ONTARIO, Ohio–Artist Joe Hill of Mansfield has always had a passion for art, especially when it comes to sketching portraits. And so when he received the opportunity to showcase his artistic abilities during the Fifth Annual Bringing the Elements Together Art and Talent Exhibition, he didn’t hesitate to participate.
Hill was among many individuals supported by Richland Newhope who put their talents on display Friday during the annual event held at the Richland Mall. He and another artist, Raymond Shaw, drew free portrait sketches of attendees.
Kathy Goodwin, art coordinator at Element of Art Studio in downtown Mansfield, noted, “It takes a lot of confidence to draw people and these guys really have come far in their artistic abilities.”
“It’s pretty easy to do,” Hill said of portrait sketching. He said he enjoys drawing comics and painting, as well.
He added that he enjoyed being able to watch live entertainment in-between drawing portraits.
Throughout the event, there was a variety of live performances, including the Sparkles cheerleading squad and the dance troupe from Richland Newhope Industries, Inc.
Jane Imbody, director of community relations for Richland Newhope, said it’s nice to be able to showcase the talents of those that Richland Newhope supports. “All of them live to perform,” she said.
It was clear, based on the energy that they brought to stage, that they were enjoying themselves. Ronnie Eatmon of the dance troupe thought his group’s performance went well. He had a couple solos throughout the performance, which he choreographed himself, he said.
“It just comes naturally,” he said.
Yvonne Anderson, another dancer in the troupe, dazzled the audience with flag twirling. A devout Christian, Anderson said her inspiration for her routines come from God.
Aurelio Villa Luna Diaz, a support specialist and director and choreographer for the dance troupe, praised the dancers for their hard work that they invest in their performances. He noted that they have extended their performances from four minutes to about 30 minutes.
“It’s a workout,” he said.
In addition to the talent show, various artwork from Element of Art was displayed, including paintings, photography, pottery and jewelry. Some of the pieces were available for purchase.
There were also informational displays and other disability awareness activities featured at the event.
Richland Newhope, along with Element of Art and the Richland Mall served as sponsors for the event.
This event is one of several activities to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. The exhibition is designed to showcase the many ‘abilities’ that people with developmental disabilities have and to involve the entire community in an awareness month activity.
