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STEUBENVILLE -- Every artist is unique. Each creator, someone who possesses a special something that sets them apart from the others. Whether one has already painted what they believe to be their masterpiece, or who has yet to envision how it will one day appear on canvass, all artists are seeking recognition.
Local artists will soon have that opportunity to showcase their gifts, their talents, to the community during the Steubenville Art Association's second-annual Show Us Your Stuff art show.
Members and non-members of the SAA have been invited to participate in the event, with this year's theme being entitled "Dreams and Imaginations 2025."
According to President Judy Schmidt, the topic was selected based on the Surrealism movement of the early 1920s. Developed after World War I, artists experimented in a new mode of expression that was known as automatism, or automatic writing. Surrealism aims to allow the unconscious mind to express itself, resulting in the depiction of dreamlike scenes and ideas. Artists who belong to the movement create their works from being inspired by their dreams and the subconscious.
Anyone interested in submitting their artwork that uses this particular style and theme, are welcome to attend this year's event. Children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens are being asked to share their artistic abilities during the second-annual event.
"It makes no difference if you are a club member or someone who paints in the privacy of your own home," Schmidt stated. "All you have to do is dream or imagine your art, bring it to the visitor center and enter it into the Show Us Your Stuff art show."
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center, located at 120 S. Third St. The show will run through March 21. Each participant can enter three pieces for $10, according to Schmidt.
The art will be hung Thursday, with entries to be judged Friday by student judges of the SAA.
The opening ceremony will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, presented by SAA student managers. "The judges and managers of the show are all new, so this will be their first time serving in these roles," Schmidt announced.
First-, second- and third-place awards will be given for Best of Show in the adult and teen categories. Children 12 and younger will receive an "awesome" ribbon. A Mayor's Choice Award in the adult and teen categories will be given, with teens ranging in age from 13 to 18. A Most Imaginative Award and a Best Dream Award will be presented to one participant in each of the categories. Awards include plaques, certificates and ribbons. There will not be any monetary awards given for this art show, Schmidt noted.
The SAA previously announced the contest and its rules, asking parents and teachers who have a child that possesses a love for art to join in the show.
"We're celebrating all artists, regardless of their age," Schmidt said. "Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field ... frozen in the snow. And there are no better dreams and imaginations than those of our children."
For information, visit the art association's Facebook page or contact Schmidt by e-mail at judyschmidt50@hotmail.com or call (740) 424-3835.