Matthew Mohr Columbus, OH, Obituary, Death: Beloved retired chair and professor of Graphic Design, dies of cancer complications

Matthew Mohr Columbus, OH, Obituary, Death: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Mohr, a beloved artist, educator, and the retired Chair and Professor of Graphic Design at the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). Matthew passed away recently, leaving behind an indelible legacy in both the local arts community and the hearts of those who knew him. His impact as a teacher, mentor, and creative visionary is immeasurable.

Matthew Mohr joined CCAD in 2011, returning to his home state of Ohio after a dynamic and successful career in New York. With a strong desire to raise his family in a nurturing environment and to inspire the next generation of artists, he made the transition from practicing professional to devoted educator. Over the course of more than a decade, he became a beloved fixture on campus—admired not only for his teaching, but also for his warm presence, distinctive style, and deeply thoughtful approach to creativity and life.

Known for his unwavering belief in the power of design to connect, challenge, and inspire, Matthew was much more than a professor. He was a mentor who listened intently, supported wholeheartedly, and pushed his students to think more deeply—not only about their work but about the world around them. He celebrated their successes with sincere pride and encouraged them to take risks and pursue their passions with courage and conviction.

Among his most notable artistic contributions is As We Are, the iconic, larger-than-life interactive sculpture that resides in the Columbus Convention Center. The piece, which features a dynamic 3D-printed LED portrait system that displays the faces of its viewers, has become a symbol of community, diversity, and human connection. Matthew’s work often carried this dual nature—technologically ambitious yet rooted in humanity. Another example of this was his series Lightning Sprites—solar-powered kinetic sculptures that blended whimsy, science, and environmental awareness into something both beautiful and meaningful.

But perhaps Matthew’s most lasting legacy lives in the people he touched. His colleagues describe him as a generous collaborator and a thoughtful leader. His students remember him not just as a teacher, but as someone who saw their potential, nurtured their growth, and believed in them when they didn’t yet believe in themselves.

Matthew Mohr leaves behind a profound legacy of creativity, compassion, and connection. He will be deeply missed by the CCAD community, by his former students and colleagues, by the Columbus arts scene, and by the countless lives he touched through his art and mentorship.

In celebrating his life, we also honor the incredible impact he made—one that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.