Businesses and community organizations set up art displays, plein air art demonstrations, interactive art stations, and live music throughout the downtown area, all at no costs to participants. 

The POW Building at 315 E. State St. served as the primary hub for this year’s expo with a display of 556 5- by 7-inch canvases painted by local artists, many of which were available for purchase for a donation to the Chamber Gallery of Art, and artwork by famed painter Charles E. Burchfield on display from the Burchfield Homestead Society. 

Chamber Gallery Chairman Jennifer Adams said that more than 150 people had already visited the display Saturday afternoon.

During the event, the Coordinated Action for School Health (CASH) Coalition hosted a chalk art outline as part of its “You Matter Here” campaign. 

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

CASH Coordinator Melissa Galbreath said that the campaign works to help children feel supported and valued within their community and to form meaningful and positive relationships with adults in their community. 

Galbreath said that as part of the program, the CASH Coalition partners with local businesses to create dedicated spaces where children can feel welcome, gather, and form those positive relationships. She said that participating businesses receive a decal to post in their window and photos with the program banner posted to social media. 

Any businesses interested in joining the campaign can contact Galbreath at 330-424-9591 ext. 55185.

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Kathy Hill, the owner of Crooked Tree Studio at 115 Penn Ave., held pottery demonstrations for the public throughout the day. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

Shown is musician Andrew Christian Brundige. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

The OG hosted multiple activities Saturday including watercolor and mural painting. Shown from left are Stella Harris, 9, Salem; Claire Cope, 16, Salem; Karlea Myers, 13, Salem; Mea Harris; Corra Birtalan, 8; Kendall Sigler, 13, Salem; and Interact Club Advisor Suzanne Harding. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The Chamber of Commerce office hosted a display of art quilts by Professional Quilter Sheila Drevna, owner of Longarm Love Quilting. In addition to showcasing her work, Drevna ran demos for participants to learn how a sewing machine works and experience using one to put a stitch in fabric. Drevna said that these demos tend to be especially popular with children, noting that many have never had a sewing machine in their home or even seen one in person before. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)