Welcome to 2020 at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio – it’s a new decade and it’s our 20th anniversary year!
 
Thank you for your support and commitments to our center as we continue building the arts institution of the future. We depend on the county, foundation grants, donors and members to develop great exhibits, produce events and host our speaker series, as well as provide a strong arts curriculum – and we are grateful for your partnership and patronage this year.
 
Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies has just closed and we’re happy to report a successful 14-week run. The addition of Christmas with the Ohio Presidents curated by George and Jean Johnson and our Santa at the Saylor House events added a whole new level of holiday inspiration and drove record-high attendance levels. Our volunteers and staff are enjoying a well-earned break!
 
We are happy to announce the Fairfield County Artists in Residence program at the Wendel Center for the Arts. We welcomed Pam Whiteley and this amazing group of artists to our campus mid-December and are thrilled to have them making art 9 am to 3 pm in our facility every Tuesday and Wednesday.    
 
Plan to see Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life & Art of Barbara Shermund from January 25 to April 28. And I look forward to seeing our members at the special Member Opening Party on January 24. We are grateful for the Fox Foundation sponsorship of this compelling exhibit. You’ll have the chance to enroll in chalk talks, cartooning and drawing classes to coincide with this exhibit, as well as watercolor classes and open studio nights.
 
We’re working to start pottery classes in February – but we need wheels! If you would like to donate a pottery wheel, or provide funding for us to purchase one, let me know – as we have teachers and students ready to go…..
 
Artfully forward,

David Hogrefe
Executive Director

Fiber Arts:
Weaving: Rigid Heddle
Saturdays, 10am-12pm
September 9, 16, 23, 30
$52 / $47 members
Instructor: Mary Goss
 
Middle School:
Miss Peregrine’s: Middle School Art
Sundays, 2pm-4pm
September 10, 17, 24, October 1
$62/$56 members
Instructor: Dayton Willison
 
Studio Arts:
Studio Night, Grades 8-12
Mondays, 5pm-7pm
September 11, 18, 25, October 2
$52/$7 members
Instructor: Dallas Rienschield

​Register here
Call the office: (740) 681-1423
Stop in to the office and sign up.

The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is launching a new social events program called pARTy at daco studio. pARTY at daco studio allows attendees of all ages to work with art instructors on a chosen project in a fun and creative studio environment. The events run for about 2 hours and are perfect for occasions such as birthdays, showers, team building, holiday parties, wine and art events, or any kind of special gettogether. Your group will be able to choose from a number of projects such as painting, weaving, jewelry making, ceramics, and more! We provide all of the art materials and aprons, you just bring your guests and preferred drinks and snacks.  Prices are $30 per person and $20 per child for a children’s party. Groups will be charged for a minimum of 10 seats; maximum group size is 24. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that you may have about the classes.

FAQS:
Q. What time do I need to arrive for a class?
A. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to sign in, set up your snack and drink, and pick the seat of your choice.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Aprons are provided, but we recommend wearing something you wouldn't mind getting paint on.
Q. Do I need to sign up in advance?
A.  Yes. Please call the museum to schedule your event.  
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. pARTy at DACO studio  is an entertainment event similar to a concert. We do allow cancellations or reschedules but we require a 48 hour notice. Cancellations should be made by phone. We will charge the class fee for reservations not cancelled 48 hours in advance. 
 
Go to the pARTy at DACO tab on our website for more information on scheduling an event.

The Lancaster Playhouse proudly announces its first play for the upcoming season.

Auditions for the iconic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” will be held Monday, August 21, 7 pm and Tuesday, August 22 at 7:15 pm in their theatre, 201 S. Broad St., Lancaster. 

Area actors may sign up for an audition by going to TLP website sign up genius or by calling (740) 243-9666.  Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday through Thursday, August 29 through October 19, with performances Friday, October 20, 7 pm and Saturday, October 21, 2 pm and 7pm.

The stage adaptation by Richard Abbott of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella has six male characters, for age mid 40’s and three supporting actors age late 40’s – 60’s. Females characters are one age 18- early 20’s, two others any age.

Everyone involved with The Lancaster Playhouse is eager to begin another season of bringing theatrical excitement and excellence to the Lancaster area community.

At the end of June, we hosted our own week long mini camp called “Expressing Yourself Through Art.” This camp allowed campers to learn the basics of different elements in art such as line, shape, color, and value. They created fun and original projects such as 3D Paper Butterflies and LEGO Self Portraits. The campers worked in our studio with our art instructor Megan Taylor. Megan said, “Students were encouraged to use their own voice in art using different forms of media.” There is still time to sign up for our next camp “Movie Making,” in August.

​ Go to our Summer Camps tab for information and to register. 

Drawing & Painting:
Fundamental Drawing and Painting
Saturdays, 2pm-4pm
August 3,12,19 26
$50/$45 members
Instructor: Lisa Schorr

Wednesday Watercolors
Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm
August 23
$75/$68 members
Instructor: Lisa Schorr

Fiber Arts:
Coiled Basketry
Saturdays, 10am-12pm
August 5, 12, 19, 26
Instructor: Mary Goss

Special Events:
Soap Making Sundays
Sunday, 1pm-3pm
August 13
$45/$40 members
Instructor: Jane Hill

​Register here
Call the office: (740) 681-1423
Stop in to the office and sign up.

​This weekend we were thrilled to present “Celebrating Women’s Voices Through Art and Expression.” This event gave attendees  the chance to hear and learn from women in the arts. The speakers on Saturday included a keynote speech from Carol Boram-Hays, performances by poets Ruth Awad and Shameaca Moore, and a gallery talk from one of our exhibition artists, Leslie Shiels. Boram-Hays gave an overview of the contributions of and challenges faced by women in the arts throughout history. Awad and Moore presented powerful renditions of their works, while Shiels spoke about the inspirations for her work. Ruth Awad said, “it was an extraordinary event and an honor to read alongside such talented women artists.”  

On Sunday we hosted workshops to encourage attendees to express themselves artistically, guided by some very talented female artists. Participants heard Leslie Shiels discuss her painting process. Under the direction of Jennifer Evans Kinsley, they bound their own books which they then used in a creative writing workshop led by Valerie Cumming. Cumming described the experience as “inspiring” and was appreciative of such a worthwhile event. We had an amazing weekend and hope that you will participate in future programs! 

​​Do you have a child interested in the arts? Or just looking for something fun for your kids to do in the summer? Then go to our website to check out our other camps this summer: FUNdamentals and Movie Making. Information and Registration can be found under the Summer Camps. We also offer adult and family classes under the Programs, Classes, and Events.