Plethora of local talent at 11th Artists of Mahoning Commons show downtown

YOUNGSTOWN

Rob Mocker didn’t seem to mind at all that he was a lone Wolverine in an area where people traditionally go nuts for Buckeyes.

“It might hurt my sales, but I’ve got to do it,” a smiling Mocker said of the blue and maize shirt he wore to show his support for the Michigan Wolverines.

Mocker was among more than 30 artists and artisans whose wares were on sale and display Saturday at the 11th annual Artists of the Mahoning Commons Holiday Open Studio and Art Sale. The event, in the former Ward Bakery Building, 1024 Mahoning Ave., will continue from noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Mocker, 31, owns and operates a custom stonework and repair business called Youngstone. He collects scrap pieces of granite and turns them into pieces like soap dishes, kitchen items, and even whiskey cubes for keeping drinks chilled without ice.

“I just love rocks,” said Mocker of Youngstown. “I hate to see them get thrown away. I collect scrap pieces, and that keeps them from going into dumpsters and landfills.”

Mocker said he got his start in the business by working for Youngstown Granite. He used scraps generated from that job to start his hobby, which has now become his full-time business.

Marcie Applegate of Boardman said the 34 artists and exhibitors who were set up for Saturday’s show is about average, and that organizers try to ensure that there’s a good mix of styles, products, and mediums from which visitors can choose. She said a similar show takes place every spring, around Mother’s Day.

“There is so much local talent around here, and this old building is so unique,” said Applegate, who was displaying and selling her handmade jewelry. “It’s nice to have it all displayed this way. It’s good to get the public here to see and support local artists.”

Jack Smith of Canfield said that’s what draws him and his wife, Norma, to the show every year.

“We love it. My wife’s crazy about it,” said Smith as he munched one of the snacks available to visitors. “We’re lifelong residents of this area, so seeing these old buildings being used like this... I love it.”