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Altrusa Club hosts ‘Artists by the River’
Photo
James S. Rodgers Jr., a Youngstown-based ceramic and pottery artist, shows an example of his work during the “Artists by the River” fundraiser Sunday sponsored by the Altrusa Club of Youngstown. Proceeds will benefit the clubs’s Plant the Seed to Read event next March 26.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Supporters of area artists and a good cause turned out Sunday at the B&O Station, where the Altrusa Club of Youngstown hosted “Artists by the River.”
The event was a fundraiser for the club’s Plant the Seed to Read event scheduled for March 26, 2011, at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center at Mill Creek MetroParks.
Kathleen Austrino, chairwoman of “Artists by the River” and vice president of the Altrusa Club, said the club promotes literacy by reaching out to children at the free event.
“Each child will get a free book,” Austrino said. She added the special guest at the reading activity will be John Rocco, who has collaborated with actress Whoopi Goldberg. He has illustrated covers for Rick Rirordan’s “Perry Johnson” series and was the art director on “Shrek.”
The Altrusa Club, a community service organization of professional women, has existed in the city since 1959 and has 25 members.
“Artists by the River” attracted 29 participants, many members of the Artists of the Rust Belt. Handmade jewelry, photos, paintings and pottery were among items featured. Music was provided by Chris Castle and the Family Womack Band.
Austrino estimated that the first-time event attracted about 150 people, each giving a donation of $5 for the benefit of the Plant the Seed to Read event.
“We weren’t sure what to expect,” she said, but added the club was pleased with the turnout. The club also sponsored a basket auction, and artists donated items for another auction.
Austrino credited another club member, Sherry Warden, with the idea for the arts activity. Warden said when the club was discussing ideas, she pitched this one and thought the B&O Station at 303 Mahoning Ave. near downtown would be a wonderful setting.
“It’s in the heart of the city,” Austrino said of the B&O, noting that the building itself, a former train station, is a historic site. She and Warden agreed the B&O provided a unique backdrop to the fundraiser. Austino noted that B&O donated the use of the building to support the event.
Jill Davis of Warren, a self-taught jewelry maker, has been working at her craft for 17 years. She said it was important to her to get out and be involved in such events. As for Altrusa’s fundraiser, “Being involved gives back to the community,” she said.
Tina Ryder of Sharon, Pa., showed her array of photos of people and places in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. She said she believes in supporting artistic events, and that’s why she and her friends were there. Being able to “contribute to a cause” was a plus of the event.
Jeff Puccini of Boardman takes photographs of subjects such as dogs, butterflies and flowers, then turns them into original pastel works. “This is a good cause to support,” he said.
Austintown resident Anita Koch was browsing through the artists’ setups on the first and second floors of the B&O. “I’m looking for something for my house,” she said. Koch said she liked supporting local artists and appreciated their diverse talents.
Michelle O’Brien of Youngstown said she enjoyed looking at the artists’ works and bought a pendant. She also wanted to support Altrusa’s work with children.
Keith and Linda Mohn said they came to the B&O to see the artists’ display and listen to the music. The Boardman couple said they thought it was important to support local artists; Linda Mohn bought a pair of earrings. Both agreed the fundraiser was worthwhile.
For information on the Altrusa Club, contact Sally Cunningham at 330-503-3553 and for information on Plant the Seed to Read, call Patty Zitello at 330-534-1491.