PAINT WITH ARTISTS — The Steubenville Art Association will hold a Come Paint with our Artists class from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville. Participants can choose to paint a gnome or floral hearts. At right, SAA artist Danielle Tressler, left, and President Judy Schmidt, taught PALS students to make Valentine’s Day cards as its free project for the month. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — The chilling winter weather and accumulating snow experienced by residents throughout the Ohio Valley can often be unbearable. Temperatures and roadways can leave us feeling as if we are stuck indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go.

For anyone who might be looking for a creative escape, the Steubenville Art Association will be offering several ways in which the community can trade those darkened gray skies for a vibrant palette of colors this month.

The SAA is maintaining a busy schedule throughout the month of February. Officials are extending an open invitation to all residents to join in — regardless of their skill level. Whether one is seasoned professional or someone who hasn’t picked up a brush since they were in grade school, the art association has a place for everybody, explained President Judy Schmidt.

Schmidt announced the excitement will begin in the coming week, as the group continues its newly-formed class, Come Paint with Our Artists. The class will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Center of Music and Art, located at 264 Main St. in Wintersville. For a $25 fee that covers all materials and supplies, participants can enjoy an evening of guided creativity, choosing to paint either a festive valentine floral piece or a lucky St. Patrick’s Day gnome to take home.

Beyond their public classes, the association continues to make a meaningful impact in the community through its monthly outreach. Schmidt shared how she and SAA member Danielle Tressler spent a special afternoon with participants in the PALS program in Mingo Junction. The duo provided free art instruction on Thursday, with this month being focused on crafting custom Valentine’s Day cards. The students spent the session decorating their cards with an array of stickers donated by Sara Reese, which is a testament to the association’s commitment to sharing the joy of art with everyone in the Ohio Valley.

The momentum will continue on Feb. 21 with a rice paper collage workshop led by Richmond artist and educator Gina Judy. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the meeting room of Historic Fort Steuben, located at 120 S. Sixth St. in Steubenville, the workshop invites artists of all levels to explore the unique textures of watercolor and collage.

Beginners, intermediates and advanced artists are welcome.

While Judy noted that a bit of drawing experience can be helpful, she encourages anyone interested to attend and learn. Students for this workshop are asked to bring their own water-based paints, brushes, scissors, an exacto knife and an old brush for paste.

While the SAA will provide the rice paper, specialty papers, heavy board background and adhesive materials, attendees are welcome to bring a watercolor pad or even old paintings they wouldn’t mind tearing apart to use for background color. No magazines will be used, Judy noted.

Reference materials and a still-life setup will be available. Anyone who would rather bring along a simple sketch or photo to work from can do so. Advanced registration is suggested; however, walk-ins will be welcomed. To secure a spot in the workshop, interested participants can send their registration fee to: Steubenville Art Association, P.O. Box 1061, Steubenville, OH 43952, or contact Schmidt directly at (740) 424-3835. Registrations are bring accepted by e-mail at saa717949@groups.outlook.com. Details on all upcoming projects can be found on the association’s Facebook page.