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Valley's uncommon artistry on display at Ward Bakery this weekend
By Bob Jackson
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 to 5 p.m. today.
Mocker, 31, owns and operates a custom stonework and repair business called Youngstone. He collects scrap pieces of granite and turns them into pieces such as 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 become his full-time business.
He knew that wearing a Michigan shirt on the day of the annual rivalry football game between the Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes might cause him a little grief, but he was OK with that. He’s been a Michigan fan since he was 6, all because of a Michigan T-shirt that one of his uncles gave him.
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 that were available to visitors. “We’re lifelong residents of this area, so seeing these old buildings being used like this ... I love it.”
Elaine Ernst of Struthers usually attends the show each year with her mother, but was solo Saturday because her mom is in Florida.
“My family has always been interested in arts and crafts and creative things, so it’s nice to come down and see all the local talent we have,” Ernst said. “I think a lot of people don’t realize or appreciate all the potential here in Youngstown.”
Visitors were met at the door by Rich Berg of Boardman, who offered up a cheery greeting along with samples of his locally produced maple syrup and syrup-based products, which he makes at Pancake Maples Specialty Food.
Berg, 46, said he started the business six years ago, after he was involved in a serious traffic accident that caused him to evaluate his life and what he wanted to do with the rest of it. His syrup comes from trees at Pancake Tree Farm in Negley, and he uses flour that’s ground at Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park to make his maple-syrup infused granola and granola bars.
“This is my sixth year as greeter, but even if I didn’t sell a thing during the show, I’d still be here,” said the bubbly Berg. “Because every year I’m here, that means it’s one more year that I’ve been in business.
He said his products are sold locally at Rulli Brothers and Poland Giant Eagle.