GETTING OUT THE WORD — The second-annual Show Us Your Stuff art show is scheduled to run from March 6-21. Presented by the Steubenville Art Association, community members and those in the SAA met Tuesday to discuss ways to share the information with art classes and residents. Those taking part included from left, front, Judy McDevitt and Gerald VanScyoc, Center of Music and Art instructor; and back, Linda Ard; Tammy Rogers, student manager of the art show; Jeana Parr and Karen Heusel. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — There are few who will ever put brush to canvass the way van Gogh, DaVinci, Monet and Michelangelo once did.

Each painted not just with their hands, but with their hearts. As do today’s lesser-known artists, including those affiliated with the Steubenville Art Association. Each member possesses their own special talents, their own gifts … making every individual unique.

Although their works may not be hanging in iconic museums such as the Louvre, their pieces are just as important. For when it comes to art, everyone shares that same passion, that same love which compels them to capture an image in time, forever.

That is why all artists — members and non-members of the Steubenville Art Association — are being invited to participate in the SAA’s second-annual Show Us Your Stuff art show. “Dreams and Imaginations 2025” will be this year’s theme.

According to President Judy Schmidt, the topic was chosen based on the Surrealism movement of the early 1920s. Developed following World War I, artists experimented with a new mode of expression known as automatism or automatic writing.

Surrealism aims to allow the unconscious mind to express itself, resulting in the depiction of dreamlike scenes and ideas. Artists belonging to the movement make their works inspired by dreams and the subconscious. Those interested in submitting their artwork that uses this particular style and theme, are welcome to attend this year’s event. Children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens are being asked to share their artistic abilities with those throughout the community.

“It makes no difference if you are a club member or someone who paints in the privacy of your own home,” Schmidt said. “All you have to do is dream or imagine your art, bring it to the visitor center and enter it into the Show Us Your Stuff art show.”

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning March 6 at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center, located at 120 S. Third St. The show will run through March 21. Each participant can enter three pieces for $10. Art will be hung on the show’s opening day, with entries to be judged by SAA student judges on March 7. The opening ceremony will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 8 and presented by SAA student managers. “The judges and managers of the show are all new, so this will be their first time serving in these roles,” Schmidt stated.

First-, second- and third-place awards will be given for Best of Show in the adult and teen categories. Children 12 and younger will receive an “awesome” ribbon. A Mayor’s Choice Award in the adult and teen categories will be given, with teens ranging in age from 13 to 18. A Most Imaginative Award and a Best Dream Award will be presented to one participant in each of the categories. Awards include plaques, certificates and ribbons. There are no monetary awards given for this art show, Schmidt noted.

Parents and teachers who have a child who possesses a love for art can bring their work to the center. “We’re celebrating all artists, regardless of age,” Schmidt said. “Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field … frozen in the snow. And there are no better dreams and imaginations than those of our children.”

Visit the art association’s Facebook page for information or contact Schmidt at judyschmidt50@hotmail.com or call (740) 424-3835.