Give and take art

The Poignon Project, 227 E Perry St., has released their latest project with the Community Art Shed, the Art Box. The first Art Box is located inside The Poignon Project. It is a new initiative to allow artists to donate a piece of their artwork to the box and take another artists work in exchange. "This is a great way for artists to share their artwork and to start collecting others artwork," Ryan Poignon, owner, said. The first box was designed and painted by Ryan's nephew, Hudson Poignon. Ryan said he asked Hudson if he wanted to design the first box and Hudson agreed. The box is painted all black depicting planets and galaxies of varying colors in spray paint. Hudson has many pieces of his spray paint artwok on sale at the shop of similar design. Ryan said he developed the idea following how the Little Free Library operates. "The purpose of the Art Box is to expand the Community Art Shed concept by supplying and nurturing our creative community," Ryan said. His goal is to have other downtown businesses participate, "with each box being a different art theme like (Book exchange, Record exchange, Poem exchange, Art exchange, etc.)," Ryan said. A special Map will be made available after locations are established and will describe each Art box and business location, Ryan added. There are two businesses who have agreed to participate - Washington Street Outfitters, 186 S. Washington St., and 22mkt, 22 E. Market St. If the Art Box looks familiar, it is made from an old newspaper rack machine that had held newspapers for sale. The Advertiser-Tribune has donated 10 units for the project. "This is a perfect way to recycle these old machines and give them a new life," Ryan said. Businesses that are interested in participating in the project and having an Art Box at their location can contact Ryan at 419-618-6429. The reservation deadline is Sept. 1. Community Art Shed According to Ryan, the Community Art Shed, has helped thousands of artists since 2021. The shed contains art supplies that allow local artists to come and pick up supplies and materials at no cost. The shed is then resupplied through donations. "On average 5-10 artists visit the art shed daily," Ryan said. "This past year we have helped 1,825 - 3,650 artists providing free access to essential art supplies." Ryan said this would not be possible without help from the community donating new and lightly used art supplies to fill the art shed. "This past year the art shed has received more than $5200 in new and used Art supplies from the community," he said. The Community Art Shed, which is located in front of The Poignon Project at 227 E. Perry St., is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. "Our mission is to help provide the essential supplies and tools for aspiring artists of all ages in our community," Ryan said. "Through the community art shed artists are able to take what supplies they need for their next art project at no cost. Our goal is to give all artists the opportunity to freely create their ideas into reality."