STEUBENVILLE — Theirs is a group unlike any other.

There is no age requirement to participate … because a love for the arts can exist in anyone old enough to hold a brush, a pencil, a charcoal stick.

Theirs is a nonprofit where one’s income does not matter … for the only possession that matters is possessing an appreciation for art.

Theirs is a group that does not make judgments upon one’s abilities … for beginners are just as important as any of the experts.

It is one group with one purpose, one organization with one ultimate goal. The Steubenville Art Association is about showing others what you envision to be beautiful and what is important through your eyes, and creating it in a way that is worth remembering.

The SAA is a culmination of people of all ages, all income levels, all artistic abilities who simply love to create art. Its members joined together because they all share the same love for the arts. It is a place where anyone is welcome to share theirs.

Those currently in the SAA, along with area residents who are not in the organization, gathered at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville June 21 for the group’s final workshop of the 2024-25 art year.

According to SAA President Judy Schmidt, the 2025-26 year will begin in September. The Center of Music and Art partners with the SAA, Schmidt explained, noting members took a tour of the center following the workshop. The Wintersville building expanded its art supply area and incorporated a new art show room where local artists can find almost anything they need for their artistic creations.

“The items at the Center of Music and Art are reasonably priced, and I am hoping area artists will support our own small business art store,” Schmidt commented. “We want to keep people buying locally.” During the last workshop of the season, participants learned how to make paper clay jewelry from Savannah Scroll Guz, who has been making this style of jewelry for years.

Guz has gained “quite a following of hand-crafted jewelry enthusiasts,” Schmidt noted. Those taking the class made necklaces, bracelets and earrings using their own style and were happy they were able to take their artwork home to either wear or present as a gift to someone.

During the SAA’s final meeting of the art year, members took time to remember five individuals who were part of the SAA who died this year.

Llelia Buffone, Jim Gorney, Paul Hornung, Anne Wagner and Bob Martin were remembered by those in attendance. Schmidt said they are all missed, for “Every one of them were talented artists and just made the SAA a better place to be,” she said.

Members were reminded their membership fees are due, with single memberships costing $25 and couples costing $40. Membership will be good through July 2026 and must be paid prior to the new membership book being printed in August, Schmidt noted.

The SAA is always open to new members — regardless of one’s artistic ability.

“We work from the beginner all the way to the highly-educated or talented artist,” Schmidt stated. “We have something for everyone. So, if you’ve thought about joining the SAA, do it. We would be happy to have you.”

Workshops are already being planned for next year. To date, sessions have been planned in the areas of colored pencils, the use of a Cricut machine for art projects, Pen and Ink, Watercolor, Watercolor Collage and Zentangle.

Additional workshops will be added. Each will take place on Saturday mornings, and are held once a month. Each location is in the immediate area, so members will not have to travel far to attend. The public is welcome to join in the workshops, Schmidt stated. The cost is between $20-$40, depending on what type of supplies are used.

Members will receive reminders regarding upcoming events. Beginning in September, the SAA will continue its casual art get-togethers.

These informal sessions take place with some of the group’s best artists. The cost is $5 to attend.

These sessions are held one Saturday a month in Richmond. Members will be updated on the sessions as they are planned.

Last year, the SAA did collages, watercolor, community service projects and had social time, Schmidt recalled. The public is invited to join members during the Richmond sessions.

“The SAA would like to thank the Ohio Arts Council, which has been so good at supporting us through grants,” Schmidt exclaimed. “Our ArtStart Grant will be paid to us in August. And the amount of our Sustainability Grant will help us for about four years and will be determined in July.”

“We need to say thank you to the Ohio Arts Council, for we are so appreciative of them,” Schmidt concluded. “And to all of our artists and members who helped to make the SAA’s 2024-25 art year such a success, a special thank you to you. The SAA is just the best … and that is all because of you.”

Those interested in joining the SAA can send a check for $25 or $40 for a couple, to: SAA, P.O. Box 1061, Steubenville, OH 43952 or visit the website steubenvilleaa.com. Follow the SAA on Facebook at Steubenville Art Association.