If you stopped into the Visitors Bureau just down the street from Downtown Circleville, Ohio – you’ve probably noticed a unique, enhanced print of old town Circleville sitting on their front counter. That one-of-a-kind piece was created by a local artist by the name of Tonya Bess, but it is not the only piece of hers that you will be able to catch a glimpse of.
On May 1st from 5:30 – 7:30pm, The Savings Bank Lending Center will have a chance for you step back in time with over thirty prints designed by Tonya – a local with a unique talent of enhancing photos.
“Hometown Memories will be an opportunity for the community to view over thirty pieces of artwork of historical Circleville scenes at the newly renovated Lending Center, also known as the Pythian Castle.” Tonya shared about the upcoming event.
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This is a free event for the community – refreshments will be offered, as well as a raffle to benefit ArtsaRound.
“This event will give all the members of the community an opportunity to step back in time and reflect on ‘the good old days.’” Tonya explained, before adding: “People seem to enjoy discussing where the photos were taken and how it compares to the current location. For many, it brings back good memories and I suspect that a lot of those will be discussed while mingling around at the open house. There will be refreshments and a raffle for a 20 x 30 framed canvas, with the proceeds going to ArtsaRound. ArstaRound is a local organization committed to supporting local arts. They have been very supportive of me and have fully supported this project.”
When asked about the inspiration behind her pieces, Tonya said that the Savings Bank Lending Center was what lead to the existence of these art pieces.
“After learning about The Savings Bank’s needs, my imagination ran wild with ideas. Since my hobbies include photography, genealogy, computers, and decor, I felt strongly that I could design artwork that they would be proud to display in their lobby and offices,” she confirmed.
You may wonder what prompted Tonya to enhance old photos of Circleville, Tonya explained that it all has to do with the Savings Bank involvement in the community.
“The Savings Bank is so community-minded that I envisioned taking historical photographs of Circleville and digitally enhancing them to match the building’s new décor. These enhancements made the photos ‘pop’ and really brought new life to the community’s ‘hometown memories.’”
With the event itself, you may find yourself walking down the hallways of the Savings Bank Lending Center, but what you’ll really be doing is taking a walk down the streets of old town Circleville.
“This event will give all the members of the community an opportunity to step back in time and reflect on ‘the good old days.’” Tonya admitted, going on to state: “People seem to enjoy discussing where the photos were taken and how it compares to the current location. For many, it brings back good memories and I suspect that a lot of those will be discussed while mingling around at the open house.”
The “Hometown Memories” event happens on Wednesday, May 1st from 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Savings Bank Lending Center.
“There will be refreshments and a raffle for a 20 x 30 framed canvas, with the proceeds going to ArtsaRound. ArstaRound is a local organization committed to supporting local arts. They have been very supportive of me and have fully supported this project.” Tonya shared.
You can check out more about the event here on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/631115100648524
The Savings Bank Lending Center
118 N. Court Street
Circleville, OH 43113