Steubenville Art Association President Judy Schmidt and Jim Watson, spring exhibit chairman -- Janice Kiaski

“It’s Good to be Back!” is an appropriate theme for the Steubenville Art Association’s 74th-annual spring exhibit, a two-year victim of the pandemic.

But it’s back on track at Eastern Gateway Community College in Steubenville and offering area residents an opportunity to appreciate the talent of 50 some artists and their collective 147 works.

The show runs through May 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The college is closed on Sundays.

The opening reception April 30 brought a welcome and expressions of appreciation- from Judy Schmidt, SAA president, and the presentation of awards, including Best of Show honors for Cecy Rose of Wheeling for her water color work “Burros of Provence.”

Rose also received a merit award along with honorees Mary “Sis” Keenan, Jessie Lovano, Debra Price Arbaugh, Nancy Wright, Debra Kimball, Alan Fitzpatrick and Denise Gordon.

Honorable mention recognition went to Gina Judy, Virginia Price, Tammy Verhovec, Mary Moore, April Waltz, Janet Sheehan, Judy Schmidt, Diane Kessler, Sara Cunningham and Aggie Waltrout.

Recipients of special awards were Mary Ann Reese, Williams Family Award; Robert Martin, Gatts/Wilson Memorial Award; Janet Sheehan, James Kaufmann Memorial Award; and Sandra Hadsell, Ann Knowles Memorial Award.

Alexis Faessel, a senior at Brooke High School and the daughter of Thomas and Jessica Faessel of Follansbee, was the SAA scholarship competition winner. She plans to study animation at Point Park University. Jeanne D’Anniballe. shcolarship chairman, made the presentation.

Not all awards have been presented, however, as one remains. It’s the People’s Choice award where a vote for $1 can be cast through 5 p.m. on May 11. The winner will split the pot with the SAA.

William A. Karaffa of Pittsburgh, who judged the works, noted in the booklet that he was “challenged and delighted to review the work of so many artists.” He congratulated the winners and all who participated, commenting, “An artist’s gift is sharing their own personal vision through their art. It is their unique voice which they project in a nonverbal way. when done well it becomes a beautiful expression of their soul — a selfless act of communicating in a manner that allows the viewer to pause, reflect, feel and react.”

“It’s always an event that amazes me, so much talent, and such amazing work,” Jim Watson, longtime spring exhibit chairman, is quoted in the program booklet. And new members are always welcomed, he added.

An “In Memory” page acknowledged three members in Larry King, whose work graced the front cover, and Mary Householder and Arlene MacQuown.

Aside from Schmidt, officers are Gina Judy, vice president; Deanna Irvin, treasurer; and Francesca Veltri, recording secretary.

Dale Biesecker, Bob Watson and Joann Watson are trustees.

The SAA meets in the Visitors Center of Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. Third St., Steubenville.

For information, contact Schmidt at (740) 424-3835 or write to the SAA. The address is P.O. Box 1061, Steubenville OH 43952.