ournal

A PORTRAIT OF MARIA DAVIS

She got the c^lling
to te^ch in childhood
English and Literature play a
dominant role in our society.
Computers and technology were
never meant to replace the
properties associated with
communication and the history of speech but merely to
serve as tools in a fast paced society. We often lose sight of
this phenomenal growth of expression, where it came from
and where it is going.
On October 10, 2006, the Optimist
Teacher’s Award was presented to Joyce
Buetner, a twenty-seven year language
arts teacher in the Elida, Ohio school
system. Joyce has always pursued an
excellence in education and those who
know her would certainly agree. Her
teaching goes beyond its bounds by also
offering evening classes in English and
Reading at Ohio Northern University for
the past five years and developing Elida
students in Speech Contests.
“I knew before I began
kindergarten that I was going to
attend college and one day
become a teacher. Growing up, I
played school daily with my
dolls, puppets, and neighbor kids,
and I can assure you that I had
the smartest class on the block,”
recalled Buetner
In 1973, Joyce earned her bachelor’s
degree in education at Ohio State University
and began teaching the same year. She
earned her master’s degree in 1992 from the
University of Dayton, and went on to
receive National Board Certification in
Early Adolescence in English/Language
Arts in 2001. As a result of the certification,
Joyce accepted the Governor’s Leadership
Award in 2002.
Teacher Buetner credits her
educational growth to her husband,
Brad, and supporter who has helped
with the hundreds of projects and
involvement with her students.
Together, they have two sons and one
daughter and seven grandchildren.
Joyce also contributes her many years of
encouragement from mentors and
friends who viewed her students as the
future.
If we had no words, no structure
and form of such, the world would be in
a constant state of miscommunication
and turmoil. Learning even the
minimum of basics seems to be leaving
our school system at an astonishing
rate. For those teachers who strive to
maintain the importance of this critical
area of study, their wealth will one day
be known because this skill will become
as sought after as our own freedom.
A Teacher’s Prayer
By JAMES J. METCALF
I want to teach my students how--
To live this life on earth,
To face its struggles and its strife
And to improve their worth.
Not just the lesson in a book,
Or how the rivers flow,
But to choose the proper path,
Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth,

And know right from wrong,
And gather all the beauty of
A flower and a song,

For if I help the world to grow

In wisdom and grace,
Then I feel that I have won
And I have filled my place.
“Madonna & Child”

SURROUNED BY HER FAMILY OF SUPPORTERS are left to right: John Zerbe, son-in-law and a 6th grade And so I ask your guidance, God
teacher at Elida Middle School; Brooke Zerbe, daughter and a kindergarten teacher at Spencerville That I may do my part,
For character and confidence

Main Section Artist

School; Brad Buetner, husband and a defense worker at General Dynamics; Mrs. Buetner ;Bradley
Buetner, son and manager at Cycle Sports Center; Brittney Buetner, daughter-in-law and a respiratory And happiness of heart.
therapist at St. Rita's Medical Center; Joy Buetner and Josh Buetner, daughter-in-law and son and owners
of Buetner's Construction.

THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE Bugle Section 2007 Annual Winter Edition

 Maria captures the ‘Sight of Music’
man s life travels

longer was concerned about what
others may think.
Today, Tom is very comfortable
with his artistic creations, and has
acquired that deep desire to express the
“Flight” strong feelings he has within him. “I can
outcome on some of his works. His
mother-in-law had Alzheimer. The
situation influenced him to create
the "Alzheimer's Pot". Also, while
putting together a puzzle with his
granddaughter, they ended up with
work of art. “As I work with the raw clay
or the firing, a part of my spiritual being
goes into every piece. I feel the presence of
life in the clay as it becomes an extension of
my being,” he said.
When asked of him: Where do your

Photo graphs hold a preservation of sorts
to a reality that was and is. If the human
memory begins to fade our recollection of a
certain memory in a past time, a snapshot
The art of photography is anything
but simple in the creation of the perfect
picture. Angle, lighting, perception and
a trained eye are a few of the details
possessed by a talented photographer.
The smallest detail, when captured,
enlightens the focal point even though
missed by many in the overall viewing.
release the best of my ability. I create pots
with feelings, my feelings of strength,
growth and textures,” he said.
Clay is the language that Tom uses to
express his deep feelings because of his
love for the beauty and textures in
nature. His pots take on a life of their
own, and those who view his works
have the opportunity to feel his artistic
emotions portrayed in each piece.
“
several pieces missing. He created the ideas come from?
"Missing Pieces Pot". They come from the
The artist believes art will always go
beyond skill and will reflect the depth
and complexity of not only life, but also
all life. “I make "Annie Pots", Anne {his
wife} and God gives me the power to work
heart, deep inside
where the dreams
grow, from the inner
creatively,” he said. In other works, he self, the soul, the part
was chosen to do some commissioned
where feelings flow.
pieces, such as, a piece to commemorate

can instantly refresh it.

Not only are we allowed to savor a
favorite occasion but we also have the
capacity to visit unreachable places and
witness untouchable events.
Maria Davis, of Angola, Indiana,
has been involved in artistic endeavors
for as long as she can remember. Much
of her photographic work comes from
everyday life. She finds that by looking
closely enough, the mundane can have
a magical quality. The trick is to catch
just that particular moment of intrigue
and expand on its story.
The artist further expressed, “I see a
lot of strength in nature and I try to capture
that in my pots. Plants bursting through
the ground, huge rocks moved by rushing
water, roots cracking cement sidewalks,
mud slides moving houses and volcanoes
melting solid rock. Also, I enjoy all the
different textures and colors in nature. I
strive to incorporate them into my work.”
In addition, the events in Tom’s life
experiences played a role in the
Superintendent Frank DePalma on his
retirement from Centerville School
From there my mind takes
over and puts them to life
System, and a piece for President Bill
Clinton when he was visiting the area. form. The end result is a
Tom Bradrick knows clay is his piece of art that lives.
window to his artistic world. It allows
him to see the creativity within him. He It speaks to me.
takes an idea and makes changes along It's full of me.
the way. Each piece becomes one of a
kind, and thusly, the end result is a It’s me.”
captured moment of a spontaneous

THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE Main Section 2007 Annual Winter Edition

THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE Bugle Section 2007 Annual Winter Edition
 Clay molds one
T
om Bradrick,
retired art
educator from
Centerville,
Ohio, wrote: “It takes
nothing short of a miracle
to create a piece of art. It's
a combination of dreams,
imagination, skill, patience
and hard work. It is a
wonderful experience to
watch your dreams come
true in your work.”
One of his major goals in life was to
figure out where his talents lie. At a
young age, Tom knew art and the
creative process was for him, but it
seemed that there were always those
who were much more talented than
THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE
him. He worked hard at his art and
received a certain amount of success
and satisfaction, but “I never had that
feeling that I was up there with the gifted
ones,” he said.
Tom began his teaching career in the
Dayton, Ohio School System at the
elementary level. The new teacher
wanted to provide a program that went
beyond making paper turkeys for
Thanksgiving. He chose to introduce
ceramics into his classes. “I had only one
class in ceramics during my college days,
but I thought this would be exciting for both
my students and me,” he said. His
college professor did all the glazing and
firing, so he learned very little about
that part of working in clay. A local
ceramic artist and owner of a ceramic
supply store, Ruth Tepping, taught him
how to fire a kiln and the basics of
working in clay. Upon his request, the
Parents Teachers Association bought his
class a kiln and that was his true
beginning in the field.
Later on, Tom was promoted to art
teacher at Colonel White High School.
Bugle Section
He taught for 31 years at the CWHS,
and ceramics was one of his favorite
subjects to instruct. “Although I did teach
the use of wheel throwing, I had more
success with hand building,” he said. He
added, “Maybe it was because I enjoyed it
so much myself. It is so exciting when each
piece is one of a kind.” Tom’s students
received many awards with their
ceramics, as well as all other areas of
drawing and painting in National
Scholastic Art Competition and other state
and national events.
Upon retirement, he began working
with clay again and enjoyed the
experience. It wasn’t until he gave his
full time dedication to working in clay,
did he feel that he really had found a
medium that he was comfortable
enough working in to let go and be
himself. “I now could do my thing without
being influenced and inhibited by what I
considered the more talented individuals in
the field of art,” artist Tom said. Also for
the first time, Tom felt as good as
anyone else. He discovered that his
work was up there with the best, and no
THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE
2007 Annual Winter Edition
Born of Filipino immigrants, Maria graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her
curriculum emphasis was in Graphic Design and Photography and she has extensive experience as a designer and art director.
Working today as her own freelance designer/artist under the company name, Davis Art and Photo, Davis has more time to
reflect on subjects of choice.
On the cover, a favorite, “Madonna & Child” displays the beauty of love without having to show facial expressions to grasp
the emotion. Brightly stained glass colors reflect the gayety of this moving scene.
A master of the graphic design/graphic arts, the heavens seem to unfold and release one of God’s precious creatures in her
piece entitled “Flight”.
Sunrays slicing cotton
ball clouds but just below
a shadow of anger,
reminding us to move
with caution.
In recent years, Davis
has become interested in
the color, line and texture
of oil pastels, finding that
her expression of inner
thoughts can be released
through paints as well as
photography, only from a
different perspective.
“My mission
is to
create works that
express my
emotional and
spiritual
connection to the
world around
me,” says Maria of her
ever-expanding career.
“Girl with Flower” is
an amazing example of
the wonder of a child,
entwined with the beauty
that only nature can
bring, filling your heart
with the magic and
mystery of a small mind,
still untouched with
worry and hurt.
A scene, needing no
introduction, is “Feet of
St. Francis”. This
peaceful portrait can only represent the Saint’s legends of kindness and brotherhood with the aid of a dove holding a promise.
In Maria’s completely different approach to painting with oils, her thought provoking work can keep one studying for
hours on end, not without a certain degree of whimsical understanding.
“Hiding Amidst The Reeds” is a compelling piece where you find yourself twisting and turning, looking for the unforeseen.
A merry-go-round of thoughts, indecisive and confusing, with no end in sight.
Maria Davis’s work has been shown locally and her website offers an extension of her digital experience and her mounting
oil pastel paintings. Visit http://homepage.mac.com/mariadavis/davisartandphoto for a session with this talented artist.
We hope that Maria continues with her digital work as she ventures into the art of oils.
> Continued on next page
Main Section 2007 Annual Winter Edition

Davis
< Continued from previous page
Talented photographers and graphic artists
share more with the world than they know.
Capturing dramatic moments, expanding on the
beauty as only a true artist can see, helps the
rest of us step back and take a breath as we see
our surroundings for the very first time.
Davis resides in Angola with her husband,
who owns Mitchell’s Clothing and Tuxedos,
and two young children. Watch for her
paintings in upcoming shows.
“Feet of St. Francis”
“In the Beginning”
THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE
to draw audiences.” As an example,
“Girl with Flower”
Kirsten astutely noted that “pop”
themes have been added to symphony
orchestras. Composers and arrangers
will continue to reflect many modern
trends.
Charles Bates, a professor of music,
directs the ONU band, and has a
percussion background. His
outstanding musical
group will perform this
year in Montreal,
Canada. Charles said,
“such international trips
take at least a year of
advanced planning.” He
holds a PhD from Ohio
State University and
performs in a jazz
group composed of
regional faculty members. Charles
brings in a guest conductor for a
musical performance each year in
addition to big name performers. Also,
he facilitates spring band activities
involving fifty area high schools coming
to ONU.
Laurie Bell, a resident artist, leads
very accomplished student dancers. She
hails from Toledo, Ohio and has
developed a love for the rural lifestyle.
Her other duties include
communication arts, theater, musical
theater, and international theater.
Laurie holds a doctorate from the
University of Toledo. Laurie draws
students from a wide variety of majors
into dance as a minor. Laurie said,
“dance is an opposite learning experience
for most people. It is first a study of
movement that involves mental activity.”
Laurie delights that professional dance
companies have and will continue to
perform at ONU, and it is a great
experience for all of us.
The goal of Ohio Northern University
is to develop artists and designers as
creative, productive and intellectually,
curious individuals capable of historical
insight, critical thinking and technical
proficiency in their area of emphasis.
They are doing it!
Editor’s Note: This feature was prepared by
Ralph Stuckman, PhD is retired from Urbana
and Wright State Universities. Today, he is a
professional potter and serves as the Managing
“Hiding Amidst The Reeds”
Editor of the Potter’s Shed section.
Main Section 2007 Annual Winter Edition THE ART-TO-ART PALETTE
Center m^kes e^rly spring ^rriv^l
T his
March, Van Wert County will demonstrate its unwitting
desire to provide cultural education to its students and
residents. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is
finishing completion in conjunction with, and attached to, the new
Van Wert High School/Middle School. Private funding was the
catalyst for the beautiful $9.6
million dollar facility with $2
million dollars being
committed by Van Wert High
School alumnus, businessman
and philanthropist, Scott M.
Niswonger.
Although the Center is owned by the
Van Wert County School System, the
Van Wert Area Performing Arts
Foundation will operate the facility as a
501©(3) non-profit organization.
The VWAPAF Mission Statement
reflects its goal:
“To provide a premier venue for a
wide variety of performing arts,
concerts,
lectures,
meetings,
and special
events which
will inspire,
educate, and
entertain
residents of
and visitors
to Van Wert
County, and
to provide an economic catalyst by
increasing cultural tourism, creating
new jobs, and generating business for
the region.”
The Gala Opening Weekend events
will begin on Friday, March 16 at 7:30
p.m. with the Van Wert High School
Band and Choir with special
appearances by Alumni and the
Crestview and Lincolnview Choirs. On
Saturday, March 17, the Lee
Greenwood Recognition Concert
begins at 7:30 p.m. Lee Greenwood, is a
former CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of
the Year and known world wide for his
timeless hit song, “God Bless the USA,”
will be the Center’s featured artist. And
on Sunday, March 18, the Gospel
Music’s most dynamic duo of all-time,
Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris will
each perform some of their most
Bugle Section
inspiration songs. In addition, the duo
will sing together their awe-inspiring
rendition of “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” and
other hits.
Some future programming, part of
the Community Concert Series beings
on: Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.
with the All-American Boys Chorus
from Orange County, California. This
36-voice ensemble, will present
audience favorites from America's
musical history. Under the direction of
Wesley Martin, the Chorus will be
joined the Van Wert Area Boys Choir.
On Tuesday, May 1, the Golden
Dragon Acrobats, a group of Asian
Artists, will perform at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.
brings David
Clayton Thomas
with an 8-piece
band will perform
Classic Rock songs
from his Warner
Music CD, Musical
Biography. Also
included, will be
live versions of his
hits from Blood
Sweat & Tears:
“Spinning Wheel, God Bless The Child,
You've Made Me So Very Happy, And
When I Die, Lucretia.”
On May 23, the Toledo Symphony
Orchestra will conduct two
performances for area students.
VWAPAF Board of Directors
include: Chuck Koch, Chairman; John
Gamble, Vice-Chairman; Kim Purmort,
Treasurer; Dewey Fuerst; Bill Clifton;
Paul Hoverman, Executive Director/
President. Staff consists of: Cheri
Oechsle, Marketing Director; Jessica
Richardson, Facility Coordinator; High
Saunier, Technical Director.
For more information, call 419-238-
6722 or visit www.npacvw.org to learn
about this educational and economic
stimulus for the Northwest Ohio region,
and future programming.
2007 Annual Winter Edition