Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘Art’

Deloris Ullmann Discovers Painting

Live your life and forget your age

Sometimes a hand reaches out and touches you in an unexpected way leading you on a new pathway. Such was the case with Deloris Ullmann, a retired educator from Shenandoah.

This painting shows her hometown of Mt. Ephraim many years ago.

Deloris grew up in Mt. Ephraim and started her education at a two-room school there before graduating from Sarahsville High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and later her Master’s Degree from Marietta College.

Her family enjoyed music. Dallas Bond, front left, and her mother played on WILE in the late 40s.

In her younger years, Deloris was surrounded by a family that enjoyed music. Her parents organized “Dallas Bond and The Musical Farmers,” which was the first live musical group to air on radio station WILE in the late 40s. Deloris and her sisters also performed on WILE a few years later as “The Bond Sisters.” Because of that interest, Deloris can play piano, guitar, violin, and mandolin.

Deloris played guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

She played guitar and sang “Love Letters in the Sand” at 4-H camp during Talent Night and played the fiddle with Jim’s Jammers at a Grange Banquet at Shenandoah High School. Even when she retired, she played the guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

After retirement, a new path opened unexpectedly one day ten years ago when her neighbor Judy McKee, an art teacher from Shenandoah, came across the road for a visit. She asked Deloris, “Did you ever think of painting?”

Deloris smiled as she said, “I can’t even draw a circle.” Deloris said at that time the only thing she had ever painted was a paint-by-number picture.

Judy was persuasive and told her, “You can learn. I’ll give you lessons in my studio.”

She enjoys stopping along the road and painting an outdoor scene or whatever catches her eye.

Thus began a weekly encounter where Deloris learned something different every week. Judy had her try different paints – acrylic gouache wash, oils, and watercolors. They would take rides in the country and stop to paint a house, a church, a friendly animal, or flowers that caught their eye.

This painting is her favorite winter scene sharing one of her many barn pictures.

Barns became a favorite object for her paintings. They drove out Route 564 and she took pictures of all the barns along the road. Then from the photos, she painted pictures of those barns on 11×14 canvas.

This set of her cards share the series of barn pictures that she drew. Nice for a quick note to a friend!

Those paintings were also converted into cards that make delightful colorful notes to friends. It’s a creative way for more people to be able to enjoy her paintings.

Deloris remembered picnics at Coen’s Church grounds near Seneca Lake after it closed in the 1930s.

Something she especially enjoys is painting a scene from the past. It might be an old church or town that no longer exists. Recreating them from old pictures makes great paintings and great gifts.

She enjoyed painting Izzy, her sister’s dog.

While Deloris does sell her paintings, quite often she uses them as gifts to friends and family. When asked if she painted every day, Deloris shook her head, “I was taught to only paint when you feel like it. Never throw anything away. Let it set for a couple of days, then go back and add what is needed.”

Some of her paintings were displayed an at art guild show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

Her instructor, Judy, began painting at the age of four and participated in a local Art Guild. At one time, Judy encouraged Deloris to display her paintings with the guild when they had a show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Her paintings were also displayed in Art Market 649 in downtown Cambridge a few years back.

This painting shows their barn on Mud Run Road. Her paintings are filled with memories.

During this time, Deloris also wrote a book just for her family. The title of the book is “Two D’s in a Pod,” a clever way of mentioning her and her husband, Don. It is a collection of pictures and stories of their family from childhood on. It also includes many of her paintings.

In her spare time, she often plays piano at Mr. Ephraim Methodist Church. She recently sewed 100 aprons for an Eastern Star fund raiser. Don and Deloris also enjoy traveling. They have visited Germany several times, did a European tour, and have enjoyed many trips in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Her teacher, Judy McKee, and Deloris enjoyed painting at the Guernsey County Library.

While Deloris discovered painting late in life, she finds it a wonderful relaxation. “Painting makes me really happy.”

This colorful painting of flowers reminded me of summertime.

Visit her Facebook page to see some of her paintings. If you would like to have Deloris paint something for you, send her a picture of your house, barn, animals, or flowers and her painting is sure to please you. Contact her at 740-509-1672 or drudou@gmail.com. Visit her website at http://www.delorisullmannart.com where most of her work is posted both old and new. Some items can be purchased online.

Age is just a number. The mind has the real potential for learning at any stage of life. Deloris Ullmann is proof of that.

Intriguing Jackie Beardmore at 90

Jackie enjoys listening to the Cambridge City Band Concert in the park.

At the age of 90, Jackie Beardmore has experienced many special things during her lifetime and brought to life many memories of Guernsey County. Her life began in Swan Hospital, where the total bill for her birth in 1934 was $12.

Her family was involved in moving a safe to Central Bank by Express Wagon..

Jackie still has the rocking chair that her grandmother sat in on the front porch. Jackie remembers sitting on the porch beside her. Her ancestors owned Nicholson Mines and 400 acres including where Southgate Parkway businesses are today.

Her grandmother’s rocking chair and pillow are precious memories for Jackie.

As a youngster, Jackie’s family vacationed in Canada near North Bay every summer starting when she was four, as her dad wanted to fish for walleye. While there, for several years they would visit Quintland, which was home to the Dionne quintuplets.

When the Dionne quintuplets were born, their parents already had several children so were taken under the care of the Red Cross, Dr. Defoe had a nursery built across from their home. It was shaped like an octagon with windows on every side. In the center was a place for the children to play. For a small fee, Jackie’s family was able to walk around the outside of the house and see the changes in the girls year after year.

Her first painting of horses hangs in her house.

She attended Garfield School when Harry Pine was the principal. Then it was on to freshman year at Brown Junior High and the remaining three years until graduation at Cambridge High School on Steubenville Avenue. One thing she always remembered her dad telling her was, “Don’t tell it ’til you know it’s right.”

For Jackie’s 16th birthday, she wanted to vacation someplace different. Her request was to go to Wyoming and spend time at Jackson Hole. From there, they went backpacking with other families, including the daughters of Richard Nixon, who was then a senator from California.

After graduation, Jackie was married and her husband joined the U.S. Navy. In 1953, he happened to be stationed on Aquidneck Island at Naval Station Newport. On Sept. 12, their commander told the sailors they were to have the day off. It could be spent relaxing on the island or perhaps they might like to attend the wedding of Jackie Bouvier and John Kennedy that was taking place that day.

Jackie and her husband attended the Kennedy wedding.

Jackie and her husband decided to attend the wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They watched and listened making happy memories as John and Jackie Kennedy were wed, and then got in their car to head to the reception.

The Bouviers at that time lived on a large horse farm in a beautiful mansion. All the windows were covered in dark blinds due to the Russian submarines not far offshore. The Beardmores toured the island that day to see all the beautiful homes there.

Using a Time magazine cover, Jackie drew this portrait of JFK.

A special talent of Jackie’s is painting beautiful pictures, especially portraits. She started sketching when she was nine years old and when she was 12 took a series of art lessons. Years later, the cover of Life Magazine carried John Kennedy’s picture. From that picture, Jackie drew a portrait of Kennedy, which took her 40 hours.

She enjoys drawing portraits – this one of herself.

She still enjoys doing portraits and has even done a self—portrait. Pictures of Wills Creek, Jesus, and her first picture drawn of horses at the age of ten hang in her room. She also enjoys painting on slates.

These sketches portray the life of Jesus.

Even today, Jackie still carries a sketch book with her wherever she goes. You never know when you’re going to meet an interesting character or special scene. She also enjoys photography and writes down information that might someday be in her memoirs.

In the early days of Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival, Jackie drew people’s hands. She feels that a person’s hand tells a story as there are no two exactly alike and they are all interesting.

Slate painting is something else she enjoys.

Singing was another thing she enjoyed. She recalled growing up with Marty Jones, who was her lifetime friend. Along with Blanche Arnold and Shirley Knight, they enjoyed singing at schools and various places around the area. They were part of Mother Singers, a group that evolved into the Land O’Lakes Chorus singing barbershop style.

Today she still maintains a connection with the Jones family as enjoys going to the Cambridge City Band Concerts and watching Berk Jones conduct. Her son, Brent, records the concerts and they are now making some CDs for everyone to enjoy.

One of her first jobs was assistant registrar and later registrar. She remembered the day that John Glenn came in and got his driver’s license from her.

When she was manager of Dutch Pantry, Peter Falk who played Columbo, stopped there every weekend and was usually accompanied by an employee of Disney’s, who drew cartoons for everyone at the restaurant.

Around 1980, Jackie opened up a commercial cleaning business. Cambridge Commercial Cleaning worked around the clock at Colgate for 25 years She said they probably had cleaned every building downtown at one time or another.

Refurbishing the floors of the courthouse was a special project she managed.

One of their well-remembered projects was restoring the tile on every floor of the Guernsey County Courthouse about five years ago. The floors were stripped of layer after layer of old wax to reveal brightly colored tile in a variety of shapes. The project took time and patience to complete but seeing the beautiful floor was their reward.

When Jackie was a youngster, her goal was to be a psychiatrist, but girls weren’t supposed to do that. Now when her friends have a problem, Jackie is the one they call or visit to talk over the issue. Perhaps her wish came true after all.

Yan Sun Art Museum & Gallery Features Ohio

Yan Sun and Hong Yin at Ohio’s recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Yan Sun’s paintings come from inspirations he receives from nature, people, and historic sites. He captures nature in a beautiful symphony of colors whether he is painting the harbor, a horse, or a landscape. Visit Yan Sun Art Museum & Gallery in Zanesville to learn more about his work.

Serving the community has become foremost in his plans. He feels there are many excellent artists with a wide variety of styles and talents here in Ohio. Many of his paintings show Ohio people, places, and events.

Hong Yin’s “Lakeside Glory” reflects her joy in painting landscapes.

Over the years, his artwork has received many awards in national and international juried exhibitions too numerous to list. Recently, Yan Sun and his wife, Hong Yin – a talented artist in her own right – were selected by the America 250-Ohio Commission to have five of their paintings on display in Columbus as part of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. These artworks showcase the wonders of Ohio and include:

New Philadelphia

Yan Sun and Hong Yin with “Courthouse of Guernsey County”

Courthouse of Guernsey County

The Wonder of Longaberger

John Glenn American Hero

This Ohio landscape “Winter Farm” won the Governor’s Award for an Ohio landscape. The farm can be seen along Route 40 west of Cambridge.

Hometown Ohio Landscape

Art provides him opportunity to share his inner vision. “My artworks are composed of three main issues: Life, Time, and Space. Life means being alive, the life of the artist, and the life of all humans. Time means moments in real time, as well as psychic time to bridge past and present. Space is not only real space, but psychic, illusionary, and unlimited space.”


“Ballerina at the Back Stage” was inspired from a performance at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

His best paintings are visualizations of his true feelings. They are made up of “Reality, dreams, transients, and eternity.” He likes to examine and visualize his dreams, thoughts, and emotions. His special love for music and dancing appears in many of his paintings as he remembers those wonderful days when he was 14-24 years old dancing in the ballet.

This self-portrait is called “Past and Present.”

Yan Sun was a professor in China in those early days. After he wrote several papers on the History of Art, his work became known internationally. That brought him in 1989 to the United States, where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree at Texas A&M University Commerce in Dallas.

After graduation in 1997, Yan Sun applied to several colleges for a teaching position. When he arrived at Muskingum University, he found the people were so warm and friendly that he felt welcomed. So he agreed to stay for one year. His love for the area has continued and he now is in his 28th year there as Professor of Art and Director of the Louis Palmer Art Gallery.

Visit Yan Sun Art Museum & Gallery in downtown Zanesville.

In 2014, one of his most rewarding ventures began when he co-founded Yan Sun Art Museum & Gallery at 604 Main Street in downtown Zanesville. They have breathed new life into the 1929 Art Deco building by displaying a great collection of artworks created by talented artists. “We want to create a place for our community to enjoy artworks by talents near and far,” said Yan Sun.

Jianmin Dou, Hong Yin’s father, painted this peaceful scene.

This beautiful building has several floors that are well used. One floor displays the art of Yan Sun, Hong Yin, and her father, Jianmin Dou, who was a renowned Chinese professor and artist. This is where displays for First Friday can be found. A large conference room can be found on the second level while the third floor contains a special permanent collection of paintings by various artists.

His painting of First Presbyterian Church withstood the derecho in 2012.

Each month, a different themed art exhibit always provides something new for you to see. On the First Friday of every month the gallery is open to the public from 5 pm – 8 pm. There is no charge for admission. Otherwise, they are open by appointment and can be contacted at yan.sun.art.gallery@gmail.com.

Some of those interesting themes this past year included:

October – An Artistic Tribute to Autumn

November – Let Art Spark Joy This Season

December – Local Holiday Gathering

January – Local Charms Unveiled in Art

One First Friday theme featured “A Day in Tibet.”

A First Friday exhibit one February featured a Journey to Tibet, which was near the region where they grew up. It included paintings that showed the rich culture and spirituality of the Tibetan people.

Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival is pleased to have Yan Sun as one of their judges.

Also available are private lessons, and painting workshops with Yan Sun as the instructor. Here’s a great opportunity to bring alive the artistic abilities hiding inside you! The Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival is also pleased to have Yan Sun as one of their judges.

“The Splendor of Y-Bridge” captures the spirit of this historical structure.

In recognition of the contributions of Yan Sun to their museum and its community, Zanesville Museum of Art named a special gallery the “Yan Sun Diverse Cultures Gallery.” His paintings are collected by many museums and organizations throughout the United States.

The spirit of this young girl is featured in “Childhood, Girl and Her Dog.”

In the future, Yan Sun would like to focus on the lives of residents in the area to capture their feelings and spirits in his paintings. He enjoys hearing the stories behind the emotions that make them the person they are at this time of their life.

“Summer at the Lake” was inspired by a visit to Salt Fork Lake.

When Yan Sun is not teaching or painting, he enjoys fishing for relaxation, and travel to learn more about the beautiful world that God has created.

“The Splendor of Mendenhall Glacier” was captured after a visit to Alaska.

For more information about the Yan Sun Art Museum & Gallery visit their website www.yansun.us or visit their Facebook page for updates. Plan a visit soon to see the fantastic art works presented. First Friday of each month is the perfect time to step inside and enjoy the beautiful building as well as the creative paintings.

Elk’s Eye Endeavors Creates New Art Market

The Elk’s Eye Art Market has a new home in the old Elk’s building in Zanesville.

Carol Bridwell and her daughters wanted to provide a place for Muskingum County and all Southeastern Ohio artists and artisans to display and sell their creations. Carol began looking for the right place for this venture several years ago and knew she wanted an old building as she especially likes those from the early 1900s.

The original Elks building in 1913 was quite elaborate for its time.

While she checked out several buildings, her interest was piqued when she saw an ad for the Old Elks building in Zanesville being sold at auction. This building was erected in 1913 so fit the type of building she was looking for. Some thought it should be torn down for a parking lot. Although Carol did not see inside the building, she did in fact purchase it at auction in July 2021. “I was taking a chance.” Then the work began!

Since that time, the family has worked long hours to lovingly revitalize it and make it the new home for The Elk’s Eye Art Market at 22 S. 4th Street. That name was chosen because, in the Indian language of the Lenape, the Muskingum River (mus weshkinkw) is translated traditionally as “Elk’s Eye.”

Everything of value had been sold from the building by the Elks in a 2010 auction. That included kitchen equipment, all the furniture in the building, chandeliers, and even stained glass windows.

First things that needed attention were the bricks on parts of the outside of the building, which required the help of a mason. There was no electricity, water, or heat in the building so those issues all had to be solved.

Carol and her two daughters turned their dream into reality. Pictured are Stephanie, Carol, and Alicia.

Carol and her daughters are list makers so had page after page filled with the sheer volume of what needed to be done. But when Carol starts any project, she is determined to give her best all the way to the finish. Her great organizational skills make this possible.

Falling plaster made it necessary to replace all the ceiling tiles as well as new lights.

New electrical wiring had to be installed along with a new breaker box and light switches. Every light in the place is new. New water lines and a new furnace required outside help.

While renovating the building, Carol and her family have made many interesting discoveries hidden within including a dedication book from 1913, certificates from local names of note, and contracts. There was even a book with costs of building the 1913 Elks Lodge.

This interesting Elks ledger shows some of the early costs back in the beginning.

When peeling back from the walls layer after layer of paneling, paint, and furring strips, they found walls with beautiful hand detailing in what will be the center room on the main floor. Unfortunately, the design could not be saved; however, Carol did take pictures and is hoping to restore that pattern in the future.

The building is very well structured with walls three bricks thick and every floor is constructed of thick concrete and steel beams. It includes a basement, two floors, and a roof which was said to have been a Beer Garden used for parties during the prohibition era.

A beautiful fireplace displays original locally produced Weller tile.

Beautiful brick is now exposed as well as awesome tile and hardwood floors. Multiple fireplaces are adorned with locally produced Weller tile, which adds a lovely, historic touch.

Floors were uncovered, sanded, and give a shiny new coat while walls were all repainted.

Carol has never required much sleep as her mind is always busy with new ideas. First thing in the morning she takes a mile walk with her dog, Clyde. After that, she heads downtown Zanesville to work on another task on her list.

Her friendly dog Clyde also serves as a model for some of the wooden animal silhouettes she makes.

The family with the help of talented friends works almost daily and full force on the weekends to make this a great art venue in downtown Zanesville. Weekends are filled with a little bit of art, a little bit of architecture, a whole lot of Zanesville history, and dreaming of what could be.

Carol Bridwell displays her woven rugs and her wooden silhouettes and signs at the Salt Fork Festival.

Elk’s Eye Art Market is the first venture of Elk’s Eye Endeavors, LLC. The market is the brainchild of Carol Bridwell and her two daughters, Stephanie Bridwell and Alicia Snider. They have all been involved in the local art community for the last six years and want to bring new opportunities to the artist community.

Maddy Fraioli, well-known for her Floriware designs, now produces pottery at their farm in Roseville.

While working at festivals throughout the area, Carol realized that artists needed another place to display their creations throughout the year instead of just a few days here and there. She said, “If artists don’t have a place to display their work, they miss out on opportunities to sell.”

Carol admires Steve Shackelford’s photo of Redbud on canvas.

Many local artists, sixteen so far in June, will be displaying their media in this retail showcase. Some of those include Maddy Fraioli, Carol Bridwell, Marilyn Knell, Myron Knell, Kathy German, and John Taylor-Lehman. Watch their Facebook page @ Elks Eye Endeavors as new artists are added. Carol wants, “ A place with a variety of kinds of art where everyone feels comfortable coming in to view the art and visit.”

John Taylor-Lehman designed this cat using beer bottle caps.

Carol wanted to have a place that was accessible with regular hours. Therefore, the Elk’s Eye Art Market will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-6. While Muskingum County art will be featured, all artists from Southeastern Ohio are welcome to display their works. The only fee artists pay is a commission when they sell a piece. If you have any questions or would like to display and sell your art, email elkseyezville@gmail.com.

Jon Shaeffer uses old chains from the farm to create this striking eagle.

It turns out that Carol’s family had an experience in this same building several years ago when Carol and her husband were celebrating their 25th anniversary. At that time, the family had a reception for them in the basement of the Elks Lodge. No wonder she was attracted to the building.

The old structure has been revitalized inside and out in the hopes of bringing new opportunities to the area art community. Stop by Elk’s Eye Art Market at 22 S. 4th Street in Zanesville and see the beauty of the building as well as the great selection of local artwork.

“Art will have a home at The Elk’s Eye Art Market that will appeal to both men and women.”