Ohio Valley artists show their stuff | News, Sports, Jobs

INSPECTING — Judy McDevitt looked at pieces being displayed in the Steubenville Art Association’s “Show Us Your Stuff” art show grand opening Saturday. — Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — Artists young and old from up and down the Ohio Valley contributed some of their most prized pieces to a one-of-a-kind art show hosted by the Steubenville Art Association in the Steubenville Visitor Center.

Over 60 artists submitted between one and five art pieces, for a grand total of 196, to the “Show Us Your Stuff” art show, which had its opening ceremony Saturday. Pieces represented an expansive range of mediums and subject matters, creating an explosion of color while displayed in the visitor center.

With many pieces up for sale, the show will be continually displayed in the visitor center during open hours until March 22.

This is the SAA’s third-annual March art show, but it took a unique turn this year, said SAA President Judy Schmidt. While many professional art shows challenge artists with numerous entry requirements, Schmidt said, the “Show Us Your Stuff” show was meant to have a low barrier of entry, allowing artists of any age to showcase the pieces they’re most proud of from any point in their lives.

“We call it a ‘brag show,’” Schmidt said. “We opened up to everybody, kept the prices low. … We wanted this to be a celebration of art — look how fun art is, look how positive art is, look how much meaning it can add to your life.”

INSPECTING — Judy McDevitt looked at pieces being displayed in the Steubenville Art Association’s “Show Us Your Stuff” art show grand opening Saturday. — Christopher Dacanay

Also unique about the show were its three managers — SAA members Alysia Basluke, Deanna Irvin and Debra Kimball — who Schmidt has been teaching the ins and outs of managing an art show.

With Schmidt’s guidance, the three newcomers to art show management organized the whole ordeal — creating the theme, planning dates, intaking and categorizing art, writing the opening ceremony program and laying out a refreshment spread. Saturday’s ceremony marked the three’s graduation from the SAA’s first-ever “college of art show management,” preparing their way to host other events in the future, Schmidt said.

The same appleid to the show’s three judges: James Clum, Jeanne D’Anniballe and Pat Biesecker. Having never judged an art show previously, the three were trained by Bill Koch, SAA member and president of the Tuscarawas County Art Guild in New Philadelphia, and selected the show’s winners.

Introducing the ceremony, Irvin said, “The SAA is excited at the level of participation at this event. As I look around at the diversity of the art brought for presentation, I’m overwhelmed by the talent that exists in this tri-state area.

“This art show is for the artist. Every artist has a work or two that’s their favorite, and, as such, the SAA decided it would be a show dedicated to these favorites, instead of setting parameters on content.”

Among artists 18 years or older, the “Best of Show” ribbon was awarded to David Leppar for his “Silver Urn and Napkin.” “Most Original” went to Gerald van Scyoc for his untitled piece depicting a man, while the “Most Colorful” prize was awarded to Lilianna Hardt for her piece “What is Mine.”

Hardt is a junior studying studio art at West Liberty University and an employee at the Wheeling Artisan Center Shop. After the awards ceremony, Hardt explained that “What is Mine” — admired by judges for using varied shades of only a few base colors — depicts the experience of modern spirituality and finding oneself.

Hardt said, “I always find it amazing when I win anything because I think that everyone’s their own worst critic, but it’s really nice to see a community recognize you in anything, so I’m honored.

Talent from artists younger than 18 was on display in a children’s art section. Every youth artist received a certificate and gift basket for entering, but a few pieces stood out above the rest. Avila Weiss’ “Chirpy Bird” was “Most Colorful,” Addolynn Kimball’s “Fall” was “Most Original” and Lily Pool’s “Splash of Nature” was “Best of Show.”

Also recognized for their art were Lilah George, Malaysia DiLeonardo, Khallen O’Brien, Reagan Ingram, Faye Reaume, Raegan Guiddy, Sydney Baldauf, Kayven Hanle, Emily Newbrough, Katie Wells, Brady Reese and Mary Snyder.

This was the SAA’s first year including a kids’ section, Kimball said, the purpose of which was to provide encouragement to young artists who can sometimes be bashful about their talent.

Addressing the youth artists present, Kimball said, “Don’t give up. If it’s in your heart, bring it out.”

During the opening ceremony, attendees were packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the visitor center. Those attendees had the opportunity to vote for two “People’s Choice” award winners in the two age categories by purchasing three voting tickets for $1. Recipients of the awards were Katie Wells’ “Addicted to Love” in the kids’ category and Jeanne D’Anniballe’s “Ben’s Best Friend” in the adult category.

Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla issued his two “Mayor’s Choice” awards, an act he said was difficult due to the show’s pieces being “the best I’ve ever seen.” Awarded from the kids was Khallen O’Brien for “Tupac,” and from the adults was Steve Opet for “Pinehurst Boys.”

During the ceremony, members of the SAA unveiled the new logo for the 77-year-old organization. The logo was designed by Gerald van Scyoc, who regularly hosts art classes at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville.

Having entered three art pieces in the show was SAA member and former art teacher Marilyn McCain, who said, “It’s good to have a show like this. It’s amazing what people have made that they have hidden for years.”

Another entrant was Judy McDevitt, who takes van Scyoc’s CMA art classes. Having entered two of her own pieces, “Taste of Wine” and “Farmers Delight,” McDevitt said she was impressed with the other pieces, especially those from the youth.

Her husband, John McDevitt, said the show exhibited some “very talented people.”

Although “Show Us Your Stuff” will conclude on March 22, there is still more to come from the SAA, which is always seeking new members. The SAA will host its Annual Regional Exhibit Spring 2024 at Eastern Gateway Community College from April 27 to May 11, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of Sundays.

Manager Deanna Irvin offered final during the ceremony to her daughter, Dianna Irvin, who created the ceremony’s programs; Judy Schmidt for having the show’s initial idea and the Steubenville Visitor Center staff for letting the SAA use the building. Finally, she thanked the participating artists, adding “You really did show us your stuff.”