STANDING OUT IN THE SAA — The Steubenville Art Association is celebrating its 79th anniversary, with September beginning the nonprofit’s new year. A grand opening of the SAA’s Greatest of All-Time Art Show took place Sept. 6 at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville. The GOAT winner was Diane Kessler. Kessler also received the People’s Choice Award for her entry of a watercolor nostalgic piece depicting her daughter’s homecoming dress, a memory which tells a story. The GOAT entries can be viewed through Oct. 23 at the CMA. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — September is the start of a new year for the Steubenville Art Association. It is a time when all upcoming workshops are announced; a time when area residents interested in becoming an artist can join and share in the opportunity to learn from other artists; and the beginning of presenting original, artistic pieces in local shows, events and competitions.

September is the month in which plans are made for upcoming projects — projects that not only benefit the city, but help to promote tourism during holidays and major activities.

This year is the 79th anniversary of the SAA and according to its president, Judy Schmidt, the nonprofit enjoys getting involved with projects that promote tourism in Steubenville, including the Nutcracker Village and the annual Dean Martin Festival. The Ohio Valley begins lighting up for the Christmas season around mid-November, with the city leading the way through its Steubenville Lights Up the Night event at Historic Fort Steuben. It is there the SAA sets up an art sales area inside the Visitor Center, selling art throughout the holiday season. Sales are held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and on Sundays; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The art is original and done by local artists, with works reasonably priced, Schmidt noted. Residents and out-of-town visitors can purchase some of the artwork as Christmas gifts, as these are items which can not be replicated. Proceeds are donated back to the fort by the artists.

“We have several artists who paint for the Dean Martin Festival,” Schmidt commented. In June, attendees will find painted 45s and canvases, along with jackets, collages and more.

Weirton resident Jane Watson is an SAA member, despite she not being the artist in her family. Her husband, Bob Watson, is the artist in their home. Jane believes the SAA is important to everyone — not just its members.

STANDING OUT IN THE SAA –– Paula Siebieda, a Bellaire resident and member of the SAA, was recognized as being the Artist of the Month for September. Shown with her artwork, Siebieda is a member of four Pittsburgh art leagues and has many works in exhibitions throughout the Tri-State Area. -- Contributed

“We would never want to be without her,” Schmidt said of Jane.

“I have been blessed beyond words as a helper in the SAA,” she said. “Experiencing the friendship and support between the various artists is beyond words. Each of their artistic talents is to be in awe of. And what precious memories I have of helping register artists for various art exhibits, experiencing the excitement and anticipation demonstrated. Hosting as a helper at the fort’s opening of the Christmas season celebration is so very heartwarming. I watched all ages and sizes of families strolling, listening to music, observing the joy of the Christmas decorations. And then they come inside to view the art. There, they visited with Santa Claus and wrote their letters to him.”

Jane explained the Greatest of All-Time Art Show was held at the Center of Music and Art, an idea presented by Gerald VanScyoc, SAA member and art instructor at the CMA in Wintersville.

VanScyoc was the manager and sole juror of the show. He stated, “The Steubenville Art Association has always been good to me. It has given me outlets in which I can show my art, as well as a chance to network with other local artists.”

Jane added the SAA “did an outstanding job” at this year’s GOAT show, saying, “Gerald commented in his opening remarks, ‘This is like the Academy Awards. And an Academy Award celebration it was for the artists, as love and happiness was demonstrated by all of the artists, as each of the four winners were announced.”

The GOAT show featured 21 artists submitting their best piece. The grand opening was held Sept. 6 and will remain open through Oct. 23 for those interested in viewing the works. Hours of the CMA are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The first-place winner is known as “the GOAT,” a title earned by this year’s GOAT, Diane Kessler. She also was the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

A longtime artist, Kessler believes the best art is one which tells some personal truth. She chose to enter a nostalgic watercolor painting of her daughter’s junior year homecoming dress, a dress which she made modifications to in order to set it apart from the other dresses at the dance.

According to Kessler, art is not a straight line and should be created through free form. Schmidt noted Kessler is a “tremendous artist,” and the SAA is proud to have her as a member.

Second place in the GOAT show went to Bob Watson for his watercolor of a boat in need of repairs in a harbor. Debra Kimball won third place for her pen and ink submission of a young immigrant boy excited someone gave him a pair of used shoes. Honorable mention went to SAA Vice President Alysia Basluke, for her oil portrait of a friend with his cat.

“This art is the best of the best of the SAA artists, so be sure to stop by the CMA to see it,” Schmidt said. “Some of the art pieces are for sale.”

Member Sara Cunningham, an art teacher in the Martin’s Ferry School system, stated, “I first became involved with the SAA in the 1990s as a child, attending workshops with my grandmother, Ruth Cunningham, at the old fire hall on Pleasant Heights. After earning my bachelor’s degree in art education from West Liberty University, I returned home with fond memories of those early artistic experiences and officially joined the association in 2012.”

Cunningham continued, “Since then, I have participated in numerous workshops, as a learner exploring new techniques and as an instructor leading a session on suminagashi, the Japanese art of paper marbling. For me, the value of belonging to an artistic community lies in the opportunity to learn from, and be inspired by, others — creative individuals who share a passion for art, while bringing unique perspectives and ideas.”

Another of the SAA’s special members, is local funeral director Jeff Schuetz, an honorary member.

“And it isn’t because our members are getting older,” Schmidt jokingly said. “It is because Jeff has a love for art and enjoys doing things for everyone — especially those in the SAA.”

“We made him an honorary member of the SAA after he sponsored three art shows in his funeral home in Mingo Junction,” she added. “He’s made several sales for our artists, opened his doors for Paint n’ Sips, and most of all, he and his co-hort, Cookie, make for us the most delicious foods that are served at our grand openings there. And because of Jeff, the SAA had a nice art show write-up in a national funeral director magazine. There’s about 70 pieces of art at the Schuetz Funeral Home at this time, so stop in and take a look.”

The SAA consistently recognizes one of its members as being the Artist of the Month.

September’s Artist of the Month was named as being Bellaire resident Paula Siebieda.

Siebieda is an accomplished, professional artist and a member of four Pittsburgh art leagues in addition to her being in the SAA.

Having a degree in elementary education, with emphasis in art and science, Siebieda was a substitute-teacher with Bellaire City Schools.

She is currently exhibiting at the Historic Fort Steuben in the Fine Art Photography Exhibit, as well as in its lobby display.

Siebieda is exhibiting at the following locations for anyone wanting to view her artwork: North Hills Art Center, Pittsburgh; the ARC Human Resources Community Room, Canonsburg; the “Crowfest” exhibition at the Mansfield Art Center, Mansfield; and will soon be in the Stifel Fine Art Center in the Pittsburgh Society of Artist’s 59th-annual Juried Exhibition.

Siebieda had two pieces in the Professional Juried Exhibit at the Ohio State Fair. She enjoys architectural subject matter and animals, usually working with acrylics or oils on canvas in a representational manner.