Supporting The Arts

Connecting the Community with Art, Culture and Education

The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation proudly introduces its video series.

The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation has long been a center for arts, culture, and education in Central Ohio. Throughout the year, visitors from around the state and beyond travel to Lithopolis to attend our fun and engaging community-building events. But when this year’s in-person Art at the Wagnalls festival had to be canceled due to COVID-19, we sought an alternative way to give participating artists and craftpersons the opportunity to showcase their talents and the public the chance to learn more about the creative talent found in Ohio. The result is the Wagnalls Artist Video Series: a new addition to the Wagnalls Memorial Foundation’s digital archive.

“This year’s event was to have three art educational activities: two for children to expose them to the benefits of art, and the third designed for adults to experience the life of an artist and the art process,” said Larry Browne. “When the pandemic forced us to cancel the event, we decided to turn what would have been in-person demonstrations into virtual presentations, made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest and the Ohio Arts Council.”

The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation reached out to area artists, craftpersons, and entertainers to gauge their interest in being part of the video series and received an enthusiastic response, with more than 10 participating. From blacksmithing to ceramics, oil painting to local musicians, the series highlights different participants engaged in the creative process while sharing the paths they followed to their chosen art or craft discipline.

“Wagnalls Artist Video Series is just one of the many ways The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation supports and encourages the infusion of the arts, culture and humanities into the community,” said Larry Browne. “We are pleased with the series and grateful to the artists, craftpersons, and entertainers for sharing their stories and giving the public the opportunity to learn more about the creative and cultural diversity in the area.”