Heavy downpours did not dampen the spirit of art appreciation at downtown New Philadelphia’s Art Walk

  • Jennifer Kneuss
  • August 23, 2010
  • 320
                        
The heavens poured forth rain, but the spirit of art in downtown New Philadelphia was not dampened by it during the August 21 Art Walk. Thirteen different merchants opened their doors, each welcoming artists to display their work to the public from 6 to 9 pm. The work of 16 visual artists were featured, including paintings, sculpture, drawings, ceramics, chalk, and other mediums. Also showcased was a mural about Tuscarawas County, done by Central Catholic art students. Doverite Marnee Muhleman’s work was on display at Bearly Worn. “I think this is great. Anything to bring art in to this area.” At Cinzia’s, artist Rex Emler of Fresno explained his work to onlookers. “Usually I work in a combination of watercolors, ink, and color pencils, and sometimes I use shapes cut out of paper and applied onto the painting,” he noted. Harley Sefert, program chairman of the Tuscarawas County Art Guild, also displayed work at Cinzia’s. Said Harley, “Many of our guild artists are showing around town. This is a great idea. From the last one, we heard that the merchants appreciated it, the guests appreciated it, and the artists appreciated it also. This is, in my eyes, is as good for the area as First Friday is in Canton.” Daily Grind co-owner Eric Dietz was serving brownies and iced tea to guests at his business, where the work of artist Jim Mauller was on display. “The rain has kept a lot of people away, but we are still seeing a fair number of people coming through. Hopefully the weather will be better for October’s Art Walk,” commented Dietz. Mauller was enthusiastic about the event. “I am part of the Art Guild, and we just love the fact that they are doing this. It gives so many of the local artists an opportunity to display their work. We very seldom get a venue where people can come out, take their time, casually look at the art, all for the purpose of seeing art from the area. There are a lot of talented people around here.” “We have probably been to at least six stops so far, and we are really enjoying it,” commented Joyce Franks as she admired Mauller’s work. Jim Filkorn, of Bolivar, had many pieces on display at the Quaker Foundation, and described himself as an ‘artistic plumber’. “Plumber by day, artist by night,” he explained with a laugh. “ I have been doing art for a long time. My medium is split between chalk pastel and colored pencil.” At Dante’s Pizza and Pasta House, Dan and Betty Drabik were welcoming guests into a new carryout section of their restaurant that is scheduled to open this fall, where they were handing out Italian ice. “We moved everything out to the front lobby because of the rain,” explained Betty. “Our guitarist, Bud Preston, is someone who is new and fresh to our area. He is from Medina, and I love to be able to introduce him around here.” In the restaurant lobby, Preston strummed his guitar, the beautiful music setting the mood for the display of paintings and photography by New Philadelphia resident Charlie Graham. “ I am a musician who writes and performs songs about the state of Ohio,” said Preston. “ I found my first guitar at the age of five, in the closet of a house we moved into in Cleveland…and I have been playing guitar ever since. The weather isn’t great tonight, but I will be back in October.” Preston wasn’t the only musician braving the Saturday night downpour. Jeremy Harmon and Zach Quillen were scheduled to play their mix of blues and jazz at the gazebo, but the rain forced them to relocate. Harmon’s saxophone wailed into the night, as Quillen’s strong voice and guitar joined in. Appropriately enough, the Dover grads, now both OSU students, included “Let It Rain” in their repertoire for the evening, as their damp, but enthusiastic audience, listened appreciatively. Chalk one up for another successful Art Walk. The next Walk is scheduled for October 16.


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