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START w/Art
C.A.L.M.
Community
Art
Life
Matters
How can make the world a better place?
This is the question that built our organization. Sometimes it feels like there are more problems in the world than any of us can fix. But we know that creativity inspires thought, introspection, peace, and calm. When we create art, we connect to ourselves. Maybe if we create art together...we will connect with one another and have the kinds of conversations our communities need.
Start w/ Art is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2016 to provide a safe and calm space for members of the community to simply create art. Children, adults, families and neighbors gather throughout the week at our free art workshops to enjoy snacks, learn about various themes, historical topics, people or events, and then make art based on those themes. Sometimes people take their art home with them. Sometimes they leave the art with Start w/ Art and it becomes part of our Art Library, so members of the broader community can borrow it. A few times a year, we hold a showcase where the workshop particpants can proudly share what they painted and what they learned.
Start w/ Art is also commissioned to do murals and signs around the city, and we love spending time with Lorain students in school programs around the county.
Art keeps us grounded while letting us dream, and makes everything more beautiful.
How can we make the world a better place?
We Start with Art.
What We Do
We host free weekly art workshops on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. No experience required! Just a passion for art and a love of community. Visit the "Come Paint With Us" box to the right to learn more.
We also have a growing library of paintings that are available to borrow for a small administrative fee. People rent our paintings for all kinds of occasions...Black History Month events, themed parties, baby showers, church programs...or just to change up the vibe in your home for a few weeks. Click the button on the "Rent Some Artwork" section to the right to see our catalog.
We also paint around the town! If you have a mural or a sign that you would like us to create, scroll down to the "Contact Us" section and tell us about it.
Thank you to our partners & funders.
Come Paint with Us!
Art Workshops & Showcases
Our weekend art workshops serve as the cornerstone of Start With Art's community program. These workshops provide an open and welcoming space for community members of all ages to come together and unleash their creativity through art. Workshops for all ages take place at: Harrison Cultural Community Center 1922 Hamilton Ave Lorain, OH 44052 Saturdays from 11am to 1pm Art Workshops for Adults take place at: Second Baptist Church 300 W. 13th Str Lorain, OH 44052 Mon, Wed, & Fridays from 6:30pm to 9:00pm Guided by a master artist, participants can drop in at their convenience and immerse themselves in the world of painting, creating stunning portraits and artwork. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, our weekend art workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore your artistic talents and connect with fellow community members, all at no cost. We even provide snacks. Students prepare art for community events, festivals and holiday events. They learn about their subjects and present their work to the audiences. Check our Instagram and Facebook page for upcoming events.
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Founder and Director
Jeffery Pye
Meet the visionary behind Start With Art, Jeff Pye. Art runs in his family. With a passion for art and a heart for the community, Jeff founded the organization in 2016, volunteering his time and paying for supplies from his own pocket for years to provide kids in the neighborhood a free opportunity to create art.
His dedication to making art accessible to all has been the driving force behind Start w/Art's success. Join Jeff on this journey towards a more vibrant and connected community.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Start w/ Art meets monthly to review financial statements and discuss upcoming programming. If you are interested in serving on the board or volunteering on one of our committees, please email us at startwithart2023@gmail.com.
Scroll down to read more about our board members.
Eva Johnson, Acting Board President
Eva Johnson is originally from Sandusky, Ohio. She moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1984 when she was hired by Lorain City Schools. Eva retired in 2019 after serving 35 years as a kindergarten teacher. She is a faithful member of the Cathedral of Praise Worship and Family Center where she is active in the music ministry. Eva also belongs to several other community groups. Eva and her grandson Makai have been a part of Start With Art for approximately two years.
