MOUNT VERNON — A Thursday artist reception kicked off Art in the Park in Mount Vernon, a community art show that highlights community spirit and creativity.
Olivia Toth, executive director of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the historic CA&C depot at 501 S. Main St. is a fitting place to host the exhibition because it was designed to welcome people as they move along their journey.
“This is a very creative, beautifully built building, over 100 years old. So it’s just a real testament of time and how things were built and created,” she said.
“I think that’s exactly what we see in these pieces of art as well.”
Exhibitors range in age and experience, from seasoned artists to those showing their work for the first time. Toth welcomes the diversity.
“Maybe this is someone’s first dabble in what it means to put themselves out there. To have all of us welcome them into that space really means a lot,” she said.
“I know as a kid, art was a place that was welcoming for me, and I continue to go back to that space. To be that space for other people and to cultivate that is really important at any age.”
A community effort
The Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance, The Gund at Kenyon, and artists from Pine Rose Studio, the Coleman Gallery, and the Gallery on Gambier guided the CVB and curated the show.
Organizers started planning in January. Early conversations focused on what the show could look like and what it should mean to the community.
The gallery will remain open through Aug. 14, giving visitors time to cast their votes for a Community Choice award leading up to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. Residents can vote digitally or in person at the visitors center.
In addition to the Community Choice award, a panel of judges will select winners across several categories.
“It’s really exciting to think about that community choice,” Toth said.
“We have people coming into this building, every week, every day, from inside outside of our communities, so for them to get a little snapshot of who we are and how important creativity is, is really great.”
Winners will be announced at the music and arts festival on Saturday, Aug. 15. The announcement is set for 1:30 p.m. on the South Stage.
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