A longtime beautician and local salon owner rediscovered her love of painting this fall through the Logan County Art League’s Not So Bad Art by Good People contest, which culminates Friday, Jan. 31, with an auction of pieces created by local celebrity artists.
Zanesfield resident Dee Dee Ricketts said as a young girl growing up in Logan County, she enjoyed studying art in school and also practiced paper art and tole painting —the folk art of decorative painting on tin and wooden utensils, objects and furniture. Picking up a paint brush again after so many years reminded her of those light-hearted by-gone days.
“I’m a Kentucky girl born in Flatwoods, Ky., way back when life was simple and everyone knew who you were. My folks were born and raised there, too. When I was 5 years old, Mom and Dad moved to Bellefontaine so Daddy could work on the railroad….
“My parents bought their first home in a lovely little valley called Zanesfield. We have lived there forever, buying our own home in 1962 when my husband and I were married.”
Several months ago, Logan County Art League member Forrest “Woody” Amidon asked ME & Company owner Mrs. Ricketts if she would be interested in being part of the fourth annual Not So Bad Art By Good People contest.
“I was very honored to be asked,” said the beautician, who has been practicing for more than 45 years and has owned her salon, 140 S. Main St., for approximately 27 years. “I haven’t painted for a lot of years, but one of my clients offered to mentor me, so I jumped at the chance.”
Her client and fellow Art League member Wanda Stahler set up several afternoon sessions. The pair first looked through art books to see what caught Mrs. Ricketts’ eye. Since it was autumn, she selected trees featuring picturesque fall foliage.
“First, you take a pencil and lightly draw your picture to cover full scale of your board so when you are finished your picture fills the whole board,” she explained of the steps used for her piece. “We got our canvas ready and started picking out what colors I wanted to use.
“The next week, we began the process. I used water-based colors in oranges, yellows, browns and some black. It’s layering with your colors, letting them dry and coming back the next week and adding to what you have already done. Wanda had her own board and we painted together with her instructing me how and what to do.”
The public is invited to check out Mrs. Ricketts’ work and eight other pieces in the contest, and vote on their favorite entries displayed at Craft, Paper, Scissors, 142 W. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine. The display is open this week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the final day Friday, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Individuals can cast their votes for $1 each. There are no restrictions on the number of times a person can vote.
Friday, a People’s Choice Award and trophy will be presented to the artist who garners the most votes at the auction, slated for 7 p.m. at the Bellefontaine VFW, 216 Orchard Ave. The public is invited to attend the auction and participate free of charge.
Prior to the auction, doors open at 5 p.m. at the Bellefontaine VFW for final voting and drinks. A catered dinner is served at 6 p.m. for pre-registered guests.
The funds raised both through the auction and the voting will be used by the Logan County Art League to benefit and encourage the growth of the visual arts in the Logan County area.
Mrs. Ricketts said following the event, she wants to continue her rekindled hobby of painting.
“I have always had an interest in our Art League and have supported them for many years and will continue to do so in the future. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to dip into art again and I hope to keep a brush in my hand and enjoying myself for a long time. Especially thanks to Wanda for being so kind to mentor me.”