Patrons of the Grand Central Mall might have noticed a recent change around the corner from the food court. Instead of the bright yellow façade, visitors may notice a calming teal and gray-toned storefront and a new logo: The Watering Can Art Studio. You’ll still find many of the same creative outlets inside; shelves of unpainted ceramic pieces await the artistic mind to come and jazz them up, but now there is so much more.

MJ Ayson-Lemon, the new owner of a local favorite pottery studio, has taken a lifelong love of art and a dream since high school and turned it into an artful reality. The art studio not only hosts walk-in ceramics and canvas paintings but now new and seasoned artists can come in for “learnshops”, workshops taught by MJ as well as guest artists. There is even a section for locally crafted art and gifts. The most noticeable change is an atmosphere to invite in even the most uneasy creator.

Watercolors are probably my first love, but really I’ve done it all. Everything from oil painting to scrapbooking.

MJ grew up in Pittsburgh, spending much of her childhood in art classes at the Carnegie Museum of Art after school and while her mom worked next door. When she wasn’t taking classes, she was “that museum kid,” floating around to different artists, soaking up their mediums like a sponge. All the art she absorbed then has stuck with her throughout her life and led her to opening The Watering Can. “Watercolors are probably my first love, but really I’ve done it all. Everything from oil painting to scrapbooking,” she said. And everything is just what she plans on bringing to the MOV.

On the day we met, MJ was giddy over the delivery she got to unpack that morning. “We have 2 new pottery wheels in, and when I went to order them, I noticed they had teal legs! Every other time I looked at these wheels, not quite ready to order, they had black legs on them, but now they had teal! Like they were meant for this space!” Now guests can come in and take these wheels for a test spin – no pun intended.

“I want people to be able to affordably try new things,” MJ explained, “not everyone can or wants to drop a bunch of money on a 6-week pottery series. They want to try new things to see if they actually do like them, then go from there.” With the newly unveiled space, artists of every skill level will be able to check out a wide variety of mediums, to hopefully find their creative niche, much like MJ did when she was growing up.

Along with new classes for adults, MJ plans on growing kids’ activities, something that has declined in the area. The front of the store shows off two teepees and a shelf of kids’ books to entertain the little ones, inviting parents and kids in to be curious and explore, not just to tiptoe around the fragile pieces like so many do. She went on to talk about her youngest student – just 18 months old and making their own little pottery bowl! “If an 18-month old can do it, anyone can!”

People like MJ are breathing life back into the local art scene. It always takes a village though, so take note of the next piece of art that makes you smile, and hold onto it. Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, go visit The Watering Can Art Studio, and make your own art!

The post The Watering Can Art Studio Nurtures Artistic Growth appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Psychic readings and table-tipping, EVPs and tales of hauntings, and all things that set up an aura of the paranormal were particularly fitting for the haunted Lafayette Hotel, the gem of Marietta that played host to this year’s Paranormal Expo. The multitude of exciting things to do is outdone only by the diversity in events to enjoy and experiences to be had here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This chilly weekend in what is commonly seen as the “off-season” in Marietta hosted a variety of activities, including the second annual Paranormal Expo, hosted by Hidden Marietta.

Locals and out of towners alike all came down to Front Street to investigate all things seen and unseen in the Grand Ballroom of the Lafayette. Tours of the hotel left periodically throughout the day, allowing over 300 expo guests to explore the haunted halls and the history inside the hotel’s walls. (These tours of the Lafayette are also available throughout the year, in case you happened to miss out this past weekend.)

Enthusiasts could browse everything from homemade balms and jewelry, scavenged bone knives and crystal wands, to books and prints of haunted sites all around the Appalachian area. More than 30 vendors peddled their wares at Saturday’s event, including The Enchanted Emporium and Bearded Lady Brand. This year was a first for Evon and Justin McKown, owners of Bearded Lady Brand, and they enjoyed the event just as much as the attendees.

“The attendance was a lot more than I expected,” Evon said, “I met many people from all over Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.” A successful business day, as well as lots of fun, means Bearded Lady Brand “can’t wait to return next year!”

Along with a slew of commodities to inspire and haunt, the Expo also hosted speakers and celebrities, such as Dalen Spratt of The Travel Channel’s Ghost Brothers. Melisa Farris, co-owner of Hidden Marietta Tour Co, organized the vendors and the celebrity appearances for this year’s expo. “So many people came to our event to see not only the very unique wares of our vendors but to have a one-on-one interaction with our celebrity ghost hunter from the hit TV show ‘Ghost Brothers’.”

I think events like this are great for Marietta. We get to explore the history, as well as the quirkier side of paranormal interests.

Farris, along with co-owners Jessica Wielitzka and Megan Keller, started the Paranormal Expo to better help people understand the paranormal. Combining the haunts and the history of the local area allows interested folks a comfortable place to explore what is too often considered “taboo.”

“This expo has been really great! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before I walked in, but there are so many cool booths!” said Morgan Thompson, an Expo attendee from Woodsfield, Ohio. “I think events like this are great for Marietta. We get to explore the history, as well as the quirkier side of paranormal interests.”

Next year, the team hopes to add more celebrity guests and even more vendors and demos. The partnership with the Lafayette allows them to expand and change as needed to fit the interests of their supporters. This year has already seen an improvement over last year, seen clearly by the fun had by all. “The most memorable moment from the event I would have to say was making so many people happy”, Farris said. “No one left our event without a smile and a memory that will last for a very long time.”

The post Second Annual Paranormal Expo a Success appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Through the fog rolling across the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, a gorgeous building stands above the rest in front of Harmar Hill, sitting proudly in the center of Historic Harmar Village. Most natives know this building as the Anchorage, with its sandstone walls and the widow’s walk that sits perched on top of the 150-year old dwelling. Locals often know a little of the history, at the very least they’ve heard the stories of the paranormal coming from its historically haunted halls. Visitors to the area can look up the top things to do and see in Marietta, and the Anchorage will always find its way on the list.

Constructed in 1859 by Douglas Putnam for his wife Eliza, the Anchorage was officially known as “Putnam Villa,” but because of the cost and Eliza’s rich taste, locals coined it “Putnam’s Folly.” Eliza designed the majority of the home, down to the tiny details, Douglas bankrolled it all, and the vision came together thanks to architect John Slocomb who also designed other historic Marietta favorites like the Castle we all know and love on 4^th Street, and the First Unitarian Church.

The 22- room house has changed hands a few times since it was built, and after being used as a nursing home, it was sold for $1 and is now managed by The Washington County Historical Society, a local nonprofit organization that works towards the collection, study, and preservation of things and places pertaining to the history of Washington County, Ohio. The WCHS has goals to restore the home to best reflect the Victorian era it was built in.

Working in the Anchorage mansion has given us a real sense of purpose.

There are a few ideas about its use overall, but the primary goal is to use it as a center open to the community and make it useful to the organization. Best of all, they are currently working with Hidden Marietta Tour Company to conduct tours. The Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of our beautiful community. Jessica Wieliczka, one of the driving forces between the Historical Society and Hidden Marietta talked about the impact that the partnership has had on the building. “Working in the Anchorage mansion has given us a real sense of purpose,” she said, “and knowing that we have made a difference to the Historical Society which has allowed them to do a lot of work on the building this year is so rewarding.”

Despite being one of Marietta’s treasured gems, a project as big as the Anchorage can always use more hands on deck. The Anchorage and the Washington County Historical Society found the best organization to partner with, and in late 2017, Hidden Marietta joined the Harmar Village family. For all of 2018, Hidden Marietta has built up a fascinating and educational collection of tours, including both paranormal and historic tours of the Anchorage, Historic Harmar Village, a Fires and Floods Tour in downtown Marietta, and their recently unveiled partnership to conduct paranormal investigations with Blennerhassett Island in Parkersburg.  Melissa Farris lovingly coins their tours as “the best ways to experience the history, the haunts, and everything in-between” of their buildings and locations.

Hidden Marietta Tour Co. is currently owned and operated by two other history enthusiasts besides Wielitzka. Megan Keller and Melissa Farris complete the trifecta. These ladies, along with a wonderful collection of tour guides, have brought in over 2,100 visitors including locals and out of towners for tours and the paranormal investigations. By the end of the season, Jessica estimates to have a few hundred more attendees, rounding out this season with over 2,300 people enjoying the rich history of the Mid-Ohio Valley. This is more than double what the group saw in 2018 and shows so much promise for the growth they’ll see in years to come.

Wielitzka is proud of the great team they have assembled at the Anchorage, and is excited about the continued improvements. “Our mission and our passion is research, historic preservation, local legends, and storytelling,” she said. “All of our tours and events have an authentic, historical basis. We take you behind-the-scenes and offer you multiple ways to experiences the town’s history.”

A portion of our tours contributes to the preservation of the historic buildings in which we work .

Not only does Hidden Marietta develop programing and tours, they run their business in the study of the Anchorage, which includes an amazing gift shop promoting history as well as local small business owners. Nearly a dozen consignors sell their products through Hidden Marietta’s tour office and Curiosity Shop, including Sweet Gypsy Brand body care. Hidden Marietta also works with River Rat Tarot to run tarot reading events, and even has a few copies of the newly released David McCullough book “The Pioneers.” Not only is this business good for the future of the Anchorage, but for Marietta as a whole. “A portion of our tours contributes to the preservation of the historic buildings in which we work, and we proudly support many area non-profits,” said Wielitzka.

Hidden Marietta has eyes to the future with more plans and goals to improve and expand their success with the Anchorage. Jessica enthusiastically spoke about their next season. “By the time we open next year, many of the downstairs rooms will be brought back to life, and it is exciting to see the change,” she said. “It takes a village, and while we are definitely not the only people who have dedicated their time, money, and effort to preserving the Anchorage, we are happy to be a part of the changes taking place in the house.”

Plans to continue building improvement and program expansion are always moving forward. The tour season ends on Halloween, but events are on the schedule through the holidays, so be sure to check out the Anchorage and say hi to the amazing folks with Hidden Marietta!

The post Hidden Marietta Tour Co. Haunts the Anchorage appeared first on Clutch MOV.

“This festival is a real melting pot of fun!”

Graffiti Magazine

Bollywood music plays throughout City Park while smells of Stromboli and hand-squeezed lemonade drift through the air. Kids of all ages pan for gemstones or make their own rain sticks, and parents shop for fair-trade gifts while they enjoy their French crepes. This was a reality for the ones lucky enough to attend this year’s Multi-cultural Festival. 

The Mid-Ohio Valley is a small part of the world, but for one weekend every summer, the world fits itself into Parkersburg for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. In its 24th year, the Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival is no exception, with dozens of cultural entertainment acts, rows and rows of local and cultural vendors, free kids events, and the best weather the festival has seen in years. This 100% volunteer-run event attracts festival friends and families from all over the area, and even a crowd from out- of- town. This free event – that’s right, completely FREE – has been estimated to bring in thousands of people.

Whether it’s a MOV-native who comes home for the weekend or an I-77 traveler who stops for the afternoon while passing by, each person lends itself to a growing attendance tally each year, and from June 21-23 this year, Parkersburg City Park transformed into a haven of culture. With almost two dozen main stage acts this year, the festival played host to everything from “Goree African Drum and Dance” to the Scottish “Pipe’s and Drums of St. Andrew” to “Sayaw Filipinoh” Philippine Cultural Dance, to “Back Porch Alibi”, a local favorite Acoustic- Americana folk band.

Not only was this year’s fest loaded with great music and stellar shows, but we’d also be remiss to not mention the food! Luckily some of the festival favorites include Star of India and Philippines Best – two local small businesses that have been serving up the finest fare local foodies could ask for. We were also lucky enough to sample Mexican quesadillas, Greek gyros, and Weinerville hot dogs, just to name a few of the amazing food vendors.

Aside from the fun and excitement of a typical event, the Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival provides a great opportunity for our area. Jennifer Duckworth Randolph, one of the many event organizer’s, weighs in on the significance of the festival: “It’s important for our area because we don’t have a diverse population so cultural education is critical to expanding the horizons of our community members.”

Having this free festival helps expose everyone no matter their culture, race, nationality, or social class.

She goes on to talk about the impact on the local population. “Also it’s free. We want to allow all populations to come enjoy the festival. Often the ones that lack cultural education is simply because they can’t afford to travel or attend events that would provide that knowledge,” she said. “Having this free festival helps expose everyone no matter their culture, race, nationality, or social class. It’s a big annual reunion and brings everyone to celebrate all the things that make the MOV great.”

This display of pride for our area and our neighbors shines through with every person who continues to attend and support the festival. Friends and families come out to support their neighbors, and those rain stick-making kids will grow up to volunteer for events that resonate with them, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival will continue for years to come. Keep your eye out for next year’s festival, and visit the MOVMCF website if you’d like to volunteer, vend, sponsor or attend in the future! 

The post A Melting Pot of Fun appeared first on Clutch MOV.