Art again, and again and again

Art again, and again and again. That is the premise behind Artagain Alley, a permanent yet changing outdoor art exhibit in a narrow alleyway in downtown New Philadelphia. The exhibit will be refreshed with new pieces kicked off by a reception Wednesday, June 28 from 6-8 p.m. Nineteen visual artworks by local artists will follow the theme “Hope and Light.”

“We’re inviting the community to come meet the artists that we will be featuring at ArtAgain Alley,” said Wilma Mullet, executive director of Tuscarawas Arts Partnership. “We’re replacing the panels that are up now with all new work.”

“It’s Artagain Alley, so we want to feature art here again, and again and again,” said Mullet. “That’s the whole concept behind it. It’s time to get another collection of art ready to display. We put a call out to area artists earlier this year who would like to submit work they have that might fit the theme ‘Hope and Light.”

The art is transferred to weatherproof panels for the exhibit, which is entirely displayed outdoors. Some of the participating artists have created work especially for Artagain Alley this year.

The reception begins at nearby Alley Cats Marketplace, where visitors gather and meet the artists before moving on to the collection itself. The reception includes wine and snacks, and Mullet said some may choose to start at the exhibition in Artagain Alley. “It’s informal, and people can do as they choose.”

Artists with work to be included at Artagain Alley this year are Susan Hicks, Deb Penland, Karen Gazdik, Aubrey Gealsha, Miranda Meredith, Hannah Tegan Johnson, Leigh Dennis, Jessica Haney, Sarah Andreas, Kellie Burch, Carol Ann Hunt, RaeAnn Haring, Cassie Soehnlen, Tina Lawver, Breanna Gilbert, Michelle Wittensoldner and Deb Walker.

Selection of work to be included has been by local galleries including Alley Cats Marketplace, Tusc Arts Cooperative, Art & Soul, Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts and the Tuscarawas County Art Guild in New Philadelphia. Work included in the exhibit will be displayed for the coming year before a new round of local artwork brings a fresh perspective on a new theme.

“That the art displayed in Artagain Alley is ever changing reflects our vision for it from the beginning,” Mullet said.

Artagain Alley is between two buildings on West High Avenue downtown: the Mancan building and a building formerly housing an art gallery. The alley is principally sponsored by Alley Cats Marketplace.

George Laurence of Museum Acrylics created the panels to which the art pieces are affixed. First Stop Signs prints the artwork and attaches it to the boards. The entrances to the alley are marked with an ironwork sign designed by Laurence and crafted by local iron worker John McDonald. The idea for Artagain Alley grew from another art installation across West High Avenue from the alle,y which features the work of local Latino artists.

The Tuscarawas Arts Partnership was formed in 2015 after county commissioners commissioned a study to learn how the county might best serve the needs of area artists while also promoting local arts and culture.

Learn more about Tuscarawas Arts Partnership at tuscarawasartspartnership.org. The website includes a section for artists to respond to future calls for work, and lists local auditions for performing artists.

The Hope and Light reception is free and open to the public and no tickets are needed.