Creating a family tradition: Deborah Schaefer shares love of art with granddaughter

COSHOCTON − Deborah Schaefer calls herself a mixed media artist, because she loves to mix things up.

"I rarely do things in a traditional way, whether using acrylic paint, pens, charcoal, oils, pastels, clay, or watercolors," said the Coshocton Art Guild's Artist of the Month for May.

Schaefer joined the guild in 2023, adding her bright creativity and joyful personality to the group. She has been creating artwork since the day she was handed a box of crayons.

"My grandmother was an artist and encouraged me in all my endeavors. I took arts and crafts all through junior high and senior high school," Schaefer said. "I go on artist retreats where I learn to stretch myself."

She now creates and has adventures with her own granddaughter, Chloe, and really enjoys working with and teaching children. She has volunteered her time to teach beginning watercolor classes to seniors and offered classes to children and adults alike. Her dream art project is creating a large mural with a team of teens to help.

"I would love to volunteer some in public schools. Kids need to make art," Schaefer said.

She currently has mixed media watercolors, collages and small art journals on display and available for purchase at The Tollhouse Art and Gift Shop in Roscoe Village. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Schaefer also offering several classes throughout the month of May. Check the Coshocton Art Guild Facebook page for more information or email debis7860@yahoo.com .

Information and photos from Jenni Parsons of the Coshocton Art Guild.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Creating a family tradition: Deborah Schaefer shares love of art with granddaughter