'Let's Go Girls.' Downtown Canton art show celebrates Carrie Underwood and other stars

CANTON − Kasey Wassam's solo art show on Friday at Silo Arts Studio will be a celebration of country music stars Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and others.

And it will also showcase Wassam's vibrant and imaginative mix of artistic styles. Painted dolls with custom-made hair and clothes. A portrait chronicling Parton's career in a series of images. A diorama of Underwood on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. A tapestry of Parton. And guitar straps.

Sitting across a table in the downtown Canton studio, the 26-year-old beamed a radiant smile when describing Friday's exhibition, "Let's Go Girls" at Silo Arts Studio, 431 Fourth St. NW. The free art show will be 5:30 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the August First Friday festivities.

Silo Arts Studio teaches, mentors and supports artists who have developmental disabilities while hosting their art shows.

Big show: Country music superstar Carrie Underwood to headline the 2024 Concert for Legends

Expect a party vibe and fun atmosphere at the show, Wassam said. Sixty to 80 art pieces will fill the gallery. A DJ will play country music. And Wassam will lead guests in line dancing. A music-themed selfie booth is also planned.

"I want to present a show that I will never forget," Wassam said.

"They're going to have a blast," she said of those who attend the exhibition. "This one is not to be missed."

"Let's Go Girls" will take place the same weekend Underwood headlines the Concert for Legends at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival .

Wassam said she became a big fan of Underwood when the artist won the "American Idol" televised singing competition in 2005.

"I loved her so much," she said. "Her music was great, and it still is to this day."

"Her music is like brightness and soothing and everything about her brings it out," said Wassam, who has been counting down the days to the exhibition. "I just love her because of the songs — it's breathtaking."

Silo Arts Studio helped Kasey grow as an artist

Kat Francis , visual art director at Silo, said Wassam has discovered her own creative voice since becoming an artist at the studio about four years ago.

"She's always been ambitious and has an idea she wants to express," Francis said. "It's amazing how she grew as an artist."

Artwork includes two dolls and paintings of Underwood. Despite her fandom, Wassam said she won't be attending Sunday night’s Concert for Legends because she can't afford a ticket and failed to win one in a radio contest.

But just knowing that Underwood will be in Canton is a thrill, said Wassam of Akron.

Francis said the show will recognize other female country musicians, too. Art subjects include Lainey Wilson, Patsy Cline, Tanya Tucker and Shania Twain.

"Anytime you have a chance to spotlight or embrace female artists, I think it's really important," she said.

The story of Silo Arts Studio

Silo Arts Studio is a hub of creativity and positivity. Each artist has their own work station, adorned with their finished art while they work on new creations. Some artists smile and laugh and welcome visitors and are eager to discuss their artwork. Others focus intently on what they're making and avoid distraction.

"It inspires me, and I think it makes me a better artist," Francis said of her work at Silo. "I've learned to be a better person and better friend."

Todd Donnelly started Silo Arts Studio about eight years ago. The Hoover High School graduate serves as director. Partnering with Donnelly as co-founder was Laura McAllister , who is also a staffer. Others are Treva Sweat, Erin Diekmann and Jessica Smallwood. Also helping teach art is David Sherrill .

Family Disability Services, parent company of Silo Arts Studio, is owned by Donnelly and overseen by CEO Brandon Hixenbaugh.

The studio was an offshoot of Donnelly's other artistic interests and endeavors, including work as an independent filmmaker. The 50-year-old Carroll County resident also has been involved in theater.

"I feel like a lot of times our voices in this field are either muted or not taken seriously," he said of artists with disabilities. "It's simply just a way to express a unique view of reality that to me has always been the unique power of art."

Donnelly has a master's degree from Kent State University in the field as an intervention specialist.

"I knew I had this group of Stark County people who I could help express their view of their reality, and how that can inform and help to make other people just see things in a different way," he said of establishing Silo Arts Studio. "And open up thoughts and allow all voices to be heard instead of just some voices."

Francis of Plain Township is a popular local artist who previously worked with Stark County preschool children who are hearing impaired as part of the Artful Living and Learning program, an arts integration program.

She's been an instructor at Silo for the last four years.

"It's very similar to going to grad school," Francis said of the Silo artists. "They go to their studios and they design their shows. They come in as artists. I'm just here to sort of organize it. It's educational for the Silo artists."

Visiting artists also hold art shows in Silo's gallery. Sometimes they give workshops to Silo artists.

Silo features varied, eclectic styles

Wassam grew up in a household exposed to artists. She was also influenced by her mother's commissioned artwork.

Wassam, also a musician who plays guitar and clarinet, is among the 25 to 30 artists at Silo from Stark, Carroll and Summit counties. Others include Darick Frady , who had a solo show in June, featuring digital art and fan art, an example of the varied and eclectic styles at the studio.

Others are Ronald Lee Babb, who had a solo show last summer and will have another one in the fall. Shaun Higgins, who creates horror movie-themed artwork, has an exhibition planned next year.

'I feel a kindred spirit with Kasey'

Francis encourages the public to check out Wassam's show, one of the biggest and most ambitious ever held at Silo.

Along with working on art, Wassam has researched the country music artists she depicts in art while also listening to their music.

Favorite songs include Underwood's rendition of "How Great Thou Art."

"When I heard her playing that it literally gave me chills," Wassam said.

Francis said Wassam is a prolific artist.

"She just worked so hard on it, and I thought, this is the show to have during our biggest month," Francis said. "I knew it's just going to be an exciting art show.

"It's been really cool for me," she added. "I feel a kindred spirit with Kasey on how she's worked on this show. There's something really exciting about seeing an artist being really pure and authentic about what they're making."

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com .

On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 'Let's Go Girls.' Downtown Canton art show celebrates Carrie Underwood and other stars