep up in the digital age. Whirlwind Productions, an affiliation of the Red Tornado Collective, holds true to their mission to empower small businesses and nonprofits with world-class marketing solutions at affordable prices. They believe that every organization, regardless of size or budget, deserves to have a strong online presence and effective marketing strategies.
It is their commitment is to provide high-quality, cost-effective services that help our clients thrive in the digital age. Sarah works hand in hand with Tamera Rooney, owner of the Red Tornado Collective, who has been her mentor since 2008 and a marketing expert for decades. Together, they are a whirlwind of marketing and event planning knowledge!

Sarah's contributions to the Findlay and Ottawa-area communities extended beyond her artistic endeavors. She served, and continues to serve, for various local organizations, always striving to make her community a better place for all. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to inclusivity made her a respected figure in the community, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including a recipient of the Toledo-Area 20 Under 40 Award in 2019. As Sarah Ricker continues her journey as a creative force, philanthropist, and community leader, her legacy continues to grow. Her dedication to the arts and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of creativity have left an indelible mark on Findlay, Ottawa, and beyond. Her story serves as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.