Photo submitted Gene Krotky of the Lisbon Historical Society (left) holds the print with artist Steve Belaney. The print made from a painting created by Belaney of the County Courthouse and Town Square will be raffled as a fundraiser for the Historical Society.
LISBON – A gift from a local artist will be raffled on Sunday afternoon at the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
Steve Belaney, a retired Lisbon man who now has more time to pursue his lifelong passion for art, painted a summer view of the Columbiana County Courthouse and Lisbon Village Square.
From this painting, a limited and numbered edition of 10 prints was created. The number one draw was recently offered to the Historical Society of Lisbon, which, with the artist’s permission, will draw the draw. The winner will be drawn at the next annual festival on September 19.
Belaney has been very interested in art since he was a child, when he remembers his mother berating him for entertaining himself during mass at St. George’s Catholic Church by doing figures in the air connecting the dots of the ceiling. As he grew, his interest in art developed starting with making paper airplanes and then building with kits and models. He studied drawing, with an interest in sketching cars, airplanes and boats. He took a correspondence art course at the age of 11. At one point he started painting portraits and landscapes. Relatives have started having some of their favorite paintings printed.
The art of 1967 high school graduate David Anderson took a back seat as a hobby as he became an apprentice engineer and then an engineer, a field in which he remained for 53 years. Belaney writes that he thinks the time has come for him to pursue his first love and create some art that someone might want to own and display in their home.
After seeing some of Belaney’s paintings and prints, the historical society asked if he would be interested in partnering with them for fundraising efforts this year, showcasing Belaney’s work to local residents.
The print of the painting, which is framed and ready to hang, was on display at the Lisbon Historical Society Picnic on August 19, then was on display at the Dashing Divas store afterwards and can currently be viewed. view in the lobby of the Columbiana County Courthouse. .
Tickets cost $ 5 and can be purchased from members of the Lisbon Historical Society, including at Erie Station on Tuesday and by calling Gene Krotky of the Lisbon Historical Society at 330-277-3116.
Krotky said the board is hoping that selling tickets for the print will help the group recover some of the money it was unable to collect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although donations and events have been canceled, Krotky highlights the repair work needed to keep old structures the company cares about viability, such as the Old Stone House, Erie Station, and Bye Barn.
Belaney is currently exhibiting her work at the Local Craftsman’s Loft on South Main Street in Columbiana and at the Bridge Street Art Works in the historic Ashtabula Harbor.
