Art association hold fall showing in Mingo
STEUBENVILLE — One local funeral director is being regarded as “a valued friend.” A generous contributor to the community. Someone who does all he can to better the lives of others.
And one local group has decided to acknowledge his generosity and to thank him for being an intricate part of their world.
Those affiliated with the Steubenville Art Association are paying tribute to Jeff Schuetz, director of Schuetz Funeral Home in Mingo Junction.
Judy Schmidt, art association president, announced the club is grateful to Schuetz for once again, being the host of its fall art show’s grand opening on Saturday.
Approximately 25 artists participated in the autumn showing held at the funeral home, entering more than 100 original works. Various paintings in all styles and sizes were hung throughout the Mingo business. Saturday’s grand opening brought out 150 area residents eager to view local artists’ pieces. Schmidt noted many of the paintings are for sale, ranging in price from $5 to $1,500. The public is welcome to view the exhibit, which will hang at the funeral home until Nov. 9.
During the show, Schmidt welcomed two new members to the club, Danielle Tressler and Richard Matyas. She gifted them some art supplies in order to help get them started in their “new visual arts adventure.”
Emily King, a niece of past member and parliamentarian Larry King, presented a tribute to her uncle at the opening, citing he was a Bob Ross instructor who left her his artwork. The SAA dedicated an entire wall of its showing to Larry King, to honor his memory and talents.
Schuetz had laid out a full smorgasbord of items for show attendees, including stuffed shells, pulled pork, ribs, vegetables, au gratin potatoes and several desserts, such as funnel cakes.
“The food was absolutely delicious,” Schmidt commented. “This is the second time the SAA has had an art show at the funeral home. Jeff has been so good to the SAA and to its members. He has become a valued friend and is now an SAA member, as well.”
A motion had been made to present Schuetz with an honorary membership to the association. The club’s response to that motion? It was met with resounding approval through applause, Schmidt responded.
She stated it was a successful day, as drawings were held for the opportunity to receive a free painting, attendees tried their hand at making pottery, pieces of art were sold and original paintings were taken home by their new owners.
“The Steubenville Art Association wants to thank Jeff Schuetz for his appreciation of visual arts and for his support of the club,” Schmidt concluded. “We are glad he is now a member because we certainly want to see him more often.”
The SAA will present a pastel workshop at 9 a.m. on Saturday in the former Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, now the Christmas on Main business located at 110 W. Main St. in Richmond. The workshop will be led by retired Steubenville High School art teacher Jeanne D’Anniballe. She served as the art instructor at the high school for approximately 35 years, Schmidt stated. The public is invited to attend any of the SAA workshops.
For information, contact Schmidt by e-mail at judyschmidt50@hotmail.com or through text message at (740) 424-3835.