Arts + Beats + Music event will benefit area arts education

New Towne Gallery in downtown Millersburg will host Arts + Beats + Music on Saturday, Aug. 17, offering local art, music and snacks for a great cause.

Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach, an area nonprofit, is partnering with the local gallery for the upcoming event.

Along with the gallery filled with local art, there will be live music, appetizers, wine and desserts. All proceeds after expenses will go toward arts education in the area. Additionally, attendees can get a discount on any art purchased from the gallery during the event.

Mark Miller is the gallery owner. Born and raised in Millersburg, he grew up fascinated with stories and how they change depending on the connection with the storyteller.

“As I grew older,” Miller said, “I became more aware of how art in its many forms is another way of telling a story, of connecting with others, of sharing experiences without using words. At some point I caught a glimpse of how incredibly meaningful visual art has been and continues to be in telling humanity’s story, and learning more about the arts became my passion.”

Today, with the help of assistant curator James Nusbaum, Miller is the owner and curator at New Towne. Currently, more than 100 artists and artisans are represented at the gallery.

“I think our biggest challenge here at New Towne Gallery has been building awareness with communities and individuals who have an interest in and will support what we provide here and in turn learning new ways to provide what clients are looking for,” Miller said. “To that end, we are committed to being not just a sales-driven gallery, but a destination where we host events, become a gathering spot for locals and visitors, and a creative space for artists and art lovers to inspire and be inspired.”

The upcoming Arts + Beats + Music event is a great example of what the local business is all about — celebrating the community and local artists while bringing people together and supporting arts education.

The partnership with ORMACO came about after Miller discovered the nonprofit and began conversations with its executive director, Thomas Sigel. Because many ORMACO events feature music, it was an easy decision to make the gallery event a concert as well.

“ORMACO has not been involved in any outreach programs in Holmes County, so we thought it would be a wonderful way to enter a new region,” Sigel said. “We want proceeds that we raise to provide art lessons for underserved children in Holmes County.”

Music will be provided by The Ezra Jeffrey Band, which is comprised of local singers/songwriters performing folk-infused modern music with original compositions. “They are six local, incredibly talented artists,” Miller said.

The Aug. 17 event will run from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include two wine tickets, appetizers, music and art. Purchase online at https://ormaco.org/z-arts-beats-giving/ or call 419-853-6016. It’s to book ahead, with remaining tickets available at the door. Call or text 330-600-8712 or 419-853-6016 to confirm day-of availability.

Attendees will receive a 10% discount on all items purchased during the event. Gallery inventory includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, woodworking, carvings, textiles, jewelry, glassblowing and metalwork. Additionally, their line of tea blends, coffee from Millersburg Coffee Co., and inspirational and children’s books will be for sale with the discount.

Find the event online at https://facebook.com/events/s/arts-beats-giving-at-the-new-t/427617420120610/. Artists interested in showcasing and selling work at the gallery are invited to email newtownegallery@gmail.com or call/text Miller at 330-600-8712.

The event is sponsored by ORMACO, New Towne Gallery and with partial support from the Ohio Arts Council.

The gallery is working on creating more community events to come in the future.

“We’re working on an event for this fall that will benefit our Holmes County Heritage Partnership (Holmes County Library, Historical Society, Holmes Center for the Arts and several others) in collaborating with one of our artists,” Miller said.