Artists open studios to present annual open house
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Artists of the Mahoning Commons opened their studio doors in the Ward Bakery building to the public, allowing people the chance to see and purchase what they create.
Also, the hallways of the three-floor building on Mahoning Avenue were filled with other artists participating in the show Saturday and Sunday.
Available were a variety of handcrafted items, such as ceramics, jewelry, soaps, photography and paintings. One artist placed his work on a table with a note suggesting people take what they like and leave what they felt it was worth. Also included in the event were live music and snacks.
Kathy Deskin and Jenny Jamison, both of Boardman, have attended in the past. They enjoy the atmosphere of the open house, which takes place a couple of times a year.
“We enjoy the different artwork and talking to the artists and the atmosphere – it’s cool,” Deskin said Sunday.
The building is interesting as well, said Jamison.
“There’s some great old features here,” she said.
They find items at this sale they can’t find other places, both Deskin and Jamison said.
This year, Deskin purchased a ceramic bowl.
“You have to struggle with, ‘Well, I don’t need anything,’” Deskin said, laughing. “But artwork you always need.”
Karen Nagle of Struthers has attended the event for three or four years.
“I like the originality of all of it,” she said. “I like the pottery. I always get pottery.”
It’s a good place to find original gifts, Nagle noted.
“It looks like you have more thought to your gift-giving when it’s something original,” she said.
Mike Ferraro Jr., co-owner of Carmichael’s in North Lima, participated in the spring open house at the building, and came back for this event.
“We like it here,” he said.
He makes items such as key rings, sculptures, wall hooks and jewelry out of old flatware. His partner, Carl Phillips, creates custom picture frames.
“The atmosphere [at the open house] is nice,” Ferraro said. “All the people that come in are very interested in the stuff. They seem to like it. And they actually purchase it. There’s shows we go to where you get people that just look, but nobody buys. But everybody here seems to have a genuine interest in everything and an appreciation for what everybody’s trying to do. It’s just an overall nice environment.”
Ferraro has been making art with utensils for about five years. Carmichael’s is on South Avenue in the Old School Marketplace.