Matthew Mohr Columbus, OH, Death, Obituary: It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Matthew Mohr, beloved retired chair and professor of Graphic Design at the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). An extraordinary educator, visionary artist, and cherished member of the community, Matthew leaves behind a legacy that will resonate through the lives he touched, the work he created, and the city he helped to shape.
Matthew joined CCAD in 2011, returning to his home state of Ohio after a thriving career in New York. He brought with him not only a refined creative vision but also a profound dedication to nurturing emerging artists. His return was marked by a desire to raise his family in a place that felt like home, while helping to guide and inspire the next generation of creative professionals. Over more than a decade at CCAD, Matthew became a cornerstone of the campus community.
Known for his signature sense of style, his gentle intellect, and his deep compassion, Matthew taught students not just the technical aspects of design, but the importance of imagination, empathy, and critical thinking. His classroom was more than a place of instruction—it was a space where students were encouraged to wonder, to explore, and to grow.
Beyond the classroom, Matthew was an artist of national acclaim. He was best known for his groundbreaking interactive sculpture As We Are, a towering LED installation at the Columbus Convention Center that invites passersby to engage with a three-dimensional, digital self-portrait. The piece stands as a bold, beautiful reflection of identity and community, and it continues to attract visitors and provoke thoughtful conversation.
Another of Matthew’s artistic achievements was Lightning Sprites, a series of solar-powered artworks that blended technology with playfulness and meaning. Through these pieces, he expressed not just his talent but his enduring belief in the power of art to inspire wonder and connect people.
But perhaps Matthew’s most enduring contribution lies in the relationships he built. He was a mentor who truly listened, a professor who celebrated every student’s victory, no matter how small, and a colleague whose presence lifted those around him. Alumni and peers alike remember him for his unwavering support, his quiet encouragement, and his willingness to challenge those he believed in to reach for more.
Matthew Mohr’s passing is a profound loss to the CCAD community, to the Columbus arts scene, and to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on—in the public artworks that continue to captivate, in the students he inspired, and in the community he helped to build with grace, intellect, and heart. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
