The loss of a sense of community is a common plaint in this digital 21^st century, but a married couple in southwest Ohio has found a recipe that mixes the arts, historic preservation, and a firm commitment to create a vital hub of belonging in a small community outside of Dayton.  Sally and Steve Watson are the owners of The Hotel Gallery, a retail mecca for the arts that has transformed the downtown area of Tipp City and spurred an interest in creativity among the local community.  The Watsons’ contagious enthusiasm and openness continue to inspire a spirit of love that Sally says springs from a solid Christian faith.

Upcoming at Spinning Plate Gallery in East Liberty is an exhibition that speaks to the persistence of creativity that emerges in the most ordinary circumstances and places.  A group of friends, self-dubbed as “eight wild-ish women,” began a tradition of gathering in the Laurel Highlands for a week of friendship, relaxation, and art making about ten years ago. 

With 2026 well underway, Standard Clay is looking toward 2026 and the upcoming High School Student Exhibition at ClayPlace@Standard in March.  This year’s Juror is Britney Smith, the Program Director for Art and Design at Pittsburgh’s Carlow University.  Smith is a ceramic artist and teacher whose body of work explores concepts of lineage and care, themes that draw from and enrich her work as an educator.  Smith will review the ceramic pieces of local high school students that will be presented at the show and will designate top honors for both individual students and school programs.

Florida-based Sculpture House is a business with a long history in the greater New York area that traces a century old history through the tutelage of two families.  By the end of this summer, Standard Ceramic’s Turnbull family will become the third line of craft-oriented businessmen to extend part of that tradition.  Standard will acquire the Ceramics Division of Sculpture House as Bruner Barrie, the company’s CEO, moves closer to a full retirement.