ZADA modern art show in Sugarcreek in memory of artist Zach Davis
SUGARCREEK — ZADA. The word has a ring to it. Yet, it means so much more than the two syllables that came together to form it. It is a word consisting of the first sound of the first name Zachary and the first syllable of the last name Davis.
ZADA is a living legacy to the memory of a soul gone too soon.
ZADA is a venue for artists and a place for art collectors and locals alike to come together for a cause. It is about energy. It is about movement. It is about supporting each other.
As a fundraiser for the Zachary Davis Memorial Foundation, the ZADA Modern Art Show is hosting an event blending art, music, food and more at The Toolshed at Breitenbach Wine Cellars on Old State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek on Saturday, Nov. 11, 3-10 p.m.
“Zachary [Davis] communicated through his art which was very poignant,” said event organizer Kathi Tustin. “ZADA is, for that reason, a movement to communicate through art.”
The hearts of local artists along with national and international artists are what has brought life to this year’s event - the third annual. This year’s undertaking is bigger and better than ever before.
This year local artist Sarah Duggar will be painting live at the event. For anyone who has ever watched art being created, this is a must-see. Duggar is known for her ability to craft in various mediums and her modern takes on classics as well as large format work have put her name on the top of many lists.
40 artists expected
Under one roof will be approximately 40 artists, including Peggy Sibilia who is known for her painting and sculpting abilities, as well as Jessica Haney (realism), Michelle Piscitani May (abstract), Hannah Johnson (pop culture) Ashley Byrom, Jessica Haney (realism / avant-garde), Cassie Soehnlen, Patty Griffiths Perkins (jewelry), William “Bill” Kock, Stephanie Space (fiber), Jessica Edwards (jewelry) Hannah Johnson (illustrator / pop culture), Therese Cook (encaustic), Deb Penland (photographer / digital artist), Joyce Stahl, Walt Allen, Kathryn Sauder, Zac Pirillo, Sarah Andreas, Erin Mulligan, Anne Richeson (jewelry) and others.
A special artist will be Heather Agar. She is an art teacher at New Philadelphia High School and known for her mentoring abilities to up and coming artists. She is an impressionist artist. Another newer local artist who hails from Sugarcreek, David Finzer is on the list. His abstract art is created in a variety of ways and is always filled with color. Local artist Kimberly Erb has also signed on to be part of the show. Her art always resonates with those who view it.
“There will be plenty of art to see but also to purchase,” Tustin said. “We have art from so many artists and mediums. It is a great time to purchase art to give as Christmas presents or to beautify a home or office while also supporting a great cause.”
An art collector's dream
Tustin noted that the event is an art collector’s dream. “We have a wealth of artists here in Tuscarawas County, many of whom are nationally and some internationally known,” she said. “Artists have their feet on the ground all over the area. We are putting them all together under one roof to show that art is not only alive but it is thriving thanks to the numerous serious artists, teachers, and mentors who have been here for many years supporting the need for an outlet for creativity in our community. Those artists are the backbone of the event.”
Local favorite Zac Pirillo will be on stage 4-6 p.m. He will be followed by Mo’ Mojo who got the crowd going at last year’s event. and are taking the 6-9 p.m. time slot.
“They are a hard-driving, high-energy Zydeco-based band from Cleveland,” Tustin shared.
About the Zachary Davis Memorial Foundation
A silent auction is going to be held as part of the event with a plethora of donated items from local individuals, businesses, and more. Those funds as well as a percentage of each piece of art sold will be donated to the Zachary Davis Memorial Foundation.
Davis died of a drug overdose on Nov. 12, 2005.
“Before he died, Zach told me if he could tell kids and prevent them from ever using, he would,” said his mother Anita Davis.
As a result, the foundation was born. Anita Davis travels to area high schools to talk with students about the dangers of drug use and the lasting effects and consequences on an individual as well as their family.
The foundation also supports youth activities that offer local children and young adults a place to express themselves and to be supported including YoungLife of Tuscarawas County, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, and Dover High School’s Youth to Youth Program.
The foundation is also the keystone organization that administers five scholarships each year for students who are expanding their education in a field that is related to addiction ranging from counseling to nursing and community corrections.
“It is important to me to offer hope and helping others further their education so that they can help change the future is one way to do just that,” Davis said. “Changing the life path of just one person is paramount.”
According to Tustin, it is exciting to see art and music come together to heal the soul.
"We hope you will take the time to meet the artists. We are striving to support both the foundation and all of our hard-working, creative artisans at this fun, and high-energy event,” she said.
Appetizers will be served up by the folks at Graze Me. Tickets are on sale now and include admission to the art show, food, a glass of award-winning Breitenbach wine and entertainment. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: ZADA modern art show is fundraiser to communicate through art
