Local art association offering workshops, art shows and more
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STEUBENVILLE -- There is a hidden gem within Jefferson County of which many people are not familiar. A treasure of brilliant pieces which might even make Chagall or O'Keeffe stop for a moment and take notice.
And it is time more people knew about it.
The Steubenville Art Association has been hosting some of the area's most gifted artists during annual shows held at locations including the Fort Steuben Visitor Center and Eastern Gateway Community College. The annual Spring Show at EGCC is a regional exhibit which includes awards. The showings allow individuals the opportunity to come together and share their love of painting with the community. From oils and acrylics, to drawings, watercolors and collages, the variety of talent never stops amazing those affiliated with the association.
Art Show
The SAA recently celebrated its 75th-annual Juried Spring Exhibit of the organization at Eastern Gateway Community College. President Judy Schmidt began the event with a moment which honored the death of four art association members over the past year. Those honored were, Virginia Price, Wintersville; Helen Sweeney, Weirton; Ada Clark, Cadiz; and Dale Biesecker, Follansbee.
Schmidt thanked those who contribute to the organization and the helpers. She made mention of the following, show Chairmen Jim and JoAnn Watson, 17 years; Samantha Martin, Bob Myler and security personnel of EGCC who assisted in setting up the show; former Community Editor Janice Kiaski, for coverage with the Herald-Star; and Jerry Barilla and Judy Bratten of the Historic Fort Steuben.
Schmidt recognized officers and trustees including, Vice President Gina Judy; Secretary Fran Veltri; Treasurer Deanna Irvin; and Trustees Sis Keenan, Bob Watson and JoAnn Watson.
Judy stated show juror Linda Barnicott would be speaking and assisting at an open studio during an upcoming meeting. She mentioned several workshops of varying lengths, locations and media will be presented including open-studios and "paint and snacks."
Schmidt then introduced Jeanne D'Anniballe, who presented the scholarship winners, their accompanying parents and art teachers. Winners were selected by D'Anniballe and Judy.
Scholarships were awarded to an outstanding senior majoring in an art-related career. Because so many candidates were qualified, officials added a second place. First place was given to Trista Regis of Martins Ferry High School. Regis is the daughter of Tom and Cindy Regis. She was accompanied by her father and her art teacher, Natalie Zamboni. She plans on majoring in art education at Ohio University Eastern. The second-place award went to Keeley Smith from East Liverpool High School. She was accompanied by her parents, Bill and Michelle Smith and her art teacher, Margaret Myers. Smith plans to attend the studio art/international theatre production program at Ohio Northern University. A total of $900 in scholarships were awarded.
Schmidt closed the ceremony introducing and presenting each of the show's award winners, their certificates, and by thanking JoAnn Watson and the show's social committee members for providing refreshments for the reception.
Workshops
The SAA holds its monthly meetings at the Historic Fort Steuben, where small displays of paintings are set up inside the Visitor Center. Some pieces are even for sale.
Another important aspect of the SAA are the workshops. Judy announced the next workshop will focus on pet painting and feature a Pittsburgh artist known for her talent in this particular area.
Kim Freithaler, executive director of the North Hills Art Center, will offer a demonstration at 5 p.m. June 21 at the Visitors Center. Prior to her demonstration, the workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The meeting and installation of officers will follow Freithaler's presentation at 6 p.m. inside the Fort's meeting room, located at 120 S. Third St.
The deadline to take part in the workshop for acrylic or oil canvas pet painting is June 19. Workshop registrants are encouraged to register early to obtain a more detailed supply list. The workshop is open to oil or acrylic painters who have some painting and drawing experience, as it will cover choosing the right reference material, getting a likeness, fur colors and textures. Demonstrations will be given followed by individual instruction. Participants will learn the techniques necessary for a successful pet portrait.
Anyone can take part in the workshops, officials noted, adding many participants come from Hancock and Brooke counties.
"Any current canvas-painting supplies can be brought to this workshop along with one or more sharp, high-contrast pet photographs in 8-by-10 size from which to work," Judy stated. "The materials list provided is a suggestion. If you have paint supplies that you are comfortable using, just bring them. No worries here." She noted virtually everything mixed makes the color brown. Late registration fees will be waived, with the cost being $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Registration is encouraged. Checks should be made payable to SAA, P.O. Box 1061, Steubenville, OH 43952. A listing of supplies can be found in a member's club booklet. Questions can be addressed Schmidt at (740) 424-3835.
A look at May and
the upcoming June meetings
Officers were re-elected during the May 24 meeting for the 2023-24 year. Following a submission from Robert Watson Jr., nominating committee chair, the following slate of officers were approved: Judy Schmidt, president; Gina Judy, vice president; Francesca Veltri, recording secretary; Deanna Irvin, treasurer; and Mary 'Sis' Keenan, new trustee. Officers will be installed at the June meeting. Remaining trustees include JoAnn Watson and Watson, Jr.
Members then announced a plein air outing has been planned for June 15 at Keenan's home in Weirton. A discussion was held on the following matters: upcoming fall workshops; plein air opportunities at additional locations and open studios; the upcoming art show during the Dean Martin Festival; and the sale at the Grand Theater.
"This will occur June 16 in conjunction with the Dean Martin Festival and Historic Fort Steuben," Judy said. "SAA will offer artwork for display and sale, including card and picture items and wearable art. On July 15, we will feature the annual SAA Picnic at the home of Tom and Jeanne D'Anniballe, past president and scholarship chairman."
Demonstration and meeting guests
May's meeting featured guest demonstrator and workshop artist Cecy Rose of Wheeling.
Rose focused on watercolor on yupo, which is a slick, synthetic paper similar to those used in printmaking. She encouraged those in the workshop to spread and scrape paint and inks as yupo is a plastic surface with no absorption. Rose noted she's discovered the key to working with yupo is patience.
Rose holds a master of fine arts degree in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and has taught in private school, art school and community college. For many years she taught at Wheeling's Stifel Fine Art Center where her works have been shown in solo and group exhibits. She has had her works shown at the Etc. Gallery, Artworks Around Town, the Artisan Center, West Virginia Northern Community College, Rhode Island School of Design, Murray State University in Kentucky, the Tamarack in Beckley, W.Va. and Ohio University Eastern Fine Arts Gallery.
The June meeting will have Freithaler as its guest demonstrator and workshop artist. Freithaler is an award-winning painter who exhibits her work in galleries and local businesses. Her murals are installed in public buildings in Pittsburgh and Georgia. Originally from New York City, she currently teaches painting at North Hills Art Center in Pittsburgh. She obtained a bachelor of fine arts degree from St. John's University, where she completed an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Freithaler studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan and taught art in Manhattan public schools She does many oil pet-portraits on commission.