Garaway Arts Week returns with community support
Students will have an opportunity to explore various art forms ranging from cooking to painting, as well as dance, news reporting, drama, music, woodworking and more when, after a hiatus of over 20 years, the Garaway Arts Week returns May 5-8, 2025.
After a hiatus of over 20 years, the Garaway Arts Week will return May 5-8, 2025. Arts Week will involve students in seventh grade through 12th grade and will be held from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in the high school/middle school building at 146 Dover Road NW, Sugarcreek.
Jamie Neal and Heidi Troyer, members of the Garaway Culture Committee, are asking for community help with the project.
“We are passionate about this event, which was last held in 2001. The original intention was to highlight different stages of art to engage students in different ways,” Neal said. “We want to bring the community together and expose the students and community to the arts.”
“We are creating a new way to problem-solve and gain an appreciation of the arts,” Troyer said. “We are working on sharing the arts and showcasing the students in the district.”
During this week the students will have an opportunity to explore various art forms ranging from cooking to painting, as well as dance, news reporting, drama, music, woodworking and more.
The committee is seeking 30-40 artists to provide their talents to teach or suggest a class. Those interested are not required to be in the Garaway Local School District. They also are looking for an individual who creates leather work.
Volunteers also are welcome. There has been a GoFundMe account set up to cover expenses for supplies. Businesses or organizations also are asked to donate to Arts Week. The committee plans to apply for grants to help cover expenses.
Some individuals who have already committed for Arts Week are a cooking class, music focus, acrylic painting, candy making, a plant-based class, jewelry making and a 3-D printing class.
Troyer, an alumni of Garaway High School, said this is a way for the students to become exposed to arts in everyday life.
“There are over 400 students in grades 7-12, and the students pick one area they are most interested in to learn the art,” Troyer said.
Neal teaches English/language arts for 11th grade through 12th grade and is adviser of the Art Club and yearbook. She is asking the community to spread the word, and feedback is always welcome.
“Many former students have remarked about how important Arts Week helped them as adults,” Troyer said.
To suggest a class, volunteer or register as a potential teacher of a session, email Neal at jneal@garaway.org. For supplies or a monetary donation, email Jill Starner at jstarnter@garaway.org. If you want to join the committee, email Troyer at htroyer@garaway.org.
Those serving on the committee are John Meek, Jill Starner, Greg Miller, Val Hershberger, Stacey Soehnlen, Jamie Neal and Heidi Troyer.