SHOW THEM YOUR STUFF — Members of the Steubenville Art Association are finalizing plans for the third-annual Show Us Your Stuff Art Show set from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 7 at the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center. People of all ages and all talents are asked to submit their entries by March 4. Three members of the SAA will serve as judges in the event. Among those in the SAA working on the event are, from left, front, Theresa Richmond, SAA President Judy Schmidt and Jenna Parr; and back, Francesca Veltri, Christina Collins, Jeanne D’Anniballe, Tammy Rogers, Gina Judy and Shirley Washam. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — There is a pulse of creativity that beats throughout the heart of the Ohio Valley.

And yet, much of this creativity is often tucked away.

It is located inside of quiet home studios.

It is set upon an easle in a small, reserved corner of an apartment.

It is inside a closet of a darkened, unused guest bedroom which no one uses anymore.

The artistic abilities of so many area residents are hidden away — in places where the public will rarely, if ever, receive an opportunity to catch even a glimpse of their beauty.

However, one local group is looking to change all of that.

Members of the Steubenville Art Association are asking those who might be sitting inside these quiet, remote spaces, those who are concealing their artistic talents, to step out of the shadows and join them for the third-annual Show Us Your Stuff Art Show.

It makes no difference if you are a long-standing member of the art association or someone who simply finds peace from painting within the privacy of your own home.

It doesn’t matter if you have never taken one lesson from an art institute or a music and art center.

Because this show is for everyone.

No matter your age.

No matter your talent.

No matter your ability.

According to SAA President Judy Schmidt, the club is not concerned whether you are a seasoned senior or a child who is just beginning your artistic journey.

The art association is there to ensure you have a place in which to “show your stuff,” right alongside its club members, Schmidt continued.

For those who are ready to share their vision with the community, here is what you need to keep in mind:

The cost is $10, with participants eligible to enter up to three art pieces. However, each art work can be no larger than 48-by-48 inches and be no heavier than 40 pounds.

To ensure a professional display, Schmidt said all entries must be wired on the back in order to accommodate the show’s hanging system.

Works must be framed, with the exception of wrap-around canvases, she noted.

All entries can be brought to the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on March 4.

Members of the SAA Art Show Committee will be on hand to receive and record each piece.

Officials will hang all of the entries on March 5 inside the center.

Then, on March 6, the club’s panel of three judges will evaluate the works for awards.

“We are proud to offer at least six awards for excellence at the adult level and another six for our talented teens in the 14-18 age group,” Schmidt stated.

While no monetary awards are given, winners will be announced at the grand opening ceremony set to take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 7.

The top finishers will be presented with ribbons, along with the heartfelt recognition their hard work deserves, Schmidt added.

Once again this year, the children’s division will be under the leadership of Debra Kimball.

Children ages 13 and younger are invited to enter their art into the show.

Participants will receive awards, ribbons and special gifts from the SAA, officials said.

Parents and teachers are being asked if they have a little Picasso in the family or in the classroom, to bring their art to the Visitor Center to share with the community.

“We are celebrating artists of every age, and truly, there is no art more vibrant than that of our children,” Schmidt remarked.

The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony, free of charge.

Following the presentation of awards, everyone is welcome to stay and socialize with SAA members and enjoy a variety of cookies, cakes and other desserts.

And yet, the Show Us Your Stuff Art Show is not the only event the nonprofit group is planning for the near future.

Schmidt stated SAA members are continuing to prepare for the club’s 76th-annual Spring Art Exhibit, which will be held in conjunction with Youngstown State-Steubenville, the former Eastern Gateway Community College, along Sunset Boulevard.

The collaboration is one in which members say they hope will flourish for many years to come.

Anyone who is interested in participating in either of these shows is asked to visit the Steubenville Art Association’s Facebook page to read over the prospectus and receive additional information.

All questions can be directed to Schmidt by e-mailing her at judyschmidt50@hotmail.com or by calling (740) 424-3835.

Messages can be sent through the Facebook app or Facebook Messenger app as well.

“Come and join us for the Show Us Your Stuff Art Show,” Schmidt concluded.

“We simply can not wait to see what you have created.”