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Cherry Valley Reimagined. A Polished, New Style Dining Options Worth Exploring An extensive $21 million dollar renovation Enjoy The Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace, The Lobby Bar, for a spectacular revitalization. O&E Taphouse, full-service catering, and The Granville Pantry featuring We Proudly Serve Starbucks™ Coffee. New spacious rooms with king beds, and practical comforts such as a mini-fridge, coffeemaker and complimentary Wi-Fi. Ohio’s Nature-Inspired Lodging Meetings & Events Two large interior courtyards featuring the Gazebo Garden and the Cascade Garden, our own certified Arboretum, 60,000 square feet of meeting space: Dividable ballrooms, over-the-water gazebo and outdoor firepits. 14 flexible meeting rooms, and the addition of the new 45,000 square foot Ohio Event Center. The Lobby The Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace The Lobby Bar New Spacious Rooms with King Beds 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE | Newark, OH 43055 p: 740.788.1200 | www.cherryvalleyhotel.com
Licking County SCOOPIN’ UP GOOD TIMES IN Since 1914 Utica, OH has been the home of Velvet Ice Cream and Ye Olde Mill serving up sweet traditions for four generations. Join us May through October FREE Factory Tours, Restaurant, Ice Cream Parlor and Gift Shop Ohio’s only Ice Cream Museum Voted #1 Favorite Frozen Treats by Columbus (OH) Parent Magazine @velveticecream www.velveticecream.com 1-800-589-5000 | 11324 Mt. Vernon Road, Utica, Ohio 43080
An Introduction 4 Welcome to Licking County 8 Licking County Map Artist Features 12 More Than Just a Brick in the Wall Brick sculptor Allen Moran 16 Bringing the Beat Back Musician Tom Atha 20 Paint as a Healing Agent Painter Gayla Smith 24 Spreading the Word of Glass Glass studio director Larry Tuber Local Journeys 28 Celebrating Life Linda’s Journey 34 The Good Times Keep Rolling Megan’s Journey 40 Enjoying What’s Around You Jake’s Journey Let’s Go 46 Plan Your Visit explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 3
E X P LO R E L I C K I N G C O U N T Y ( 7 4 0 ) 3 4 5 - 8 2 2 4 • E X P LO R E LC . O R G 5 S O U T H 3 R D S T. , N E WA R K , O H 4 3 0 5 5 Special thank you to Denison Art Space f o r u sexplore e o f licking the g allery 4 county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
EAT SHOP STAY MEET 101 Beer Kitchen, Asian Gourmet and Sushi Bar, Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders, Blue Agave, Brio Tuscan Grille, Cap City Diner, Charlotte & Olivia's Sublime Ice Creams, Chi Thai Restaurant, Eagles Pizza, FireFly American Bistro, Flanagan's Pub, Fox in the Snow, Freshii, Greek Express, Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink, Jet's Pizza New Albany, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, Johnson's Real Ice Cream, Max & Erma's, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, Mellow Mushroom New Albany, Mitchell's Ocean Club, Nazareth's Deli & Restaurant, New Albany Dairy Queen, Rooster's Wings, Rusty Bucket Restaurant, Smith & Wollensky, Soulshine Tavern & Kitchen, Starbucks, Swensons Drive-In Restaurant, The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek, Whits Frozen Custard of New Albany Ace Hardware New Albany, Board & Brush Creative Studio, C. Krueger's Finest Baked Goods, Cheryl & Co, Edible Arrangements, Elliott Cooper, Floor & Decor, Griffins Floral Design & Wine Shop, Hayley Gallery, Mrs. Turbo's Cookies, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nth Degree Interiors, Oakland Nursery, Prairie House, Red Twig Farms, Sherwin- Williams, The UPS Store, Trove Warehouse, Truluck Boutique, Veloscience Bike Works, Vintage Restyled Courtyard by Marriott New Albany, Hampton Inn & Suites New Albany, Home2 Suites by Hilton New Albany, Double Tree Hotel by Hilton Newark, Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Airport, Granville Inn, Hilton Columbus at Easton, Holiday Inn Express Columbus Easton, SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites Easton, Springhill Suites Columbus Airport Gahanna Jorgensen Farms, New Albany Country Club, New Albany Links Golf Club, Noah's Event Venue, Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, The Estate at New Albany NEW ALBANY, OHIO has plans for you. NewAlbanyChamber.com
Committed to the Arts and Licking County Join us for local, student, and visiting exhibitions at Denison’s Swasey Chapel, The Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, and the Denison Art Space in Newark Explore Licking County 5 South 3rd St. Newark, OH 43055 (740) 345-8224 explorelc.org • info@explorelc.org Dan Moder Executive Director Carol Thress Director of Partner Engagement Garrett Martin Creative Director & Photographer Alex Trujillo Web Developer Jobe Moder @denisonu Intern @DenisonU @denisonuniversity Published by CityScene Media Group 1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C denison.edu/arts Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 572-1240 cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO Gianna Barrett Vice President/Sales Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer Amanda DePerro Managing Editor Mallory Arnold, Rocco Falleti, Lydia Freudenberg Editors Zoë Glore Assistant Editor Jamie Armistead Plan your visit to charming Granville, Sales Manager Ohio with the help of the Paula Harer, Diane Trotta Advertising Sales Granville Area Chamber of Commerce! Jessica Flowers Office Manager Find business listings, event calendars, and more at: granvilleoh.com and visitgranvilleohio.com The information in this directory was gathered and carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. Explore Licking County and CityScene Media Group cannot and do not guarantee the correctness of all information furnished to them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed. Reproduction for commercial distribution of any material from this publication is strictly forbidden without written consent from the publisher. ©2019 6 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
Connected to Nature Situated on 94 acres with miles of scenic and well- maintained trails, Kendal at Granville is connected to nature. Our campus has been awarded Level I accreditation as an Arboretum with over 60 species of trees or woodsy plants—step out your door and hit the trails, hop in a canoe, go birding or simply relax and unwind. You’ll also enjoy exploring the surrounding area, just a short drive to Columbus and within minutes of numerous historic museums and gardens in Licking County. And with the KAG.Kendal.org | 740-321-0428 security of lifecare, you’ll have peace of mind. A Not-for-Profit Life Plan Community Call us, today, to schedule a visit! Serving Older Adults in the Quaker Tradition © 2019 KENDAL
BLACKHAND GORGE 5 S. 3RD ST. NEWARK, OH 43055 explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 9
Meet. Play. Dine. Stay. A Denison University and community tradition—with endless possibilities. Denison Golf Club l 555 Newark Granville Road l Granville, Ohio 43023 l 740-587-4653 l denisongolfclub.com
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i n Licking County, art and artists exist in every corner you look. Maybe you prefer the visual art that colors Licking uniquely Licking County. But anyone who’s been to the Bowerston Shale Company lot or has seen the incredible sculptures by Allen County’s walls or the convergence Moran knows that. of emotional strength and expert Visual art catches your eye, performing chops at the many and musical art can influence performing arts centers. Maybe your mood in a moment. Licking you prefer the natural beauty that County’s many restaurants and leaves everyone in the county – breweries are proof that art can artist or not – inspired, or even how have a delicious smell and taste, brewers bring together modern too. But when you’re compelled to technology and old traditions to reach out and touch a piece of art, create one-of-a-kind flavors at the to feel what the artist felt not just incredible number of breweries and emotionally but physically, you restaurants throughout the region. forge a new type of connection to Even if you’re not seeking out art, the arts. even if you’re just enjoying a Sunday And the best part of Moran’s drive through Licking County’s sculptures? You’re welcome to vast sunflower fields and decide touch; his sculptures aren’t fragile. to stop off on a side road, you’re In fact, his pieces will exist long bound to stumble onto something after we’re all gone, because that evokes emotion and awakens they’re carved from brick. a new perspective. Something explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 13
major, and took a summer job at Bowerston Shale in 1974, helping to ship and manufacture brick. The company had its own brick artist at the time, and Moran was instantly gripped by the medium. He began to learn the craft, and in 1989, Bowerston Shale hired Moran as its full-time brick artist. The end of 2019 marks Moran’s retirement, and he considers himself lucky to have found a company that supports his artistic endeavors. “I think, with anyone, you finally get to do what you love and it’s worth it,” Moran says. “Without this place, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity. I can’t tell you what I would be doing. Honestly, I don’t know. This has worked out great.” Walking through the Bowerston Shale lot is quite remarkable. Outside, bricks are stacked wide and tall, dwarfing cars parked nearby. Employees walk through the lot, their hands rough and clothes covered in dust. But if you walk into the studio Moran has occupied for the last three decades, the lot transforms from a rugged brick manufacturing facility into a quiet and “It’s an interesting medium because it stacks green brick, or pre-fired bricks, in cozy studio, the walls obscured by is three-dimensional, but you combine the formation it’ll be mortared in. Using floor-to-ceiling Moran-carved brick. perspective drawing with the one- clay carving tools, Moran carves directly One of the sculptures features a mill dimensional drawing, so you get a into the soft bricks, forming three- and river, and even has water running combination of both,” Moran says. dimensional shapes on a one-dimensional through it – the only one of Moran’s “Even though it’s only a couple inches surface. Imagine the art you find on the brick pieces to incorporate water. deep, you make it appear much deeper quarters in your pocket; they’re formed He enjoys trying new things, improving through perspective.” and sculpted, but set against a flat his craft. And though his full-time work There are very few artists like Moran background. Then, the green bricks are out there, and that’s because few artists taken down, fired in a kiln and shipped have access to the sheer amount of brick out to be mortared onsite. the medium requires. To create his Moran attended the Columbus College sculptures, Moran makes a sketch, then of Art and Design as an illustration Is It a Moran? While many Moran pieces are in private spaces, like the Ohio Governor’s Mansion, you can still catch his work as you walk throughout the county. Licking County Veterans’ Park Don Edwards Park Newark Fire Station 1 Newark Ohio Police Department 14 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
with Bowerston Shale may be at its end, he has no intentions to stop creating. In fact, he wants to explore new mediums in retirement. He’s interested in bronze, but is truly inspired by large stones he encounters outside. “Once I started cutting, I didn’t really do much of anything else. That’s why, when I’m out of here, I want to either carve in wood, but I think my desire is to do rock carving,” Moran says. “I’m just curious. You see a rock out there, sitting anywhere, and I want to see what I can turn that into.” Moran has completed so many sculptures that, when asked how many he’s created over the years, he can’t give an accurate estimate, but it’s in the hundreds. He’s carved works of all sizes, from relatively small signs to a 32-by-9-foot piece for a church in Michigan. His work can be found all over the country, because his work was a marketing tool for Bowerston Shale. When the company was in competition with other brick manufacturers for large projects, Moran would create a brick sculpture to accompany the bid. “It was busy here, but we had something we could offer that other brickyards couldn’t,” Moran says. “It was a good hook for the company and vice versa for my work.” Moran draws inspiration from the spaces around him, both natural and manmade. A Licking County native, he can’t imagine himself anywhere else, and has been heartened to watch the transformation throughout the region. “All the buildings downtown have awesome paintings on them. Downtown Newark is nice, and everybody has gotten on the bandwagon in really fixing things up,” Moran says. “Everybody’s taking pride, it looks like, in downtown Newark. You see all the buildings getting refurbished and cleaned up and the work that’s been done is impressive. It really is.” Curious for more public art in Licking County? So whatever corner of Licking County you find yourself in, keep an eye out. Look out for Wind Sculptures in Motion at Dawes Arboretum, new as of spring 2020, You might just come upon a stone that but you can check out some of these longer-standing pieces of public art: was carved by Moran himself. He does Historic murals at Canal Market District plan to stay here – in the community he Gary Lee Price’s bronze sculptures around Central Ohio Technical College loves – after all. and The Ohio State University at Newark “I really have no complaints The family of cyclists at T. J. Evans Trail about my life. I don’t. I’ve done what I really have loved to do and Welcome to Utica mural, the result of a collaboration between the Utica Area everything’s just turned out fine for Foundation, Optic Nerve Art Corp and artist Brian Clemons me,” Moran says. “I wouldn’t want to leave, and I never will.” Works by, or made possible by, the Cultural Alliance of Licking County explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 15
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i n 2005, the site at 1 S. 3rd St. in downtown Newark was in a state of disrepair. The ceiling had collapsed years Then, in went a piano. In went heavy duty recording equipment, and guitars of all shapes and sizes. And soon after, in went musicians, earlier, and plastic sheeting was eager to record their work. all that protected the building from In went Denison University the elements. It was in a prime students, excited to learn about location, but it was in bad shape. the art of music production. Downtown Newark visitors walked Earthwork Recording Studio past the spot on the corner every opened July 2007. The building day, ignoring what lay inside. that was once quiet save for the So there it existed. Dark, quiet, empty. drip-drop of rain falling through That is, until a 22-year-old Tom the collapsed ceiling was now loud Atha decided to shake things up. with music, passion and life. Downtown Newark residents and “Sometimes I think the only reason workers watched as Atha carried I’m here is I’m the only guy that old, damaged pieces out of the was willing to hop in here and do building. He would emerge every the really nasty hard work – not evening, a fire in his eyes, exhausted for a paycheck,” says Atha. “I feel after a long day of manual labor. He like I’m from a different time; the may have been young, but he was willingness to do whatever it takes, the only one willing to restore the and especially the dirtiest jobs.” dilapidated building. In went new At just 4 years old, Atha began walls, in went a new ceiling, in went taking violin lessons. He moved new doors. on to piano, then to guitar at age explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 17
turned to a vacant building, this time Newark’s former Crystal Ballroom, to create Thirty One West. “We have people that, instead of playing in the corner of a restaurant, should be on a stage where people appreciate what’s happening instead of their salad,” he says. “So, the importance of music, specifically, and the arts being respected is a big part of what Thirty One West is about.” Before 2005, Atha admits, he didn’t think he’d stay in Licking County. Instead, the musician imagined making a name for himself in Nashville or New York City. But now, with a family, two businesses and a true love for the community, he’s not going anywhere. “The people here are really remarkable. The way that people are working together to better this place they call home is really stunning to me. And, you know, if I hadn’t dug in, I never would’ve recognized that,” Atha says. “That makes me really proud to be from this place and see all these folks who are all on the same team.” Now, as he brings in acts both to 10, and that’s when he fell in love. But studio owner gave him a set of keys and Earthwork and Thirty One West, Atha wasn’t just satisfied with playing invited him to use it whenever. he’s found himself becoming an others’ music; he wanted to create it, “I like building stuff. I built this ambassador. People who never would too. The Granville native and a few building, but building a song is similar,” have visited Licking County are now friends formed a band in high school, says the soft-spoken Atha, sitting in the coming for the weekend, either to enjoy Fate Hates Us, and Atha spent most recording studio of Earthwork. “That others’ art at Thirty One West or to of his free time in a recording studio creative process where you get it to a produce their own at Earthwork. One on the former Clark Motor Company tangible form where you can give it to particular project Atha is proud of is property. In fact, he spent so much somebody and they have an emotional the Bud Light Platinum Series at Thirty of his time there that the recording response, hopefully, to that work. I One West. During each performance, think that’s kind of what lights me up house band The Reissues plays a out of anything I do; it’s that process.” platinum album front to back, from the Dixie Chicks’ Wide Open Spaces to Led Earthwork became home to musicians Zeppelin’s Led Zeppelin IV. both local and from around the country, and Atha found himself in a “Honestly, it’s just an amazing musical predicament; he didn’t know Newark endeavor to dig that deep into someone’s outside of Earthwork’s walls. But he catalog and gain an appreciation for. wanted to change that, especially Why the heck was this so popular, and ahead of his new idea: to open a is still so popular?” he says. “I think it’s venue that could host his musicians. amazing. You can put 150 or 200 people Atha joined the Downtown Newark in a room who deeply appreciate a Association and started to get to know his neighbors. Eventually, he would become president of the organization. Got the bug for performance arts? At first, his goal was a small venue. Perhaps a coffee shop with a miniature You’re in luck in Licking County. Find the stage, he thought. But when he looked drama in these performing arts venues: at existing local venues, especially Legend Valley Concert Venue what was offered nearby in Columbus, he saw a need for medium-sized Licking County Players venues instead. Small coffee shop Weathervane Playhouse gigs and huge stadiums were covered. What about the bands that drew Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra Earthwork Recording Studio 300-person crowds? Again, Atha at The Midland Theatre 18 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
record, and I think that kind of musical hosted students at Earthwork for six he doesn’t take credit for the movement appreciation has changed.” years. However, now that the Michael he’s been an integral part of. D. Eisner Center for the Performing “There was a time when people Though you’re welcome to sample a Bud Arts is open, he and his students will Light Platinum at The Bootlegger at wanted to be entertained. They stay on campus. He also helped create wanted to be together, and the Thirty One West, getting a taste of the the Newark Organization for the local libations is always a treat. Whether conveniences of life have changed the Creative Arts, a new non-profit that way we all act,” Atha says. “So, when you’re hankering for a Passion the Sour aims to educate others and support Flower from DankHouse Brewing Co. I see people get together and enjoy their creative endeavors. the architecture and entertainment or the Ulysses from Homestead Beer Co., all it takes is a little curiosity. Atha may not have imagined himself in and each other in a common space like the leadership positions he’s in today Thirty One West, then I know we did Atha has taken an active role in when he was renovating the Earthwork the right thing. And I can’t take any fostering musical appreciation in space in 2005, but he’s become a valuable credit for it, because it was an idea students, too. As a visiting instructor stitch in Licking County’s arts fabric. Still, that happened in 1902.” in studio recording at Denison, Atha explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 19
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j ust a few short decades ago, Buckeye Lake was a major destination for Midwesterners of all backgrounds. soon learned the bass, ukulele and guitar. Eventually, she even learned the accordion. Smith is a natural performer, and doesn’t let Suit up to hit the beachy shore of the anyone off the hook; if you’re not lake, grab a drink and relax under dancing, singing along or reacting the hot summer sun. Familiar faces to the music at one of Smith’s gigs, are everywhere you look. Smiles she’ll throw everything she’s got at surround you as people talk about you until you begin to move. And nothing in particular; they’re simply she’s a stubborn one. enjoying the moment, fleeting as it “Picking a cover that’s going to may be. Eventually, you might take provoke reactions – that’s the one shelter from the sun or refresh your you want to do, because that’s drink in Club 51, the site of modern- what makes them happy,” Smith day Papa Boo’s. As you enter, the says. “You want to look up and chatter gets quieter, but the music see everybody singing, and when gets louder, stirring you and making they don’t, I’ll try to musically beat your heart beat faster. At the helm is them into submission.” a 22-year-old Gayla Smith. Being a musician was a key part Smith played that gig for two of her identity. Until one day years, her crooning, mesmerizing when she woke up, walked past voice as quintessential Buckeye her guitar and instead picked up a Lake as the lake itself. She started pencil and paper. She was 40. playing the piano as soon as “I loved round suitcases. I had she could reach the keys, and a thing for round suitcases, so I explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 21
Garden. Looking back, she calls it the “happiest day.” “I think when you’re going in the direction you’re supposed to go in, things come to you that you can’t picture,” Smith says. “I couldn’t have pictured this. I couldn’t have pictured what happened at the governor’s mansion; I could’ve never pictured that. Things just started happening for me that you couldn’t make up.” That’s not to say hard work wasn’t involved – Smith is a powerhouse. Her home on Buckeye Lake, where she’s lived since 1978, is filled with odds, ends and inspiration. Her own work lines its walls, classic rock fills the air and mere feet away from her kitchen table lies Buckeye Lake itself. She wants her house to give guests the same thing her art classes give her students: healing. “The world is in dire need of good experiences. … People want experiences. They want good ones. They need them. They need them for started by drawing those,” she says. last couple decades, Smith’s visual “Then I started drawing millions of cats art has taken her far. She brought her and fish. I had a thing. An obsession.” performing chops to Ohio Tourism Smith continued to perform, but she Day 2019 for a live painting. The result became more and more focused on her was The Statehouse, which highlights visual art, which moved from graphite cornerstones of the Buckeye State, to paint. Clearly influenced by Buckeye from the cardinal and the state flag Lake, her home since she was 10, her to, of course, the Ohio Statehouse. paintings are colorful, whimsical and Then, in July, she presented the work cheerful, featuring sea creatures like to Governor Mike DeWine at the Ohio mermaids, fish and turtles. And in the Governor’s Residence and Heritage Gayla presents The Statehouse to Governor Mike DeWine Grab a brew Buckeye Lake Brewery is always a great choice to grab a cold one, but it isn’t alone with these inspired breweries throughout Licking County: 1487 Brewery Buck’s Brewing Co. DankHouse Brewing Company Earthworks Brewing Granville Brewing Company Homestead Beer Co. Three Tigers Brewing Company The Ohio Statehouse Trek Brewing Company 22 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
their life,” she says. “If, when those after being thrown into the dark waters “I couldn’t go to the lake for four people come to you and you can below. She may not have been around years,” Smith says. “At that time, it was conduct a class and experience, they for many of those stories, but she feels four feet away. I still couldn’t go.” walk out feeling somewhat healed they’re a part of her. These stories However, the spirit of the lake wasn’t that day, that’s no crap. That’s an – these pieces of history – are all gone. And now, with the lake back to accomplishment. I don’t want them to ingrained in everyone who visits, lives normal, she sees enthusiasm again, she just stand up there and swing a brush.” and works in Licking County. sees parties on the lake, she sees places Smith’s home reflects her life; it “Over the years, I guess, my love for it like the Chef Shack, North Shore wasn’t always the bastion of peace and – you know, I can’t describe it. I should Coffee Co. and The Boatyard at serenity that it is now. She moved to learn to describe it,” she says. “It’s just Buckeye Lake exemplifying the relaxed Buckeye Lake with her family before a thing that gets in your veins.” history of the area, and Buckeye Lake there were any full-time residents, and Her stories are plentiful, but the Brewery embodying the essence of the she remembers cutting overgrowth and most tumultuous years she’s spent Buckeye Lake she knew as a 22-year-old, clearing the lot where her childhood in Licking County are more recent. banging on the keys of Club 51’s piano. home would be built. She can still feel One night, she came home to a chain And her art – colorful, calming, delightful the water as she swam at the Crystal link fence backed against her home. – is the perfect reflection of the new Swimming Pool. She can still see the Heavy machinery lurked in her back Buckeye Lake. It’s a place with so much piano and the chandelier in the Crystal yard, looming high over her house history, so many ups and downs, and so Ballroom, and remembers how it – evidence of a four-mile-long dam much growth that it almost doesn’t feel looked as it slowly deteriorated. She remediation going on at the time. real. And yet, every morning and evening, loves retelling stories about Buckeye The construction took on a life of its the sun rises and sets, the light dancing Lake that had been told to her, stories own. She says the equipment looked off the lake, bringing with it new joys and kept alive by the Buckeye Lake like dinosaurs. The land she’d spent new challenges. Historical Society, like when the nearly her whole life on began to “I like escape. That’s the biggest word: Black Diamond wrecked. She gets chills change in a way she didn’t recognize escape,” Smith says. “The reason why talking about when, in 1924, the dance or understand. I paint is because I don’t want to stay hall floor fell in, and seven people died real. I have enough reality in my life.” explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 23
f irst, raw materials including sand are heated up to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit to create glass. The molten glass is gathered Tuber was a photography major at Kent State University. He created a business photographing glassblowers’ work for their onto a blowpipe and reheated in portfolios, and soon found himself the glory hole, which sits at around gripped by the art form. He began 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In the trading his photography expertise glory hole and on a metal bench, the for glassblowing lessons. To glass is meticulously molded using have more time in the studio, he various other tools including the took glassblowing classes every punty, tweezers and shears. Soon, the semester, and got good at it. When artist has a fully formed vase, goblet, he graduated, he was almost sculpture or whatever else they have more interested in glassblowing imagined. Glassblowing is hard, than photography, and took a job tedious work inside a very hot room. with a paperweight company in To the untrained eye, glassblowing Columbus. He both blew glass and isn’t quite that scientific. Actually, photographed the products, and to the untrained eye, glassblowing soon became a master craftsman. looks like magic. But he didn’t want to spend the “It’s fire. The sound of breaking rest of his life just making small glass. I loved it,” says Larry Tuber, pieces like paperweights. So, in glass studio director at The 1989, Tuber left to found his own Works: Ohio Center for History, company and stationed it in what’s Art & Technology. “Making art now Columbus’ Arena District. out of goo is something. It’s cool.” Back then, it was an area rife 24 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
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auctioning works he’s created right off the blowpipe as attendees enjoy drinks and food, and become dazzled by the glassblowing process. While most of his creating is through The Works nowadays, he still finds plenty of time for his own artistry, too. You can find his art all over Licking County, including at Denison University. He created a piece for one of the university’s dining halls, constructed of 24 red glass disks and a large glass sphere, illuminated from the inside. He also helped curate a glass show at The Works in 2017, which includes both his art and work from artists around the world. Thanks to Tuber’s tutelage, The Works’ glass studio has begun to generate a profit for the first time ever, and the studio, despite being blazing hot even in winter, is so packed with spectators that it’s often standing room only. Licking Countians, Tuber says, aren’t immune to glassblowing’s charm. It’s hard not to love; Tuber himself still The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology finds thrill in creating glass both for utility and for pure art. with artists, studios and radical self- a fixture of The Works as its science “You know, I’ve always been a vessel expression. However, the good times labs. The job made financial sense; maker. And functional glass, I love couldn’t last forever, and rising rent Tuber didn’t have to buy the equipment making functional glass. I love making prices and change in Columbus pushed or pay the astronomical costs required drinking glasses,” Tuber says. “I make out the resident artists. So, he closed the to run a furnace and other heavy duty 100 for our Cocktails by the Fire. … Me business in 2004, and dabbled in various glassblowing equipment, he was earning and my friends drink out of nothing but ventures for a few years, but always a salary, and his studio doors are my glasses.” stayed with glassblowing, creating art always open to visitors of The Works – from glass in colleagues’ studios. something he enjoys immensely. Then, in 2010, he got a new job. One not “It’s been terrific,” Tuber says. too far away. One in Newark. One at The “(Residents) know me as the glass guy Works. Tuber took complete control of – the glass guy at The Works. I could the studio, and soon became as much be at a restaurant and some kid will go, ‘That’s the glass guy!’” Tuber works well under pressure and he’s quite animated. Tell Tuber you have an hour to talk about glass and he’ll talk with you for three. He loves sharing his art with others, discussing the incredibly long and fascinating history of glassblowing, and teaching others the practice. Glassblowing is a trial by fire, and Tuber rarely gets burned. “I’m showy, and I’m one of those people who do better under pressure,” Tuber says. “So, I do my best work Catch Larry for lunch! when I’m under a lot of pressure with Licking County’s most visible glassblower’s people watching.” favorite lunch spots: Tuber is an old-school glassblower, Skorpios Gyros and typically works alone. However, at least once each year, The Works Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap brings in a few more glassblowers Barrel & Boar and hosts Cocktails by the Fire. Tuber shows off his chops to an audience, River Road Coffeehouse 26 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
However, his position at The Works has enabled him to focus more closely on his artwork and teaching, too. Because he doesn’t have to worry about paying the high gas bill and the cost of equipment upkeep, he’s not forced to spend his time making pieces of art he’s less passionate about, but that he knows will sell. When he owned his own glass company, for instance, he had two full-time employees who did the same thing day in and day out to earn extra money for the shop: make holiday ornaments. “I don’t have to constantly think about paying the bills here. I teach glassblowing and I really feel like I’m an evangelist here. I’m spreading the word of glass,” Tuber says. “Many who come here have never seen glassblowing, so I spend a lot of my demonstrations talking about what glassblowing is.” Glassblowing doesn’t just require an artistic eye; it takes a massive amount of hand-eye coordination to roll the cooling glass evenly on the bench, to keep the blowpipe centered in the glory hole and to manipulate the glass in general. When glass comes out of the glory hole, it has the consistency of soft taffy, and can melt downward off the blowpipe if the artist isn’t careful. Tuber frequently teaches private lessons, either to couples who want to come create a paperweight or ornament or to families who want to try a new experience together. The lesson he’s learned is that, while everyone is creative, no one is born good at blowing glass. It takes practice and perseverance. “Nobody walks into a glass studio and is a natural. Some have better hand skills than other people,” Tuber says. “Everyone has a place in their lives where they’re creative; it’s learned stuff. I don’t draw well but I draw every day.” Tuber still lives in Columbus and has kids to go home to at the end of the day, so he doesn’t spend much free time in Licking County. Still, he’s watched the county change alongside his coworkers and The Works visitors over the last decade. That change and revitalization in the community at large has reflected a change in the local arts community, too. “The change I have seen is amazing. It’s been an amazing renaissance here,” he says. “I feel like we’re at the forefront of the arts community here at The Works and we bring people here. Just the change that’s happened culturally is amazing.” explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 27
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w alking into a high-end restaurant for the first time is exciting. You’re overcome with delicious smells comfortable and familiar dining space, like mom’s, and a high- end restaurant where you’re excited to dress up and tell your – fresh herbs, smoky meats and friends about. Parks decided the baked delights – as you drink perfect journey for her would be in your surroundings. Whether something she does often; prepare you’re sitting down at your favorite for and host a dinner party for the local diner or sampling one of people she loves. the best restaurants in the area, Her husband, Javon; daughters, atmosphere is the first thing Alexis and Jordan Hampton; you notice. From the tablecloths granddaughter, Payton Cobb; and silverware to the seating mother, Marie Dacus; and friends, and immersive decor, all good Amy Gatlin, Paula Hesselgessser, restaurateurs know how to make and Jim and Annette Kurzawa; a spectacle. joined her at various parts of But no matter how hard they work the journey. or how meticulous they are from So, they set out on a Monday. How the decorations to the garnishes, better to spend a few days with there’s one kitchen that will always the people you love – especially be No. 1: mom’s. the important women in your life Linda Parks, longtime Newark – than by starting out shopping? resident, loves to host. And when Parks and company started at she does, she tries to nail that Cedar & Thread, a clothing and perfect middle ground between a home goods retailer in Granville. explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 29
out the antique offerings at Matilda Charlotte Antiques Etc. There’s always something new to see, as the shelves rotate frequently, so Parks ensures she doesn’t miss a thing by going to Matilda’s often. “I go at least once a month looking for neat items to adorn our home,” says Parks. “They have an array of antiques, they have clothing, they have houseware, they have jewelry, they have a lot of nostalgic pieces there like paintings.” Parks nearly bought two glass trays, but a friend talked her out of it. Parks has similar trays in her basement storage. Still, you can never have enough home decor. “I may just go back and get them,” Parks says. After that, it was time to flex her artistic muscles. Parks bid farewell to her friends for now, and set off alone for The Ohio State University at Newark campus. When she’s creating Lynd Fruit Farm a new table setting or a new design for her dining room, she typically doesn’t need to draw it out; it’s all in her mind, They searched for inspiration for dinner and fit in biscotti, cannoli and fudge she says. Still, she was ready to try decoration the next day, and found the cake afterward. Plus, you’ll certainly something new and put it down on perfect centerpieces: glass candelabras. want to pick up a bottle of the Rosa di paper. There was a perfect spot to get “They have things you would like to Sera; Palumbo’s is the only place in the inspired to put pen to paper and think wear in Ohio in the fall time; cute little country where you can find it. Of course, about her designs, so she might as well earrings and bracelets and necklaces,” loving the food is made that much easier put it to use. Parks says. “It’s really nice and brings us when you know the owner, as Parks does. When asked what she ate that day, Parks’ passion for creating one-of-a- right into the fall, giving us ideas what to kind table settings didn’t just crop up do and how to decorate our home.” Parks answers quickly and decisively. out of nowhere; Parks’ mom worked Next stop was the delectable Palumbo’s “What I order every time,” she says, dinner parties and often took Parks Italian Market, close by in Granville. laughing. “The eggplant parmesan along for the ride. She quickly fell With authentic Italian grocery items with extra sauce and bowtie pasta. in love with watching others marvel and freshly prepared meals, Palumbo’s I love it there. … It’s amazing; it’s at her hard work, dazzled by the is a resident favorite. If you’re planning homemade, it’s not something that’s intricate decorations and perfectly a trip to Palumbo’s, you’d better come been reproduced.” planned details. hungry. Very hungry. After all, you want Not to be kept from shopping too long, “I love seeing people enjoy the food, to be able to enjoy your gourmet meal the group headed to Newark to check I love seeing people look at a table setting. I love to do it,” Parks says. “I watch people as they enter a room and see how their eyes light up when they see a beautiful table setting.” The next morning, Parks and her family stopped by the Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala. Parks, a New York native, spent plenty of time in diners. However, she says, it’s tougher to find good diners in Ohio. The Nutcracker is one of them, especially when you consider its award-winning dish, the double decker banana cream cake. The name alone is mouthwatering. “Very beautiful place. Beautiful place. You know, diners have homemade food, Palumbo’s Italian Market Nutcracker Family Restaurant 30 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
so that was a great choice to go to the Nutcracker,” Parks says. “They have such a hometown feel and that was one of the things I noticed about them. … How they presented the meal to us, it was just awesome and it wasn’t a show. This is what they do.” Their journey took place at the start of fall, so it’s just natural to kick off the season with a visit to Lynd Fruit Farm. But it wasn’t just to sightsee or enjoy the simple art of togetherness; Parks made good use of her findings Lynd Fruit Farm from the open air market. Nutcracker Family Restaurant “I ended up utilizing the Jonathan apples from Lynd Fruit Farm and Want a homegrown dining experience making a pie filling out of it,” Parks to treat your own loved ones? says. “I did it with brown sugar, Try these quintessential Licking granulated sugar and cinnamon and County spots: vanilla. … Everyone loved it.” Trout Club With breakfast covered and the pie filling purchased, it was time to go DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Ohio home and get to cooking. Parks is no Cherry Valley Hotel stranger to serving others, and dinner was an event. She asked her guests Granville Inn to dress nice; no need for floor length Buxton Inn gowns and suits and ties, but Parks The Ohio State University at Newark explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 31
and her friends take any opportunity That’s precisely why Parks chose awarded her the OhioMBE Publisher’s to simply celebrate, relax and enjoy the group that she did to accompany Award in 2019. Some may find the moment. Parks, a breast cancer her on this journey. Because of her loneliness in their darker moments, but survivor, knows better than most how survivorship, Parks’ passion for life, after Parks’ diagnosis, her friends rallied important it is to celebrate for the love of celebration and value for around her, reflecting her own strength. sake of celebration. Wasting a single friendships are well fortified. In fact, Now, when it comes time to celebrate moment is unacceptable. her outspokenness for health advocacy or mourn, laugh or cry, Parks calls upon this group of ladies and vice versa. Their bond was forged in fire, and that makes it stronger than anything. So, Parks served only the best. First came apps in the form of delicious deep fried tortilla shells with pico de gallo before the main course, baked salmon and chicken breast. Her secret is to marinate the chicken breast in her usual spices, then add Hellman’s mayonnaise. Sure, it may sound strange, but Parks promises it’s the best way to keep a baked chicken moist. As a side came her favorite dish of all: macaroni and cheese. It seems simple at first, but anyone who knows Parks should also know that nothing she does is simple, especially when it comes to flavor. Finally, no good dinner party is complete without a dessert, and Parks opted for two: the pie she made with Lynd Fruit Farm apples and pound cake, from an old family recipe. And, of course, the thought that went into dressing the table was just as important as the thought that went into the food. Parks chose a color scheme of tan, brown, seafoam green and gold. White china plates with gold trim sat atop gold chargers, flanked by silver flatware and brown linen napkins. Guests drank from water goblets. In the center of Parks’ two tables sat the candelabras purchased from Cedar & Thread, and inside the candelabras Parks placed eucalyptus from Village Flower Basket in Granville. Celebrating with her friends and family couldn’t have been better, Parks says. And with the vast amount of growth, excitement and newness throughout Licking County, the dinner party perfectly reflected the desire to simply enjoy what’s happening right now. “I’m so proud of Newark and the Licking County area, where people are taking pride in where they live,” Parks says. “I heard a former leader say that, ‘I cannot make the change; the change cannot come from the top always. It has to be a grassroots effort.’ And this is what’s taking effect: grassroots and leadership are coming to meet together.” 32 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
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a bout eight years ago, Megan Evans returned to her hometown of Newark from Miami, Florida. She was a your cheeks and lifting your spirits. Everything around you is so quiet you can almost hear the snowflakes falling onto the roofs little apprehensive; excited to be above. You feel like you’ve walked close to family again, of course, but into a postcard, and just for a few she loved the city, and had been days until the snow melts, you thriving there for two years. feel like you’re in a world entirely As soon as she returned, though, your own. Licking County’s charm pulled her Maybe moving back isn’t so bad back in. You might have lived here after all. your whole life or you might be “I got a job that I love,” Evans says. visiting just for the weekend, but “I bought a house and I found a you’ll never meet a stranger in the great group of friends that I love county. In summer, you’re always spending time with.” craving an ice cream cone from Velvet Ice Cream, dying to stop Evans decided that her journey and enjoy an unforgettable new would consist of just that: spending flavor. You drive past children a weekend with her closest playing in their back yard; you can friends. Couples, Chase and Cory, hear their shrieks of excitement and Bethany and Tyler; and friend, through your open window as you Taylor; all live close by in Newark, fly past them. In winter, you might and all except Tyler work in find yourself strolling through Newark, too. So, they began their Granville, the brisk air stinging journey close to home at the Draft explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 35
“Downtown Newark is great to go out to now. You can easily make a Saturday on a nice day of going out, hitting a few spots on the Beer Trail. There’s a great vegan taco place in Alexandria, Village Taco,” she says. “It’s a beautiful place and it’s nice to have such a warm, inviting outdoor space for people to gather in and enjoy being outside. … It’s a small town or a small city, but it’s just like the community that everyone’s looking for.” Soon, it was time to turn in. So, the group eventually emerged from Draft House into the streets of downtown Newark to head home and rest up before the days to come. The next morning, Tyler and Evans met up at Everest Gear in Granville to get some last-minute camping supplies. Their plan was to camp out at the Ohiolina Music Festival. They were excited, especially considering this was the first year that the festival was stationed in Licking County. Evans is an avid outdoorswoman, so finding the Draft House time to get to a brick and mortar store for backpacking gear is always a treat. House, the perfect place to converge Draft House is the ideal location to get Next, they met up with Chase, Cory and for drinks and dinner, and talk about a taste of Licking County. It’s a no-frills Bethany at Aladdin Restaurant for the weekend to come. spot for the unofficial Newark burgers: some classic hometown diner food. “That’s our favorite downtown spot,” the Benji Boy and Benji Girl. In fact, “It’s so picturesque and it has a classic Evans says. “The ladies who own it, since Evans has moved back, she’s diner feel,” Evans says. “I’ve been they’re characters. Great food, cheap seen a new side of Newark that didn’t there a few times, but it’s a great beer. I think you can get a draft there quite exist when she left for Miami spot if you’re in for breakfast. There for $2 and you get it in a mug from after college. It’s a Newark she feels are a couple good breakfast spots in the freezer.” comfortable in as a young adult, and Granville, but Aladdin’s is downtown.” a Newark with a downtown that feels alive, electric and exciting. Evans chose the breakfast special with dry sourdough toast, bacon, hash browns, cheese and onion. She didn’t order the sausage gravy, which she immediately regretted when her friends’ orders came to the table. There’s always next time. Finally, the group headed over to their camping spot at Infirmary Mound Park. While Evans had been to the park plenty of times to visit the dog park or sightsee, the group chose a spot she’d never visited to station the tent. “It was this beautiful space I didn’t even know existed,” Evans says. “We all had tents and a little picnic table and you could either listen to the music or hike down the hill a little bit to be where the music and dancing was. There was stuff all day.” Ohiolina isn’t your average music festival. Though it’s new to Licking County, its atmosphere fits the region perfectly, and offers plenty of ways Everest Gear 36 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
for attendees to get involved, whether you prefer to just dance and enjoy the September air, kayak, or get your om on during morning yoga. Of course, the food is often as important as the music, and Ohiolina didn’t disappoint. Attendees stopped by local food trucks like Moe’s Original Bar B Que and Weathervane Kettle Corn. Without the backdrop of Licking County, the festival wouldn’t be quite the same. Living in Newark, Evans and her friends get a different daily Aladdin Restaurant experience in Licking County. But wherever you are in the county, you The county has grown, changed and But soon, the sun would rise and the can always feel that subtle tug at evolved over the last few years. But chirping crickets and buzzing cicadas your heart. Natural beauty is close, sometimes it’s not the homemade would be drowned out by Ohiolina’s and it’s begging you to run to it. Stop food, laughter with friends or exciting Southern inspired line-up. Cedric by Lobdell Reserve to get away attractions you need, all of which you Burnside, Woody Pines and the and blow off some steam at the disc can find in the county. Sometimes it’s Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, among golf course. Breathe deeply and take simply the quiet. others, started off the weekend with the tension out of your shoulders at “We camped out of the city a little bit some soul. On Saturday, The Dip Blackhand Gorge State Nature and it was a perfect spot to camp,” ended the night after a day of bluegrass Preserve, where you can experience Evans says. “Waking up in the middle inspiration by Todd Albright, Erica both natural and human history of the of the night, the stars were out and you Blinn and more. On Sunday, Men of gorgeous county. You just might run could see them all. … It was beautiful.” God’s Heart brought it home with into Evans while you’re there. gospel, taking Licking Countians to Infirmary Mound Park | Ohiolina Music Festival explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 37
church before they headed home in by local musicians and a room full of “Any time you go out, if you go to a higher spirits than they’d arrived. residents, drinks in hand, tapping their restaurant or local bar, you can always But the music didn’t end with Ohiolina. feet along to the music. Or, head to find local music somewhere. It’s Everywhere in Licking County, you Legend Valley Concert Venue, where great,” Evans says. “When Barefoot can find the bass pumping and the you can get a taste of a major outdoor McCoy is going to be playing at Three soul radiating through the region. music venue, where the thumping beat Tigers Brewing Company, or when Oftentimes, Evans and her friends will draw curious visitors from miles other local musicians play at Barrel walk into a bar on a Friday or Saturday away. Take a deep breath; you can feel & Boar; any of these restaurants night only to be unexpectedly greeted the passion emanating from every downtown have live music.” Licking County resident. With small bar venues mixed in with larger venues like The Midland Theatre and Thirty One West, the music never stops in Licking County. And if residents or visitors feel they have to leave the county to find the music that gets them moving, they’re simply not looking. Walk into the many bars throughout the region. Stroll through downtown Newark. Open the door. Whatever it is you’re looking for, it’s here. “It’s constantly exciting. Things feel fresh. It’s fun to experience them. ... It’s neat to have those opportunities close to home,” Evans says. “For my normal day to day, it’s a fantastic community to live in. … I’m so happy here.” Looking for a camping, glamping, traditional or even luxury lodging experiences? Licking County does all four. Book a plot of land, cabin or unique room at these places, each idyllic in their own right. Buxton Inn Welsh Hills Inn Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Buckeye Lake KOA Lazy River at Granville Cherry Valley Hotel Granville Inn DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Ohio Courtyard by Marriott Newark Granville Infirmary Mound Park Hampton Inn Heath-Newark Hotel 38 explore licking county 2020 travel magazine explorelc.org
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l ook up. While the meticulously placed bricks in downtown Newark’s sidewalks and the tree- from Denison University, the Licking County Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council. We don’t just mean the historic and incredible lined paths throughout Granville Louis Sullivan Bank Building, are beautiful, look up. which stands tall and proud, even as it undergoes vital renovations. The worry of the day might be We mean all of it; the passionate heavy on your mind, and your performances that grace Pataskala’s thoughts might be a million Sterling Theater stage, the miles away from where you works that adorn the Bryn Du Art stand; maybe in a different city, Center walls. Even the Newark maybe in a different decade. Earthworks, created by indigenous But in the moment, you’re here. peoples more than a thousand You’re in Licking County, passing years ago, which command awe, warm, welcoming residents and introspection and respect. adventurous, daring visitors. You’re passing stunning and thought- Licking County native Jake McCoy provoking art, crafted right here decided to pull inspiration from by artists who were influenced by the journeys of those indigenous the beauty that exists around you, peoples for his own journey. But waiting to be noticed. to start things off, who could turn down some energy to begin the But when we talk about the arts day? So, McCoy started at the in the county, we don’t just mean Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters recent art, like the provocative & Cafe LLC, the delightfully cozy billboard installations seen in 2017 coffee shop where you feel more explorelc.org explore licking county 2020 travel magazine 41
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