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Struthers organizers seek artists for downtown project
Downtown ‘art walk’ planned for September
By Sarah Lehr
STRUTHERS
The idea for Rachell Joy’s latest art project came to her in a dream.
Joy, a Struthers resident who works as a graphic designer for Youngstown State University, is hard at work on a piece to be displayed this summer in downtown Struthers.
Members of the Struthers 1st Ward Neighbors in Action, formerly the Struthers 1st Ward Block Watch, are seeking artists to create installations that will dangle from utility poles.
Previously, the group has enlivened the downtown with hanging flower baskets. This year, they will instead install nonperishable “summer spheres” made from weatherproof materials.
The project will culminate in September with a downtown “art walk” featuring games, local vendors and an auction of the summer spheres.
The spheres must weigh no more than 20 pounds and measure no more than 20 inches wide by 20 inches high.
Designers should refrain from using political, religious or sexual imagery.
Beyond those stipulations, there are few restrictions, said Melanie Raushenbach, a member of Neighbors in Action.
“If you’re creative, give it a shot,” Raushenbach said. “You can’t do something wrong.”
Joy, who once designed a mural for downtown Struthers, hopes her creation will encourage people to slow down and take a closer look at their surroundings. She is affixing colorful glass beads to metal discs.
“My sphere is spheres on top of spheres,” she said. “I want it to catch the light and make people happy.”
Ultimately, organizers hope the public artwork will revitalize the downtown and encourage businesses to invest in the area.
“All across the country now, there’s a resurgence in the downtowns,” Raushenbach said. “I think that people are looking for something simpler. ... especially, people who have grown up with malls and traffic and parking lots. I think people like the intimacy of a downtown.”
For Raushenbach, art is inseparable from daily existence. Her son is a co-owner of the Soap Gallery in Youngstown and, in their family, art is viewed as essential.
“I always thought that art civilized people,” Raushenbach said. “Life isn’t always about hard work. You know, sometimes you need beautiful things to look at.”
If you are interested in creating a summer sphere, contact Raushenbach at 330-506-7690.
More information is available at the Soap Gallery Facebook page.