By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
Not only was Friday the beginning to a weekend filled with Fourth of July fun, but it was also the date for Bucyrus’ very own First Friday event. The theme for July’s First Friday was “Art Theme.”
New this month for the kiddies and kids at heart was the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. Starting with kids ages six and continuing up through adults, anyone interested in displaying their creativity with sidewalk chalk could do so from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Following the completion of the art, anyone out and about could cast their vote for which chalk “block” was their favorite.
While many artists at heart were putting their chalk to the blacktop, one local artist was displaying her art in a different way. Holly Kozinski, of Simply Inspired, brought her very own hand-painted hair bows to display for shoppers.
From The Little Mermaid to Deadpool, all of her bows are uniquely created. Other items she specializes in are barrettes, flower headbands, and tutus. Kozinski says she got started by creating accessories for her daughter. After many compliments, she realized she could custom design those accessories to sell, and she created her business. She also has her own Facebook page for the business that can be found by searching “Simply Inspired.”
Many other local artists were present but the Crawford County Arts Council (CCAC) not only displayed their wonderful creations, they did it with smiling faces. Their welcoming personalities brought in many just as they were hoping for.
“We’re always recruiting for new members and volunteers to come help work projects with us. It is really our hope to take art out to the kids. Give these kids something to do. Would love to do a graffiti wall down there in the new Shrines park, chalk board paint it where people could put stuff up and wash it down and it would be fresh and new… they could express themselves. Freedom of expression, finding their voice,” Beverly Morgan, President of the Crawford County Arts Council explained their vision.
CCAC was just recently funded by the Ohio Arts Council to be able to do many various activities such as Art in the Park and an Art and History camp in Galion as well. Being a non-profit organization, the members commented how much they appreciated the funding because it helped them to be able to put on various events that wouldn’t have been possible without it.
Beverly Morgan says what they really need is a place to hold their events.
“We’re looking for a place to live. We need a building that has teachable space, gallery space… we are a non-profit. All donations are accepted,” Morgan says.
The National Alliance of Mental Illness serving Marion and Crawford Counties also made an appearance. Their focus was to encourage adults that art can be a great stress reliever. They had a table where people could draw their very own creations and use a stress ball at the same time. They were also handing out adult coloring pages to get the word out that coloring isn’t just relaxing for little kids, it can be a great way for adults to let some steam off as well.
Also making a splash at the event was The Pinion Place Lemon Aid Stand. Deb Pinion, Executive Director of the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce, decided to bring in some fresh recruits for Friday’s event. Her grandkids from Westerville came up for the occasion to help raise funds for the local kids in Bucyrus.
“It’s kids helping kids… you make a donation and all the proceeds go to The Salvation Army for kids here in Bucyrus,” Pinion explained.
Pinion went on to say that this is happening all over and she hopes by putting up a stand during First Fridays that people will realize that they can put up their very own Lemon-aid stand.
Looking on to next month’s First Friday event, one of the organizers, Crystle Taylor-Stephenson, gave a bit of a preview.
“We are taking the opportunity to honor and salute our local heroes, such as our State Highway Patrol, our local Police Department, our Firefighters, our EMT’s, our city officials, and our judges. We really want to take this opportunity to thank them and honor them for all the great work that they are doing in our city,” Taylor-Stephenson explained.
The local heroes will be spread out throughout the city from the Arts Park all the way to Kennedy Layne Salon. Each section will have family-fun events for all ages. With new events and entertainment coming, the final First Friday for the year will be an amazing one to remember.
If you are a local hero and would like to be recognized at the August First Friday, contact Crystle Taylor-Stephenson at crystlestephenson@yahoo.com.