Licking County Arts Scene: Where Creativity Shines

Megan Leigh Barnard

The thriving Licking County arts scene inspires creators and art lovers alike. With education opportunities for learners of all ages and gallery spaces for professionals, there is an abundance of support systems in place for artists.

In turn, artists in Licking County boost the quality of life for all residents by beautifying public spaces and encouraging creativity in everyday life. 

Works of Art 

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology is Newark’s own hub of arts and innovation. Founded in the early 1990s by philanthropist Howard LeFevre to preserve the county’s rich industrial and artistic heritage, The Works has since become a unique mingling of disciplines. 

“We’re a cool mashup of history, art and the sciences,” says Janice LoRaso, executive director of The Works. “We really serve our community in so many different ways, from preschoolers to learners of all ages.” 

With hands-on learning and exhibits, the museum is a uniquely immersive experience. From its glassblowing studio to a free art gallery, The Works offers experiences for artists of all mediums. Exhibits at the art gallery change four times a year, showcasing artists from Newark and the surrounding communities. 

“Our community really embraces our artists,” LoRaso says. “Our founder wanted the community to feel like they had their own art gallery, so that’s pretty important to us.” 

By allowing children, art lovers and professional artists a place in which to experience and showcase art, The Works exemplifies the significance Licking County places on creative expression. 

“You learn so much by viewing art, critiquing art and making art,” LoRaso says. 

Expressive Education 

To assist in educating future artists, Denison University offers a robust arts program to students while supporting the arts in the surrounding community. Having invested $40 million in the Bryant Arts Center and the construction of the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts in recent years, the university continues to bring the arts to both students and residents. 

“Denison is always looking for ways to bring arts to the Granville and Licking County community,” says Margot Singer, director of strategy for the arts at Denison. 

The university’s Vail Series brings world-class performances to the public, from a range of musical genres to dance and multidisciplinary shows. The series has welcomed prominent artists including Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis to the community in past years. 

“We have no doubt that the arts matter to our community in vital ways,” Singer says. “The arts help unify communities, improve individual well-being, spark creativity and innovation, and strengthen the economy.” 

Denison also welcomes artists through various artist-in-residence programs, including the Reynolds Young Writers Workshop for high school students and a program at Otterbein Granville, a retirement community, helping students to gain teaching experience through leading arts workshops. 

Tailored for Talent 

Other arts organizations such as the Newark Organization for the Creative Arts help improve access to the arts by bringing performers to the area and hosting educational workshops. The nearby Weathervane Playhouse and Midland Theatre are hubs for performing arts across disciplines. Weathervane hosts live theater and musicals while also offering classes, workshops and private lessons for those interested in acting, dancing and beyond. 

Licking County has already produced its share of artists, including Mary Sherwood Wright Jones, famed illustrator of My Weekly Reader whose work has been exhibited at The Works on three occasions. Jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks was Newark-born, winning multiple Grammy Awards for his performances. Singer Wayne Newton even lived in Newark briefly, getting his start singing in live entertainment venues in the region as a young man. 

Today, the legacy of these artists continues as the Licking County community continues to support the arts across all disciplines and a variety of venues. 

“Our community has a rich history of appreciating the arts,” LoRaso says. “We have live music venues, a ballet company, a historic theater, art galleries, public art and arts education. All that combined makes us an ideal hub for creatives and makes our art scene unique.”