Ashtabula Arts Center News

Don�t miss this slapstick comedy about the frenetic on and off-stage high jinks of a second rate touring company. Let your laughter warm up a cold winter evening. Reserve your seats today.

Douglas Anderson

Ron Cramer

Nick Meloro

Chris Nappi

Phil Mullet

Colleen O'Leary

Ellie Portman

Devon Shriver

Sara Tackett

On display November 4 through November 29. Join us for an opening reception and meet the artists on Friday, November 4 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Gallery hours: Monday through Thursday 9 AM- 8 PM Friday and Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM The gallery is also open before G.B. Theatre performances and during intermission. Admission to the gallery is free.

“As an artist, husband, father, teacher and woodworker, I have been taken in a direction of which I had never thought to go. At Ohio University I took a sculpture course with nationally know sculptor David Hostettler. In later years, I learned woodworking from three colleagues and was able to furnish our home with Pennsylvania Dutch and Shaker style furniture. “I began carving carousel figures because of my daughter. Dedra was a budding equestrian and was always asking if she could have a horse. I promised her she could have one when she was older and before she moved away. Since we live in an area that prohibits farm animals, I had to find a way to keep my promise to her.

“The idea of a carousel horse for her graduation from nursing school at KSUAC came to mind. Without her knowledge I began to study the history of carousels and discovered an early 20th century German carousel carver named Daniel Mueller whose work appealed to me. All of the studying and carving was done in secret. Two years later on the night Dedra graduated, we came home early and placed the horse in the kitchen. I had kept my promise and Dedra named her horse ‘Victory.’”--Dennis Kortyka

Local freelance artist, Ralph Bacon gained recognition recently in New York City. In October 2004, he answered a call to enter the Second Biennial Dimensional Salon, hosted by the Society of Illustrators. The Salon proudly provides an environment to showcase methods of creating works that are produced by extraordinary techniques and is a select collection of supreme examples of three-dimensional work. Of the two pieces he entered, Ralph’s "Pecos Bill" won the nod for inclusion in the show and its accompanying catalog. Over 400 works were submitted, some from overseas. 57 were accepted.

Pecos Bill is a figure from American tall tales, a contemporary of Paul Bunyan, and is practically the patron saint of Texas. Ralph's piece is a "whirligig," in this case a kinetic sculpture powered by the human hand. It depicts the subject riding a mountain lion and using a rattlesnake as whip. When turned, Bill rocks back and forth atop the lion and the wire tornado following behind actually revolves (it was said that Pecos Bill was so good with a lasso, he could 'rope a twister.'). "I find that the challenge of constructing whirligigs or kinetic sculptures employs all of my skills and exercises all my creative muscles. They are the perfect foil in response to the digital age in which we now find ourselves immersed."--Ralph Bacon

Phyllis Coutts of Ashtabula recently created and donated the “Tree of Light and Love” to be used as a fundraiser for The Ashtabula Arts Center and Hospice of Western Reserve of Ashtabula Co. The three dimensional lighted work will be on display at Hospice on Lake Ave. through the month of November and will be moved to the Art Center gallery in December. Raffle tickets which cost $2 each or three tickets for $5 will be on sale at both locations. The winning ticket will be drawn during the Nutcracker performance on Sunday, December 12. Phyllis, whose father was a carpenter and whose family was always good at crafts originally began making her art pieces out of junk jewelry. From there the process evolved. Phyllis produces her works for family, friends and to be used as fundraisers as a way to give back to the community. The Arts Center and Hospice wish to send her a very special “Thank you!”

This annual Christmas concert by the Good Life Singers will be held at the Arts Center. Join Pablo Reindeer as he travels the world to find out about various holiday traditions. It is sure to bring you a happy holiday and joy to the world! You may even shout Let it Snow! Of course, there will be the traditional yummy treats following the show. Cost is $8 adults and $7 seniors and children. Buy from a choir member or at the Arts Center early and save $1 per ticket! Group rate is $5 for a group of 10 or more. For more information call Pat Van Allen at (440) 998-3891.

By Shelagh Dubsky, Dance Coordinator

Undisputed as the most popular selection in holiday entertainment, “The Nutcracker” will return to the Arts Center’s main stage this December 2nd and run for 12 performances. Tickets are $12 patrons, $10 adults, $9 seniors and $8 students and children.

Enduring for more than a century, this beloved story ballet has become a family holiday tradition. Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s “The Nutcracker” is particularly dazzling with its special effects, glistening snowflakes, growing Christmas tree, magnificent sets and beautiful costumes.

The production features a familiar story which appeals to all ages because of its simplicity and values. Children in the audience will particularly enjoy Mother Ginger and her vivacious Bon Bons who make their appearance from under Mother Ginger’s large hooped skirt. Children also enjoy Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s production because our theater is small enough for them to really see what is happening on the stage. This helps young children to follow the storyline and enjoy the performance.

Come join the holiday fun and witness young Clara’s odyssey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy at a family friendly price with free parking!

To purchase your tickets phone (440) 964-3396. Tickets prices are $12 patron seating, $10 adults, $9 seniors and $8 students and children. We accept Visa and Mastercard. There is a $2 service fee on credit card orders (per order, not per ticket).

Project: Snowman Pitcher
Monday, November 7 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $20 Supply fee $10

Project: Wooden Photo Box
Monday November 14 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $ 20 Supply fee $8

Project: Gingerbread Canister
Monday, November 21 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $ 20 Supply fee $6

Project: Chickadee Wooden Tray
Monday, November 28 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $ 20 Supply fee $6

Project: Christmas Ornaments
Saturday, November 19 10:00AM - 1:00 PM
Class $ 20 Supply fee $5

Project: Santa Sled
Monday, December 5 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $20 Supply fee $7

Project: Country Scene Wreath
Monday, December 12 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $20 Supply fee $8

Project: Santa List Wooden Note Holder
Monday, December 19 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Class $20 Supply fee $6

Project: Mini Christmas Baskets
Saturday, December 3 10:00AM - 1:00 PM
Class $20 Supply fee $7
Please register early! (440) 964-3396.

Use professional quality dyes in this class and learn some of the basics of hand dyeing techniques while making a fun stocking stuffer. The Arts Center will provide a variety of colors to work with and instruction. You provide the creativity! These dyes give very vibrant, permanent results.Designed for anyone ages 10 and up so sign up with your child.
Bring with you: 12 pairs of socks at least 85% cotton with lycra or nylon. No polyester. Less than 85% cotton socks will not take the dyes well.



People are always saying you can use wallpaper for all kinds of things but most of what you see is just plain tacky. In this workshop learn to make truly elegant-looking gift boxes, bags, decorations and wrappings. Students will learn how to turn paper samples into gift boxes using scissors, a ruler and glue. We will also make a small gift bag, a 3-D star and a handmade envelope, all in coordinating colors. Participants will take home their completed projects along with patterns and directions to make more.



Celebrate the cold weather with these winter nature crafts. Make a snow candle (or ice candle if we have no snow). Weave a grapevine wreath and decorate it with rose hips, milk weed pods, sweet gum balls and other natural items that can be found in our local woods. String a garland for the birds with cranberries, peanuts, orange slices and popcorn.


Make your own customized pen and bookmark set for the avid reader and writer on your gift list. The completed set will be an attractive present for almost anyone. Students will make their own millifiore cane out of polymer clay and use it to decorate a pen and a set of beads. The beads will be tied onto the ends of a gold cord to use as a bookmark. The pen and beads will be baked during class and the gifts completed before you go home. The technique looks complicated and impressive but students will find out that it is simple and inexpensive to do and can be done at home after class. Most students will complete more than one set. No experience with clay is necessary.



Students will be introduced to the copper foil method of stained glass while completing a flat panel. Students will cut glass, fit the glass to the pattern, apply copper foil and solder their work together. A selection of patterns will be provided by the teacher for students to choose from. The finished panel will measure approximately 7 1/2” x 10.” All materials are included. This is truly a class for beginners, so sign up and give it a try.



Learn the fine art of marbling including materials, chemicals and equipments required. Students will begin by experimenting with patterning on paper and then go on to complete their scarf. There will be a wide variety of colors and paints to work with. The 100% silk scarves are hand-rolled and sewn. Students should register 10 days in advance to allow the instructor time to order materials. Payment is required at the time of registration. These scarves make wonderful gifts!



Little ones in this class will use the Arts Center's collection of holiday rubber stamps to decorate cards, gift wrap and tags. They will be shown how to repeat designs to create interesting patterns. This is a great, no-fail project for little hands. The ink is permanent so dress in old clothes for this class. Want to join your toddler? Sign up together!


The kitchen is going to smell fabulous…peppermint, wintergreen, cinnamon, spearmint. Kids will mix up the ingredients, learn how to read a candy thermometer, cut and break the warm candy into pieces and dust in sugar. Students will take home the candy we make to give as gifts or eat themselves. If you are an adult who has always wanted to learn to make this traditional holiday treat, sign up with your child.



Children in this class will construct their own bird house from prebaked pieces and make cookies to go with it. They will decorate their house in the traditional fashion with icing and candies. All ingredients will be edible so we doubt that it will survive the whole holiday season. Sign up as a parent-child pair and make the birdhouse together ($15 per house constructed so if you are working on the same house, you pay just one fee.)



Students in this class will explore several methods of creating prints including: rubber stamps, stencils, block printing and more. We will use these techniques to create handmade cards, gift tags and gift wrap. Students will take home completed projects and their handmade rubber stamps and stencils.