Hello Members
Bringing Art and Joy to MATCO and the LAC
When creativity meets compassion, amazing things happen. Longtime LAC members Amy and Ed Likens have spent their time sharing their artistic expertise with participants from MATCO Services, a local nonprofit supporting adults with developmental disabilities in Madison County. Through the Sky High program, Amy and Ed lead twice-monthly art classes that encourage connection, imagination, and self-expression.
Their dedication has helped Sky High artists blossom, with recycled art projects winning top honors at MATCO’s art show challenge for two years running. More importantly, the classes have created lasting friendships and countless smiles. Proof that art truly builds community.
Read on to learn more about MATCO Services, the Sky High program, and the inspiring partnership that continues to uplift everyone involved.
MATCO Services is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in Madison County. MATCO offers a work-training program where individuals earn minimum wage, along with an adult day program called Sky High for those who enjoy staying active in the community.
Sky High participants are out in the community two to three times a week, Monday through Friday, with special events on some weekends. They volunteer at places such as the Food Pantry, Humane Society, and Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. They also enjoy many outings including bowling at Madison Lanes, visits to the London Library and Madison Senior Center, coffee shop trips, fire station tours, museums, and local candy stores.
Their favorite activity, however, is art class at the London Visual Arts Guild, led by Amy and Ed Likens. For more than two years, Amy and Ed have taught Sky High participants twice each month, offering the joy of creating meaningful art in a supportive environment. They also occasionally bring classes directly to MATCO so even more individuals can take part. Thanks to their creative leadership, Sky High’s recycled art projects have earned first place in the Center’s art show challenge for the past two years.
Amy and Ed share that this experience has brought them just as many smiles as it has the participants. Everyone is already looking ahead to see what Sky High artists will create in 2026.
Thank you, Amy and Ed, for your continued dedication and heart for MATCO.
LAC Board Meeting:
The London Arts Center Board announces its first Board meeting of the calendar year next week. Please feel free to join us as we discuss the direction the LAC will take this year.
Meeting: January 27th at 6:00 p.m.
Sip & Sort:
An Evening of Fabric and Fellowship
We have been delighted with a generous donation of fabrics in many kinds, colors, and patterns.
To share that generosity, the London Arts Center invites members and their guests to a Sip & Sort on Friday, January 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of good company, wine, snacks, and creative discovery as we sort through our new textile collection. We will provide drinks and snacks, and you are welcome to bring your own favorites to share as well. Together, we hope to pass this gift forward to our creative community and inspire one another with fresh ideas and new projects for the year ahead.
This is an open invitation to members and their guests who are looking for materials for upcoming projects. Come, choose from a variety of fabrics, and take home something that sparks your imagination.
Teachers’ Gallery Show:
February 5 – March 15
The London Arts Center will host the Teachers’ Gallery Show from February 5 through March 15, celebrating the creative energy and dedication of the Center’s instructors.
This year’s exhibition features work by several of our teaching artists, including Bob Carl (Recycled Art and Acrylics), Mirranda Ferrand (Sculpey Clay), George Peyton (Digital Photography), Judy Dillon Smith (Watercolor Sketchbooking and Collage), Mat Washburn (Cartooning), and Tessa Kalmen (Watercolor), among others. These instructors, whose classes are currently in development, represent just a portion of the talent and imagination at the Arts Center.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation.
We invite members and friends of the Arts Center to visit the gallery during the show and celebrate the creative voices who continue to inspire our community.
Bob’s Basic Studio in Color
Artist Bob Carl is pleased to continue his adult acrylic painting classes in 2026. The first sessions will be held on February 12 and February 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Tuition is $19, with an additional $6 supply fee for participants who need materials.
To reserve your seat, please call 843-635-1902.
Upcoming ZART Schedule
Zart Art Classes for Youth
Class Dates: February 3, 10, 17, 24
Class Times:
Ages 10 – 13 Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Ages 6 – 9 Time: 4:30 – 5:30
The signup deadline is 3 days before class begins
Fee: $40 for the 4 one-hour classes, $10 for each session
It includes all supplies; pay when you arrive.
Projects often overlap, so it is essential to attend all four 4classes.
Contact: Mrs.Colleen Van Steen
Text: (937) 654 -6618
Email: greenestones@aol.com
Parking & entrance are located in the back of the class.
Zart is our mascot who loves to create and inspire!
Join the fun!
You do not have to stay with your child during class, but you certainly may if you like.
You may also enjoy other areas in the building, including the gallery and gift shop.
Seeking Teachers & Artists
for 2026 Classes and Demos
The London Arts Center is looking for passionate teachers and artists to lead classes and demonstrations in 2026. Share your skills, inspire others to learn and grow, and explore your talent in fresh, exciting ways.
Email webmaster@londonvisualartsguild.org
or visit the London Arts Center for more details. Join us in fostering creativity in our community!
LVAG Calendar of Shows: 2026
Current Gallery Show:
Feb. 5 – Mar. 15 TEACHERS SHOW
Opening reception Sat. Feb. 7 from 2 pm to 4pm.
Upcoming Gallery Shows:
Mar.28 – April 26 NED DE CAMP Oil Paintings
Opening reception Sat. Mar.28 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
May 2 – May 31 ‘ ASSEMBLAGE” Community Show
Opening reception Sat. May 2 from 2 pm. To 4 pm.
June 4 – June 28 pending
July pop-up shows and classes
Aug. 1-30 MEMBERS SHOW
Opening reception to be announced
Sept. 3 – Sept. 27 Francis Trick Poured Paint
Opening reception to be announced
Oct. 1 – Nov. 1 pending
Nov.5 – Dec. 27 CLASS PARTICIPATION all media
Opening reception Sat. Nov. 7 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
We love posting photos of our classes and posting on Facebook. Please let us know if this is a problem.
Regular Meetings:
Writers and Illustrators Meeting:
EXERCISE YOUR WRITES
Join us for lively discussions on writing, poetry, and illustration. Share your work in a friendly roundtable setting and explore our monthly creative prompts—use them to craft a short story (around 1,000 words), poem, or illustration in any style or genre.
Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Coffee and Conversation:
Take a midweek break and enjoy an afternoon of friendly discussion about art, quilting, and other creative passions. Designed for older adults, this daytime gathering is the perfect chance to connect—no night driving required!
Meeting: 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
LAC Board Meeting:
The London Arts Center Board meets monthly to plan events and activities that support our creative community.
Meeting: 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.
General Information
Youth Classes
Zart: Fun, creative, hands-on classes designed to build artistic skills and appreciation. It’s perfect for youth and homeschool students alike.
Open Studio
Join us every Tuesday from 4–7 p.m. at the LVAG London Arts Center. Bring your current project or start something new while connecting with fellow artists.
Open to members and the public.
Memberships
Memberships:
Your membership helps keep our classes and workshops affordable.
For just $25/year ($50 for families)—less than a cup of coffee a month—you’ll support local art and enjoy the fun of being part of our creative community.
Memberships also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Payment Options:
Mail a check to:
The London Arts Center
PO Box 362, London, OH 43140
Or pay in cash at any event or open day.
Regular Hours:
Thursday 11 -2 pm, Saturday 10 – 2 pm
Sunday 11 – 2 pm
www.londonartscenter.org
London Arts Center
PO Box 362
121 East First Street
London, OH 43140