GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOPS AT THE WORKS

Date: Thursdays in May (May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Location: The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology (55 S. 1st Street, Newark) Cost: $45-$65 per piece (varies by project)

Experience the fascinating art of glassblowing at The Works' renowned glass studio. Under the guidance of professional glass artists Bill Bigler and Luke Boyd, participants can create their own unique glass pieces to take home.

May's theme is "Garden Art," with options including:

• Colorful glass flowers and mushrooms ($45)

• Hanging bird feeders ($55)

• Decorative garden globes ($65)

Each session includes a demonstration and personalized instruction as you work with molten glass. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Pieces must cool overnight and will be available for pickup the following day.

Space is limited to six participants per hour, with sessions starting at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM. Advance registration is required at attheworks.org or by calling 740-349-9277.

NEWARK BOOK FEST

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Location: Canal Market District (36 E. Canal Street, Newark)Admission: Free

Book lovers won't want to miss this literary celebration featuring over 100 authors from Licking County and beyond. The festival will include author readings, book signings, panel discussions, and activities for readers of all ages.

Featured local authors include historical novelist Judith St. George, mystery writer Robert Daniels, children's author Maria Bell, and poet laureate of Licking County, David Baker. The event will highlight genres ranging from fiction and poetry to memoir, history, and children's literature.

Special events include a poetry slam at 11:30 AM, a children's story hour at 1:00 PM, and a panel discussion on "The Future of Publishing" at 2:00 PM featuring editors from regional publishing houses.

Local bookstores including The Book Loft and Readers' Garden Book Shop will have booths selling works by participating authors. Food vendors will also be on site.

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE WALK Opens May 18, 2025 Downtown Granville Ten new large-scale sculptures will be installed throughout downtown Granville as part of the biennial Sculpture Walk. Artists from across Ohio have created works specifically for this exhibition. Self-guided tour maps available at the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce and online. Free guided tours offered on the third Saturday of each month at 2:00 PM.

IRISH MUSIC CLUB

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Time: 6:00-7:30 PM Location: Granville Center for the Arts (130 N. Prospect Street, Granville) Cost: $15 per session, $50 for 4-session package

Join the vibrant community of Irish music enthusiasts at this monthly gathering led by Leah Bernini Cronin, acclaimed Celtic musician and former member of the Dublin-based ensemble Ceoltoiri. This inclusive session welcomes musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.

Participants will explore traditional Irish, Celtic, and North Atlantic musical styles, learning authentic techniques and cultural context. The May session will focus on jigs and slip jigs, with sheet music provided for those who read notation and learning-by-ear opportunities for those who prefer that approach.

Bring your own instrument—fiddles, flutes, tin whistles, bodhráns, guitars, and accordions are all welcome. A limited number of tin whistles will be available for beginners to borrow.

Registration is recommended but not required. Call 740-587-4266 or visit granvilleartscentre.org to reserve your spot.

MOTHER'S DAY ART & CRAFT MARKET

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Location: Canal Market District Pavilions (36 E. Canal Street, Newark) Admission: Free

Find the perfect Mother's Day gift at this special market featuring over 40 local artisans and crafters. The event will showcase handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, body care products, gourmet foods, and much more.

Food trucks scheduled to appear include Poppy's Roadside Diner, Schmidt's Sausage Truck, and Kona Ice. Live music will be provided by local acoustic duo The Willow Sounds from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.

The first 100 shoppers will receive a free canvas tote bag, and all attendees can enter a raffle for gift baskets featuring items donated by participating vendors.

Vendor applications are still being accepted through April 30. Interested artists and crafters can apply at https://www.canalmarketdistrict.org/vendors.

"HEAR US" - DENISON THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRODUCTION

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2025 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM Location: Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, Denison University (240 W. Broadway, Granville) Admission: $5 students, $10 general public

"Hear Us" is a powerful theatrical showcase celebrating the artistic voices of students of color at Denison University. This annual production features original works including monologues, short plays, poetry, dance, and multimedia presentations that explore diverse perspectives and experiences.

Directed by Dr. Cheryl McFarren, Associate Professor of Theatre at Denison, with assistance from student director Jamal Washington, this year's production includes works from 12 student artists representing various backgrounds and disciplines across campus.

The performance will be followed by a talkback session with the creators and performers, providing audience members an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the themes presented. The Eisner Center gallery will also feature related visual art created by Denison students.

Tickets can be purchased at the Eisner Center box office or through the Denison University website.

A TINY CONCERT WITH AVA SCHLOTTERBECK

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2025 Time: 7:00-8:00 PM Location: Granville Center for Arts (130 N. Prospect Street, Granville) Admission: Free, donations appreciated

Don't miss this intimate musical evening featuring Ava Schlotterbeck, an emerging singer-songwriter and talented senior from Granville High School and the Career and Technology Education Centers (CTEC) of Licking County. Ava has been crafting her unique sound since middle school, drawing inspiration from indie folk artists like Elliott Smith and Phoebe Bridgers.

Her performance style combines soft, evocative vocals with intricate guitar work, creating a musical experience that's both captivating and deeply moving. Ava's original compositions blend heartfelt storytelling with delicate melodies, often exploring themes of identity, coming of age, and finding one's place in the world.

This past year, Ava has performed at several local venues including River Road Coffeehouse, The Midland Theatre's Open Mic Night, and the Granville Farmers Market summer series. This concert represents a milestone in her musical journey before she heads to college this fall.

Seating is limited for this intimate performance, so early arrival is recommended. Light refreshments will be available.