An Art Show to Remember -- The 3rd Annual Winesburg Art Show
An Art Show to be Remembered – The 3rd Annual Winesburg Art showBy: Melissa Herrera
The sky was blue and the air was hot as I rolled into Winesburg, OH on the morning of Saturday, August 21. A festive atmosphere was present as I made my way down the streets. The 3rd Annual Winesburg Art Show was in full swing. White tents lined the sidewalks and were filled to the brim with lovely local color. Joanne M. Murray's tent was the first one I encountered. Beautiful landscapes are her forte, and she had a full array of beauties. Having lived out west, she was struck by the devastatingly beautiful scenery. Her art reflected this, and I reveled in her detailed canvasses. Next to Joanne was local artist Rob Van Natta. Rob is well-known in our area as an extraordinary artist. His tent was filled with lovely, framed artwork. The detail in his art is exquisite. I asked Rob how often he does shows like this. "I like to do smaller local shows. I've done quite a few around the area, including the Rib Fest in Berlin. That's in September. In October, I'll be set up at an art show in Ashland, OH. It will be the first time they have had one, so I'm not sure what to expect," Rob said. Snapping a few photos, I thanked Rob for letting me enjoy his offerings. Along the street, tucked in and around porches and gardens were old bicycles, refinished to their gleaming original glory. A few lovely old cars, trucks, and hot rods perched in yards, hoods open for inspection. The Winesburg Historical Museums' door beckoned me in to view the marvelous interior inside. I was astonished at the original woodwork in the home. It was so ornate and well-kept that I marveled at the care that must have taken place to keep it so well-preserved. I wandered through the rooms and appreciated every nook and cranny of the place. Winesburg is so rich in tradition, and it's nice to know they are preserving what's been left to them. I strolled down the street after leaving the museum and ran into a friend who had a tent set up. Beth Miller is a local and I was pleasantly surprised to see her there and check out what art she had to offer. Beth said she only sets up once or twice a year, but finds it a fun and interesting thing to do. Her art was beautiful, and I especially loved the picture of the rusty wheel. Found objects and all their lovely angles speak volumes when framed and set up for view. I bid Beth adieu and continued my stroll through Winesburg. I spoke with Robert Moyer, an illustrator, who had wonderful drawings of the Killbuck Swamp. He had done these for the Nature & Science Conservatory of Bay Village, OH. Monetta Miller was set up next to him. From Wooster, she does collages and paintings done from images. Her work was spectacular and we spoke at some length about her techniques. Originality was very present, and I enjoyed the bold colors she used. With every tent and table that was set up, I appreciated more and more how much talent there is locally. Artists often strive in obscurity, toiling over their work with no recognition. The Winesburg Art Show showcased all the hard work that these lovely people put into their art. The town of Winesburg and its Historical Society is to be thanked for putting the show together and enabling this art and its artists to be appreciated. Walking to my car, parked on the tree-lined street, I realized I had been touched by what I had seen that day. I drove away the richer for it.