BUCYRUS — “Create your own masterpiece” was the theme of the first “Arts for Success” on Thursday, February 21.

The event took place at the Crawford Success Center (CSC), a satellite of North Central State College. The Crawford County centric evening showcased the work of area artists and is benefitting the Crawford Success Center students through scholarships.

The elegant event showcased the top talent of area high school students, featuring the student’s art pieces for sale in the silent auction. Each student was provided a voucher for two credit hours at the Crawford Success Center.

Through the generosity of the donors that attended $25,466.74 was generated.

North Central State College board member Dave Bush (left) and Tina Husted, wife of Lt. Governor Jon Husted hold an art piece auctioned during the “Art’s for Success” event.

The new “Arts for Success” was sponsored by OhioHealth, North Central Ohio Media Group, Ohio Mutual, and Avita Health Systems. Opening remarks were shared from Kim Goyer and Todd Boyer at Ohio Mutual. Jennifer Alt, Manager of Business Development, OhioHealth opened the auction with the gavel.

Dr. Glen McMurray had the first live auction item, Acacia Tree at Sunset, taken on the south African country side, along with tickets to the Crawford County Community Concert series. Dick Gervais and Trillium provided the food, Norman’s Niche and Judy Enders of Celebrations Event and Party Planning supported the event, and Nyte Flyte provided the lighting.

Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser and Lt. Governor Jon Husted’s wife, Tina, attended. Mrs. Husted provided the final art piece of the evening that was called “New Zealand Aglow.”

Multiple items were auctioned during the “Arts for Success” event raising more than $25,000 for education scholarships.

The Crawford County Center for the Arts supported the evening with an experiential art opportunity, compliments of Sandy Laipply and Beverly Morgan. Crawford County native Judson Laipply emcee’d and perform the legendary “Evolution of Dance,” with Miss Ohio, Mattie Lynn Chrisman, singing the National Anthem.

The star-studded evening culminated with the live art auction.

“The stars were shining bright at the Crawford Success Center Thursday night with the community coming out in full force to support our area students,” said Amanda Sheets, CSC manager. “Our school is educating tomorrow’s workforce and ensuring our businesses have an adequate pool of potentially trained employees.”