As Auglaize County continues to improve, so does the art scene surrounding it. Various organizations within the county are hard at work to provide a wonderful experience to anyone looking to have a wonderful experience within the county.
Some organizations, old and new, have been hard at work to make sure that the latter parts of the year are chockfull of shows, exhibits and many other events that are sure to grab your attention. This includes some of the following organizations that some big things planned for the following months:
Gateway Arts Council
Serving the Northern Miami Valley, the Gateway Arts Council is located in Sidney and is always trying to bring something fresh and unique to the local area. This includes the ongoing Presents Series, which has featured two seventies in the past already through the Cancer Survivor’s Art Gallery and “Mum Sales.”
According to their website, they aim to foster “the enrichment and growth of artistic and cultural experiences” for the people within the valley.
Some of their upcoming events include:
• October (in the Art Gallery) – The Erin Gemmer Art Exhibit
• Nov. 16, 2025 — Lovin Spoonful — Sidney High School Auditorium
• December (in the Art Gallery) — Michelle Walker Gallery Exhibit
• Dec. 14, 2025 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• Jan. 1 — Feb 5, 2026 — Bad Art by Good People — The Clue Edition
• Feb. 5, 2026 — Bad Art Ball
• Feb. 15, 2026 — Forever Simon & Garfunkel
• Feb. — What America Means to Me Student Art Exhibit
• Feb. 13, 2026 — Student Art Reception
• March 26, 2026 — Spring Fling
• April 26, 2026 – Brothers Doobie
• May — Birdie Abele Art Exhibit
• June — Art in the Park
• June — Erin Gemmer and Friends Exhibit
Riverside Art Center
The Riverside Art
Center, located in downtown Wapakoneta, also does its best to feature various exhibits, classes and other events within the historic downtown area. Open usually from 12 to 4 Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, there’s always something going on with them, some of which include the following in the months of September and October:
• Sept. 10-Oct. 4 — The Harvest of Imagination Art Show
• Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 — Debby Gregory’s Watercolor Classes
• Sept. 13 — Author Talk: Behind the Book
• Sept. 23-26 — Let’s Paint the Town in Watercolors (Classes)
• Oct. 4 — Art in the Park
• Oct. 15-Nov. 8 — As The Leaves Turn: Pat Wietholter Solo Exhibit
The St. Marys Theater
The St. Marys Theater and Grand Opera House have done a variety of shows since it was officially reopened, having become a boon to downtown St. Marys since renovations were made due to fundraising efforts by the Friends of St. Marys Theater and Grand Opera House. While improvements are still being made to the building, shows are always premiering at what’s becoming a big stop for everyone in and near St. Marys.
Some of the upcoming shows include:
• Sept. 7 — The Grand Opera House Summer Outdoor Concert Series (Featuring Neal & Emmy, Mark Cantwill and The Beer Barrel Boys.
• Sept. 28 — Shades of Buble (Concert)
• Oct. 25-26, Nov. 1-2 — The Carol Burnett Show: A Tribute
The St. Marys Art Center
Having participated in many local St. Marys events such as SummerFest and other major festivals, the St. Marys Art Center is the best way to see local art by local people, with plenty of exhibits taking place throughout the year. The center also provides a variety of classes that go on throughout the year, featuring local experts wanting to share their craft with the public.
Some of the upcoming classes and galleries that are being planned, according to Aubree Bear, include:
• September: Stained Glass and Pottery— This month, we have a gallery courtesy of Tenet’ Killebrew of The Scarlet Raven, who creates stained glass pieces, and Sherry Chandler of Wonky Bowl Pottery, who sculpts with clay and wire. This show is up from the 2nd to the 29th. There will be a reception for this show on the 7th, from 2-4 p.m., with free food and refreshments. Killebrew will also teach a class, the full construction of a stained glass tulip, over the course of three days for $150. In addition, many painting classes will be offered. Deb Gregory teaches a different acrylic painting class every Thursday in September for $30 each, and Corrine Craft also offers a painting class on the 22nd for $35.
• October: Photography — Ohio photographer Tom Etter, a former St. Mary’s local, has a wide array of photos on display. The reception date is to be determined, but the gallery is open through the full month of October. There will be another stained glass class, taught by Stacy Trout of Windy Knolls Stained Glass; the date is to be determined. Aubree Bear of AJ’s Stash will teach a custom print-making class on the 22nd, from 6-8 p.m., for $20. The Art Center also offers a free children’s art club every second Tuesday of the month from 3:45-4:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more acrylic and other classes.
Make sure to look up all of the organizations for more information and other updates related to their events.