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YMCA devotes afternoon to arts
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
BOARDMAN
It was time to develop an appre- ciation of the arts at a place most often associated with developing an appreciation of fitness.
The front area of the Davis Family YMCA was devoted to the arts for an afternoon Saturday.
Working artists, poets, dancers and musicians showed off their skills to visitors at the Afternoon of the Arts. Participants also were able to purchase handmade items from crafters, have their faces painted and enjoy refreshments.
“Every year, YMCA of the USA has a national arts week,” said Jordan Shaver, program director.
They weren’t able to have an event at the Davis branch during the nationally recognized week, Shaver said.
“So we tried to move it to a weekend where people could come out here.”
National Y Arts Week was Sept. 9 through 15 this year.
Pam Parrish, of Boardman, brought her 6-year-old niece to the event.
The event included many hands-on activities for children, Parrish said.
“I am truly enjoying it,” she said. “I think each vendor that has taken time for the children has been a hero to that child because it’s giving them a new avenue, a new experience, and they don’t mind taking the time to show the children how their particular craft works.” Her niece, Kennedy Largent of Toledo, said it was fun.
“I made a necklace,” she said. “I made it with my thumb.”
She explained that she took two pieces of clay – one purple, and one blue – and rolled them together to make a ball. She placed the ball on the table and flattened it with her thumb. After it was baked and strung on a piece of string, she had a necklace.
She said the necklace is her favorite colors and she’ll wear it a lot.
Kennedy also tried her hand at painting with water colors. She worked on a snow scene, complete with a snowman. Artist Dianne Beggs, of Boardman, gave her some pointers.
“I think that all kids need to be introduced to the arts,” Beggs said. “It is an appreciation that not only we can have by looking at something, but also by figuring out how people create it.”
Too often, she added, it’s not a focus in a traditional school setting.
“So if I can do just a little something to bring arts to their lives then I’m absolutely willing and happy to do so,” she added.
Beggs took time off from painting to raise children, but recently started again. She saw the Afternoon of the Arts as a chance to get to know other artists in the community.
“Everybody is amazing,” she said. “They’re nice, friendly, willing to share. I think that the stuff that they’re producing is amazing.”