Artist Chris Leeper demonstrating his painting technique during last year’s artists’ retreat.

EAST LIVERPOOL –Local artist Sheri Liebschner is working to make art a prominent part of the East Liverpool Community.

Liebschner feels East Liverpool is expanding and their is excitement within the community.

“I think we have seen a lot of that already. We are seeing new restaurants, new businesses move in, business expansions and new sorts of offerings, First Fridays and all that,” she said. “I think everybody wants to see art be a part of that.”

Liebschner has had many people ask her to open an art gallery, but at the present time that is not something she is interested in doing.

“I am interested in including the arts as part of what is going on, Liebschner said. “I think it’s important to economic development. I think it’s important to put ourselves forward as a vibrant community to people that might want to live or work here. I think it creates a good environment and it’s something everyone can participate in, and everyone can enjoy and it’s something in this divisive world that can bring people together.”

Last year Liebschner organized a weekend artist retreat at the Sturgis House, which she planned by researching what other retreats offered such as museums trips, yoga and other items and she thought all that could be done in East Liverpool. What she discovered is that the artists who attended didn’t want that. They wanted to paint, have time for creativity and to hang out as artists together.

Liebschner said she talked to Carrie Anne Williams, owner of the Sturgis House, at the end of last year’s retreat and noted that it would be nice if there were additional offerings such as an art show or something. But she didn’t want to include things like that as part of the retreat so she expanded the event to one big week of art which will include art shows, art classes, some yoga type relaxation workshops, a coloring contest, the artist retreat and more.

East Liverpool Arts Weeks 2025 according to Liebschner will offer something for artists and art lovers of all ages and abilities.

The event begins July 28 with a week-long art show at Petal and Pearl (formerly The Carriage House), 509 Broadway, East Liverpool. According to a media release “Petal and Pearl owner Melissa Kerr says she is excited to welcome local art and artists to her store.” The show will be open during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9-3 and Saturday from 9 to noon.

During the week there will be three different workshops offered.

The paint your own copper tray workshop, to be held on July 29 and led by Liebschner will allow participants to paint a copper tray with the trays being donated by the children of local artist Elsa Rubin.

Nancy Hawkins, local award-winning impressionist artist, will hold a still-life oil painting class on July 30

Artist Brad Cowset will hold a workshop on drawing birds with colored pencils on July 31.

All three workshops will take place from 1-3 p.m. each day at the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame, 120 E. 5th St., East Liverpool. The cost of each workshop is $20. Email sheriliebschner@gmail.com or text/call 330-708-3230 for more information, supply lists and to register.

Preregistration is strongly encouraged to ensure there is enough space and supplies available.

Amy Dunlap and Amy McCormack will be holding two sessions of guided relaxation with a healing sound and touch in the art gallery at Kent State East Liverpool’s Mary Patterson Building.

“Participants will experience the benefits of the “arts” of sound therapy and energy healing while relaxing comfortably on a yoga mat supported by blankets and a bolster,” the media release said.

A $40 payment is required to secure a spot in the evening session to be held July 31 from 6:15-7:30 p.m. or the morning session on Aug. 2nd from 10:30 -11:45 a.m. No refunds will be issued after payments are made.

Those wanting to register may text Amy McCormack at 330-383-2144.

A free coloring contest for all ages will be judged during the week. Entry fees can be picked up starting June 16 at area businesses including the Museum of Ceramics, the Pear Tree Shop, Petal and Pearl and the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame. Forms will also be posted online.

The inaugural arts weeks will conclude with the Second Annual Artists Retreat at the Sturgis House, 122 W. 5th St., East Liverpool which runs from Aug. 1-3 and offers artists uninterrupted time to create and connect with other artists.

Participants may choose to stay the weekend at the Sturgis House or just participate during the day.

As part of the retreat on Saturday, nationally recognized artist Christopher Leeper will be doing a painting demonstration from 1-3 p.m.

More information and tickets for the retreat are available at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/second-annual-artist-retreat-at-the-sturgis-house-tickets-1392909161799?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information on East Liverpool Arts Week 2025, contact Sheri Liebschner at 330-708-3230 or sheriliebschner@gmail.com

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com