AWARD-WINNING ENTRIES — Members of the Steubenville Art Association take part in various contests throughout the year, earning top positions or honorable mentions for their works. Among those who showcased their award-winning submissions, included SAA Vice President Alysia Basluke, showcasing her entry of a friend and his cat in the Greatest Of All Time Art Show. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — We are all born with a gift … a special talent that makes us unique. We may not even realize we possess that talent until we try. Perhaps our natural ability is music, having been blessed with the capability of singing or playing an instrument.

It’s possible our specialty is in writing or penning poetry. Maybe it is photography and capturing significant moments that may never be again.

No matter one’s talent, it means absolutely nothing if we are not applying the gift we were given and using it to our fullest potential.

That is why the members of the Steubenville Art Association are asking area residents interested in using their artistic abilities, as well as those who may not even be able to draw a stick figure, to become a member of their group. Members are able to share with or learn from others who have that same passion for art.

The SAA isn’t just about painting scenery or portraits, or replicating subjects down to the last detail on paper. No, the group is about welcoming anyone who has a love for art and who is willing to try.

AWARD-WINNING ENTRIES –– Deb Kimball showcased her third-place pen and ink artwork of a homeless boy grateful for a pair of used shoes during the GOAT show held at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville. -- Contributed

Founded in 1946 by Brilliant resident Emma Hayhurst, the SAA began as the Alpha Art Club. Its name was changed to the Steubenville Art Association in 1957 and incorporated in Ohio in 1963, when it received nonprofit status.

September is the start of the SAA’s 79th year. President Judy Schmidt announced the group is planning a new project to help celebrate.

Officials are working with the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville to bring a monthly event entitled “Come Paint with Our Artists,” to the area.

SAA member Jeana Parr and Schmidt met with officials from the CMA, wanting this project to be able to spread the love for the visual arts with the community. Schmidt said she has had many people tell her they wish they could draw or they have always wanted to learn how to paint, or they wish they could take a class or two or they wish they could afford to do art, among other examples. Well, now, they can.

The “Come Paint with Our Artists” will allow attendees to discover that perhaps they can draw or paint. There are many types of visual arts and the chances are likely there is one that everyone will have a talent for. Those who attend the “Come Paint with Our Artists” sessions will paint with the talented artists of the SAA who are on hand to assist. The program will begin from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Center of Music and Art. Attendees will do a Thanksgiving turkey painting together at the cost of $25. The charge covers all of the art supplies needed. Fees can be paid at the door with a credit card or cash. Patterns will be available to use, as well as paint brushes, paints, large canvas and all of the embellishments to adorn the turkey, including rhinestones, ribbons, silk leaves and flowers.

AWARD-WINNING ENTRIES –– Bob Watson showed his second-place watercolor submission of a boat in need of repair in a harbor during the GOAT show at the Center of Music and Art. The SAA has begun its new season, with openings available to anyone interested in creating art. -- Contributed

Another “Come Paint with Our Artists” is planned for the first Saturday in November, where participants will paint a Christmas piece. The session will be held at the same time and at the same cost.

The SAA will kick off its 79th year with a Pen and Ink workshop, scheduled at 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Visitor Center. The cost per attendee is $25, made payable to the SAA by cash, credit card or check. The presenter will be Debra Kimball, SAA artist and multiple art show winner. Kimball resides in Follansbee and holds a special place in her heart for Appalachia, which can be seen in most of her artwork. This includes a drawing of a barn and old truck that will be done during this workshop. The public is invited to participate and does not need to be a member of the SAA. Kimball’s method of teaching works with accomplished artists and those who are just beginners. Supplies will be available to share. Workshops for the upcoming year will be held at the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center on the third Saturday of every month, excluding November, when the workshop will take place inside the Center of Music and Art.

The SAA’s upcoming workshops, along with the instructors teaching the class, will include: Deb Kimball, Pen and Ink, Sept. 20; James Clum, Beginning Oil, Oct. 18; Kennedy Conrad, Colored Pencil, Nov. 15; Tammy Rogers and Jeana Parr, Using the Cricut for Art, Jan. 17; Gina Judy, Mixed Media, Collage and Painting, Feb. 21; Nancy Wright and Joyce Beatty, Art Project Embellishment, March 21; Bill Koch, Watercolor, April 18; Jeanne D’Anniballe, Pastel, May 16; and Francesca Veltri, Zentangle Art, June 20.

The Ohio Arts Council has supported the SAA throughout the last few years. Because of that support, all of the SAA’s workshops will cost no more than $25 to participate. This is a significant difference compared to previous years, when the cost was at least $40 to attend a workshop.

Schmidt noted members are grateful for the OAC’s support and thanks the group’s artists who volunteer to present the workshops within their area of specialty to defray the cost of having to bring in someone from the outside to teach a class.

GROUPS UNITE — Those involved with the Steubenville Art Association and the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville, collaborated on the new, “Come Paint with Our Artsists,” sessions. Taking part in the planning were, from left, front, Brandon Perko, SAA President Judy Schmidt and Carrie Jendrusik; and back, Jeana Parr and Tammy Rogers. -- Contributed

In addition to holding workshops, art sessions and art shows, the SAA does so much to help the community. From painting and creating pieces for the Historic Fort Steuben and Historic Beatty Park, to helping local libraries and the city, SAA members are grateful for any opportunity to help the community.

In 2021, the SAA painted life-sized plywood characters for children’s entertainment during the Christmas season at the Historic Fort Steuben. Among the characters were Peppa Pig and friends, Paw Patrol, Mickey and Minnie mouse, gnomes, Goldilocks and the Three Little Pigs. In 2022, characters were added, including Olaf, Sponge Bob characters, Trolls and Minions. In 2023, Bluey was added, as well as others. All of the characters are displayed at the fort in a fantasy playland area every Christmas.

The SAA helps Historic Beatty Park during the Christmas season, painting Christmas trees and decorating the StoryWalk area. The trees celebrate Santa, the manger scene, peace at Christmas, gifts and all of the celebratory aspects of the Christmas season. A mural was painted in Beatty Park at the StoryWalk area, encouraging children to learn and read. The mural features cats, dogs, penguins, dinosaurs, flowers, toys and books and is a permanent part of the park. The hope is for the mural to be there so children can enjoy it for many years to come.

But it isn’t just the Christmas season when the SAA takes on a project to help the community. Within the city of Steubenville, artistic beautification has been done, including the addition of two catfish at the fountain located on the Historic Fort Steuben property — part of the Catfish Crawl presented by the Steubenville Cultural Trust — and in front of the Antique Warehouse on Market Street. The SAA has painted its own nutcracker, part of the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, which can be viewed at the Visitor Center throughout the year, as well as a large egg shown during the Easter season at the Eggshibition.

Last fall, the SAA established a relationship with the Jefferson County Department of Developmental Disabilities, where some JCDDD members were invited to be part of the SAA, free of charge. These members were welcomed to all of the association’s events and shows.

GROUPS UNITE –– SAA member Gerald VanScyoc and Schmidt assisted students with their projects during a visit to the Center of Music and Art. The students are all members of the SAA. Taking part were, from left, front, Linda Ard, Karen Haussel and Jeana Parr; and back, VanScyoc and Schmidt. -- Contributed

“They do attend and hang their art alongside the SAA with such pride,” Schmidt stated. “The SAA gave them each a welcome gift of art supplies and they continue to be part of the group to this day.”

During the summer, Schmidt and Secretary Francesca Veltri met with members of the JCDDD for a project with the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County. Working together, the groups drew pictures onto a large canvas for area children to paint or color when visiting the library. The canvas was taken to libraries throughout the county and was well-received. Within a week, the SAA and JCDDD were asked to draw two additional canvasses for the libraries.

For the past 79 years, the SAA has had a professional art show known as the Spring Exhibit. For the last 20 years, the show has been managed by Jim and JoAnne Watson. The exceptions for which the Spring Exhibit was not held was during COVID and again this year, as the Eastern Gateway Community College campus was no longer available for use. This show is important to the SAA, with Schmidt saying if anyone knows of a large facility in which to hold the exhibit next year for a period of two weeks, to contact her.

Every March, the SAA holds an “Artists, Show Us Your Stuff,” art show at the Historic Fort Steuben. This show is different than the others, as everyone in the community is invited to have their art hung alongside members in the SAA. There is a children’s art section, with the show having little restrictions. The cost is $10 to submit an entry.

Whether the artwork was done in one’s kitchen or basement, all are welcome to be included, Schmidt said. This art show benefits the SAA members, where each year, two members are taught how to manage an art show, along with two members learning how to judge an art show. This program has been enjoyed by members who have done an excellent job of learning, Schmidt stated.

COMMUNITY ART PIECES — Various artwork, painted by members of the Steubenville Art Association, can be seen throughout the Ohio Valley during certain times of the year. From painting wooden Christmas trees and gnome figures at the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center, to creating a catfish in the city and wooden ornaments for area children to find inside Historic Beatty Park, those in the SAA say they are grateful and appreciative for the opportunities they receive to create works for the community can enjoy. -- Contributed

Schmidt stressed the importance of understanding that one is never too old to begin doing art. She explained she was in her 60s before taking an interest and discovering she had some talent.

“I began my art lessons at the Center of Music and Art several years ago and will continue as long as I can,” she said. “I have had excellent art teachers. I have learned so much from them.”

Schmidt joined the SAA 10 years ago, wanting to take advantage of forming a learning relationship with local artists. Gina Judy and Jeanne D’Anniballe had experience in teaching art when Schmidt joined and she said it was wonderful to learn from them.

“I could watch how they do art, pick their brains and it wouldn’t cost me very much,” Schmidt said. “In 2019, I became president. I am not the most talented artist in the SAA, so I guess it’s just my enthusiasm for keeping this 79-year-old privilege alive for everyone. I am still president and working on building the SAA up to be the premier visual arts club in the area. I am always open to giving the reigns to the next person to lead the club. The ideas from another leader will only make it better and stronger.”

Annual dues are $25, with all membership accepted, regardless of one’s ability. In addition to Schmidt and Basluke serving as president and vice president, respectfully, and Veltri serving as secretary, Deanna Irvin is treasurer. Trustees are JoAnn Watson, James Clum and Jeanne D’Anniballe.

The SAA can be contacted through its Facebook page or on its website at steubenvilleaa.com.

To contact Schmidt, call (740) 424-3835 or by e-mail at judyschmidt50@hotmail.com.