@ The Works

Over the Back Fence Magazine | Spring 2004

What do old steam engines and art have in common?

History: directly links us to the wonders of imagination and the boundless technologies of the future. It has become the key to unlocking young minds to new discoveries where art and design play a critical role.

Housed in an old restored 1880 machine works factory, The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology is a living museum that encompasses all aspects of the creative imagination allowing history and art to take on a new meaning in Newark, Ohio.

"Everything we do starts with art, there's a drawing, a form, a design — that's art," smiles Marcia Downes, Managing Director at The Works. "Every industrial product starts with a piece of art. So, everything we do here studies industry but uses art as the application. We try to teach the fundamentals of art which cre­ates critical thinking for children, it teaches them design and career opportu­nities."

Like a timeline to the future The Works has preserved Licking County's past creating a future for young minds. One might think antiquated machinery and technology are but objects of a museum. At The Works they have become the vehicles to imagination and creativity, utiliz­ing technology to expand the boundaries of a conventional museum.

The Works is fulfilling a vital function of preserving history and bringing it to life through digital preservation. "We are in the process of taking oral history inter­views and incorporating them with actu­al images," explains Chris Sauerzopt, Digital Director, "to make them more interactive where people can go and touch a screen to listen while viewing the past within the SThe project, Voicing the Past, has preserved actual personal experiences of area residents.   These aoral histories give deep insight into what it was ; like to live in the 30's, work at the Heisey Glass Company or simply what it was like to ride the old Inner Urban railcar, which has been restored,and is currently on display.   It is through digital technology that history is enhanced and preserved for future generations!
                  

The large complex of The Works is comprised of various art galleries and instructional studios. One of the major galleries is the Art Works and Studio Gallery which was established in June 2002 offering exhibits by major artists from all over the country which otherwise could only be found in a major city. "We provide a public serv­ice by bringing West and East Coast artists here locally. People can drop in on their lunch hour or bring their kids on a Saturday afternoon and see great art," informs Jennifer Kinsley, Art Director. "Through Art Camps and after school studios we teach children ways of expressing cre­ativity, which is a vital part of industry and the products that we use, everyday. Newark has always been an industrial based town."
Just a few doors down in the Art and Clay Gallery, adults and children can learn the craft of wheel pottery or ceramic design through creating their own works of art. "They do a lot of things for Alzheimer's patients here, as well as kids at risk and juvenile court programs," says Marcia Downes. "We feel that we need to support every­one that is trying to grow." And art is a chance for these individuals to express themselves in a positive way.
A Glass Works Studio offers regular classes to teach the art of glass blowing, which was a major industry for Licking County. Molten glass is pulled out of a 2,100-clegree furnace while it is carefully shaped, swung and blown by Aaron Buchholz, glass artist. The pliable glass quickly freezes into an exquisite form of art while he explains, "People have always been fascinated by molten glass and here we demonstrate and offer classes on glass blowing techniques. This studio was originally part of the Heisey Glass Company. The Works now operates it to show people the technology and how glass is worked. Newark is truly rich with glass history and this studio shows the technology and art behind it."

The Works is so unique that they are one of four museums in Ohio honored as a member of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliation Program. This affiliation offers nonprofit cultural organi­zations across the country the opportunity to have greater access to Smithsonian collections, which contain an estimated 142 million-objects. This ability allows visitors to experience our national history, locally.

"It takes about 50 volunteers that are active to help run this. We could not operate this facility without volunteers; we are so dependent on them for everything that we offer," Marcia Downes concludes. Approximately 3,000 hours in 2002 were generously donated by talented volunteers to improve and provide the community with the educational opportunities at The Works.

The Works is handicap accessible, entertaining and educational for all age groups. Every 5th day of the month "Take 5 Downtown" occurs at The Works where one can experience the harmony of jazz or bluegrass as entertainers perform in the LeFevre Courtyard. Visit the museum, galleries, gift shop or enjoy great dinning at the DiNovo's Cafe located in The Works.

For detailed information about classes, current exhibits, lectures, camps and events, contact: The Works, P.O. Box 721, 55 South First Street, Newark, OH, 43058, or call: (740)349-9277. Visit their website at: www.attheworks.org.