Starry Night over Bethlehem

Staff painting in the style of
Vincent van Gogh and Suzanne Bort Gray

New at the GATY

Adult painters show off their work.

Youth Art Classes created posters about
inclusiveness and diversity

Women's Retreat at Camp Fitch



Fifty+ women enjoyed the beautiful weather and
accommodations at the annual YMCA Women's Retreat.
Dubbed "spamping" (spa camping) by one clever participant,
the ladies enjoyed horseback riding, rock wall climbing,
hikes, massages, manicures, hot-tub lounging, art classes,
campfire sing a-longs, chocolate fountains, and pure relaxation.

Twenty of the spampers created a mosaic rendition of
Van Gogh's Fifteen Sunflowers. The finished piece will hang at
the GATY before heading to the Lake County YMCA.

New at the GATY

Student Exhibition, October 2009



Youth Painting: Pointillism

Adult Painting

Congratulations to Maggie who became an
American citizen on the last day of class!

Community Arts Project: Mona Lisa montage

Tonight was the unveiling of the Community Arts Program's Mona Lisa montage. During the summer, seventy artists in the valley each worked on the separate panels which comprise the whole. About three dozen Davis Family YMCA members and staff put their own touches on panel #39, called All in the Family. Art coordinator, Suzanne Gray, created Feeting Frenzy, panel #15.

The montage will be on display at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio through the end of the year, after which it will travel to various location throughout the community. More details available at the CAPF website.

Read more about the unveiling. More.

YMCA Afternoon of the Arts

The first annual Davis Family YMCA Afternoon of the Arts was a resounding success. Over fifty members and staff took the opportunity to show off their art, with works ranging from traditional paintings and photography to driftwood, scratch-board, and a painted quilt.

Thirteen local professional artists answered questions and demonstrated techniques. Some gave attendees the opportunity to try their hand at creating pieces of art. Ed O'Malley did quick sketch caricatures and Nancy Hawkins created beautifully rendered on the spot oil portraits.

The crowd was enthralled with performances by puppet master Mary Adams, the sounds of acoustic guitarist Todd Kaden, and a contemporary dance by Michelle Edison. Dr. William Greenway and Jordan Shaver each read from their own collections of poetry.

Over thirty brave souls lent their soles to the Global Art Project, decorating their feet with messages of peace for Suzanne Gray's montage, Peaceful Soleutions.

Children had the opportunity to participate in Fun with Cookies, courtesy of Wendy Gunyula, and also to create seasonal puppets thanks to the generosity of Michael's Craft Store. Additionally, everyone enjoyed refreshments donated by Boardman's GFS (Gordon Food Service), Sam's Club, and the YMCA.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff and volunteers of the Davis Y who made the entire day possible, and to the Vindicator for the extensive coverage they provided prior to and after the event.

Click on the images below for a closer look at the fun.

Afternoon of the Arts

October 10, 2009

Davis Family YMCA
45 McClurg Road, Boardman, OH

AFTERNOON of the ARTS
Saturday, October 10, 2009
1:30-4 pm


1:30 - 4:00 pm Art Exhibition (GATY)

1:30 - 4:00 pm Artists at Work

Marcie Applegate.....Metal Clay Jewelry
Nancy Hawkins……..... Painting
Jan Milhan…………….. Pastels
Janice Stevens……..…Multi-media
Mary Farragher Evans...Fine Art and Jewelry
Wille Duck……………...Painting
Jack Madden……….....Woodblock
Terri Madden………......Watercolor Painting
Trish Blackman.......Painting

Wood Carvers
John Grantonic, Nick Kitchokoff, Ed Marchiori


1:30 – 4:00 pm Global Art Project participation station, Suzanne Gray

1:30 - 3:30 pm Kids’ Crafts, Michael's

1:30 - 3:30 pm Caricatures, Ed O’Malley

1:45 - 2:30 pm Poetry Reading, Dr. William Greenway

1:45 – 2:30 pm Live Music, Todd Kaden

1:45 - 2:30 pm Kids’ cookie decorating station, Wendy Gunyula

1:45 - 2:15 pm Ask the Expert… photography tips, Chris Stacey Pruitt

2:30 - 3:00 pm Puppet Show, Mary Adams

3:00 - 3:30 pm Dance Demonstrations, Michelle Edison

3:30 - 4:00 pm Live Music, Todd Kaden


Refreshments donated by GFS, Sam's Club, Blue Wolf Tavern

Welcome to the Gallery at the Y!

The YMCA has long been known as a place to play basketball, lift weights, learn to swim, and attend bible studies. During the past decade, Art & Humanities has become the fastest growing segment of national YMCA programming. With budget cuts in local school and community arts programs, the Davis Family YMCA in Boardman, Ohio is dedicating classes and classroom space to promoting the visual arts.

The newly opened Gallery at the Y (GATY) is now available for rotating member exhibitions and select non-member shows. For more information, contact Suzanne Gray at 330.480.5656 or email ymcagallery@gmail.com