Art: A Unifying Force Connecting Diverse Communities

Artist Lynn Smith will participate in the seventh annual self-guided Sunnyslope Studio tour, which will take place Oct. 26-27 and feature 26 local artists. (photo courtesy of the artist).

The seventh annual Sunnyslope Studio Tour is set for Oct. 26-27, inviting residents to engage with 26 local artists in their creative spaces. Attendees can explore various artistic mediums, including ceramics, oil painting, and mixed-media. This event not only supports the local art scene but also offers an opportunity to purchase unique artworks directly from the creators.

Among the featured artists is Lynn Smith, who specializes in painting. With a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University, Smith has a rich teaching background spanning decades. After retiring in 2015, she turned her full attention to her artwork. “Art education is crucial,” Smith asserts, noting its role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Smith reflects on the lessons learned throughout her career, emphasizing patience and positivity. “I’ve learned to be more patient with myself,” she shared, highlighting a shift in her self-dialogue while painting.

Laura Cohen-Hogan and Elissa Nowacki, also part of the tour, echo Smith’s sentiments regarding the intertwining of art and education. Speaking from Nowacki’s vibrant home studio, they discussed the influence of their mothers on their artistic journeys. Cohen-Hogan holds a BFA in painting and drawing, complemented by a Master’s in Art Education. She has worked in the Cartwright School District since 1974, where her dedication to connecting students with art has left a lasting impact.

Cohen-Hogan values her students’ potential, having developed a classroom environment that fosters community and promotes inclusivity. “Art can bridge gaps for students with emotional disabilities,” she recalled, illustrating the power of creative expression.

Elissa Nowacki (left, with her art in the background) and Laura Cohen-Hogan will each open their home studios during the Sunnyslope Studio Tour (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

Joining her, Nowacki began teaching in 1996, primarily focusing on fifth graders in the Cartwright district. While she didn’t paint regularly until eight years ago, her artistic endeavors date back to her childhood, largely influenced by her mother. “Everything I know about art probably came from her,” Nowacki said.

Nowacki’s experiences in the classroom taught her the value of integrating art into learning, making subjects engaging and relevant. “Art facilitates understanding,” she explained, speaking to its role in bridging academic concepts with real-life applications.

The upcoming Sunnyslope Studio Tour is not only a chance to showcase local talent but also a platform for community building. Smith emphasizes its significance in reshaping perceptions of the Sunnyslope area, often misunderstood. “It educates and unites the community,” she stated, reinforcing the tour’s communal purpose.

Nowacki adds that the tour expands horizons, providing visitors with a fresh perspective on the neighborhood. “It’s about real art and real artists,” Cohen-Hogan concluded, recognizing the pride this event brings to the local community.

Spanning from Northern to Peoria and between 19th Avenue and 18th Street, the studio tour will feature 12 studios displaying artworks priced from $50 to $5,000. The event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26-27. A studio map and information about participating artists are available at www.sunnyslopestudiotour.com.