TRAVELING CANVAS — A traveling canvas entitled “Color Our World” will stop throughout Jefferson County so local residents of all ages and all abilities can add their touch of color to the artwork. The project is being collaborated by the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County and the Steubenville Art Association. The canvas, which was designed by members of the SAA and JCBDD, will be on display June 9 through July 17 at the following library branches: Steubenville, Brilliant, Tiltonsville, Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant, Adena and Toronto. The activity coincides with the library’s Summer Reading Program. Information is available online at steubenvillelibrary.org. Those who helped create the art on the life-size canvas included, from left, Judy Schmidt, president of the SAA; Danielle Tressler and Richie Maytas, artists from the JCBDD. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — No matter your age, no matter your ability, everyone will be welcome to participate in an upcoming activity that is being collaborated by officials with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County and the Steubenville Art Association.

A traveling canvas will be making its way to library branches throughout Jefferson County, where every person will have the opportunity to add their creative touch to a canvas entitled, “Color Our World.”

The project will coincide with the library’s Summer Reading Program, according to Jenn Cesta, public relations coordinator for the PLSJ. Creating the four-foot canvas that will be making its way through the area between Monday and July 17, were artists from the SAA, including Club President Judy Schmidt, Francesca Veltri, Danielle Tressler and Richie Matyas.

Cesta explained the canvas will be housed at the Main Library on South Fourth Street in Steubenville from Monday through Wednesday.

The canvas will then move to the Schiappa Library June 12. From there, it will be placed at the Brilliant branch on June 19 before going on to the Tiltonsville branch June 26.

The Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant branch will see the canvas displayed July 3, while Adena will possess the project on July 10. Toronto will be the final stop, set for July 17.

Cesta stated the art project is for all ages, including children, teens and adults.

“Cookie West initiated the idea of doing a life-size art piece with drawings created by individuals with all abilities,” Cesta stated. “The canvas will travel to the library branches to allow the public to color it with paint and other art mediums.”

West is the community navigator for the JCBDD.

Cesta said the canvas will be displayed in an open space at each branch. Supplies will be on hand for patrons to add color and designs to the artwork. The JCBDD and PLSJ collaborated on the newly-formed Open Art Night at the Schiappa branch with Tressler and Matyas, who receive services through the JCBDD.

The first event was held in March. It has since been continued at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month.

“All ages and all abilities were invited to the library to create art on their own, and the library provided the supplies,” Cesta commented. “Originally, this was intended to be a one-time program, but we liked the idea so much that it was decided to make it an ongoing program each month. The families who are attending have been positively responsive to it. This program is something new and exciting at the library. We love connecting the library to its community through art and allowing all ages and abilities to creatively express themselves.”

Tressler agreed it was a nice opportunity for people to come together.

“I like art and kids, it’s fun seeing everybody get involved,” Cesta commented.

Schmidt agreed, saying this allows a child to build on his or her imagination.

“I love art, but I missed parts of it, like what it does for your soul and mind,” Schmidt said. “Doing this project for children in the area lets them express themselves. They can become part of a group and be proud of what they do for the ‘Color Our World’ canvas.”

West said the traveling canvas was a way to bring people together — no matter their abilities.

“The local community has an opportunity to come to a branch and add color to the design,” West stated. “It would truly be a unified art piece. It will travel throughout the county and we hope everyone will contribute to the project. It shows how all ages and abilities will ultimately create something beautiful, and that’s the beauty of art.”

A full list of summer reading events, which includes the canvas locations, is available on the library’s website steubenvillelibrary.org.