Featured Artist: Troy Goins
Troy Goins is our Passion Works Artist of the Month for April. Troy is a new, very talented contributor who has lived his passion for drawing since childhood. Troy has a strong, natural style with an intuitive sense of proportion and movement. He loves drawing in the Anime tradition, inventing new characters to place in fantastic settings and situations. Troy also renders striking nature scenes on bird houses, painted purses and canvas. He has recently produced a painting titled, “Picnic Harvest,” which is being featured as a new image on our beautiful large and small tempered-glass cutting boards for sale in the Passion Works Store. Troy is a big fan of video gaming and music. He is a delight to know and we are proud to count him among our fabulous artists at the studio.
Buy painting from this artist
View previous featured artists
The First Lady of Ohio, Frances Strickland visits our Passion Works Studio and new Fine Arts Gallery. Many of the artists and their families stopped in to meet and greet her. During her visit, our artists shared stories about their fine art and had questions for Mrs. Strickland, as well. The visit was comfortable and the First Lady’s genuine appreciation of the artists and their fine art was easily evident. It was a quiet visit with the focus on taking in the atmosphere of a place she says she has admired for quite some time. We’re grateful to Frances Strickland for setting aside quality time with all of us. It was a warm and memorable experience.
"Motorcycle Dreams" is a short animated fantasy created by Passion Works Studio artists and Ohio Arts Council Visiting artist Melissa Godoy. It will be shown on Monday, April 26 at 3:30 pm. Check out the synopsis and everyone who worked on the project here. Check out the rest of the films and locations at www.athensfest.org. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this collaboration.
We Couldn't Do it Without Our Dedicated Volunteers!
They do it all - the fun, the tedious and the gooey! Our volunteers continue to WOW the Passion Works staff and artists with their talent and commitment. Our volunteers come from all walks of life. Students volunteer to fulfill class requirements or just because they love art and the artists. Community members volunteer because they have watched the studio grow over the years and take pride in being a part of it. We send a heart-felt thank you to all of you who have put so much time and dedication into sharing in the Passion Works experience. The joy and talent you offer so freely, shines through in every product, program and event!
Our April Staff Spotlight Shines on David Barba!
He’s the Director of Passion Works, Production Manager for Atco and a vocal advocate for clients, families and staff connected with the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities. With 28 years of service to the County Board, David Barba has a thorough grasp of the needs and contributions of area adults with special needs. When Passion Works Studio was only in the dreaming stages and Patty Mitchell first presented the idea of establishing a collaborative art studio as a service offered by the County Board, David Barba was there to carry the idea to the Board and advocate for the program and those who would come to benefit so greatly from it. David believed strongly in the program philosophy and saw the production of fine art as a unique opportunity for adults of all abilities to realize new potential as creators and worker-earners. David lobbied for funding and the studio was off to a promising start at the vocational training center. Today, the Passion Works Studio has come into its own and has relocated to its highly visible studio and fine arts gallery in a prime location in up-town Athens. The big move was the result of David Barba’s business savvy and vision. The move has been lauded by clients and community alike, making the studio and store more easily accessible and highly visible in the Athens business community.
David and his wife Margie have resided in Athens for 35 years and have raised their four children here. David says they love the area for its rich variety. “It’s been a great place to raise a family," says Barba. When there’s a bit of free time, David appreciates fine guitars and music of all kinds as performer and listener. But lately, his primary creative outlet is his expressive photography. We’ve seen some impressive examples. With spring becoming more evident each day, look for David Barba as you travel around our town. But wave fast. He’ll be cruising by on his beloved Harley Road-King. David Barba, we salute your colorful character and lifetime commitment to the important things.
We’re sure going to miss Robin Toctan when she leaves her position as Customer Service Secretary for Atco and Passion Works! But how can we compete? When she moves to Cincinnati at the end of April, Robin will be nearer to her granddaughter and family. Robin has been the knowledgeable and friendly voice of Passion Works and Atco for customers calling in or emailing to request products and services from our agencies. We will sure miss her as friend and fabulous colleague. Check in often, Robin! And best wishes in this next life-chapter!
Spring is here and our thoughts turn to outdoor activities. If the weather is uncooperative, it’s time to bring those spring colors inside! With that very thought in mind, we've added a new image to our line of fanciful, functional cutting boards! And our thanks goes to this month’s featured artist, Troy Goins. The new image is taken from Troy’s painting, “Picnic Harvest,” and features bright colors with fruits and vegetables that promise to brighten your counter-tops and inspire fine cuisine. Hey, it will even make the fixings for a bologna sandwich look good! Be sure to stop by the Passion Works Store to check out this new offering!