Art show honors Hollins

SANDUSKY — Those involved in the local art community intend to memorialize a talented creator and trusted friend who unexpectedly passed away in 2023 with a show in his honor. A fundraiser honoring the late Lewis Hollins, 42, takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday at Carrington Arts Creative, 318 Franklin St., Sandusky. It's a gray duplex house with a right-hand entrance. During the silent auction, people can bid on the 40-plus pieces of displayed artwork donated specifically for this show. People can also bid on a three-book collection by local author Ember Leigh. People can place bids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. "Lewis was an inspiring local artist, bigger-than-life personality and loved friend to many," according to an event statement. Since his death, each year, people contribute to the art scholarship fund, awarded to a local graduating high school student who plans to pursue art in college. All proceeds generated from the silent auction will benefit the Lewis Hollins Memorial Art Scholarship, which helps keep his legacy alive. "With this fundraiser, we hope to raise enough money to continue awarding scholarships for years to come in Lewis' name," according to a joint statement from Marsha Carrington and Shannon Bradford, co-coordinators for Friday's event. Here are some other details: • Parking: For those interested in attending, there is on-street parking as well as off-street parking at 334 E. Washington St. It's the big gray house on the corner of Franklin and East Washington streets. • Artists: Contributing artists include Ember Leigh, Marsha Gray Carrington, Kaeleen Wescoat-Oneill, Donna Coleman, Robin H. Lloyd (Robin HM), Kathleen O'Neill, Josh Miller, Keith A. Fleming, Judith Lococo, Diane Saunders, Jimmy Dwyre, Dani Herrera, Barbara Radebaugh, Debra Sue Solecki, Haley Heyman, Keelie Suzann, Rozlyn, Jo Westfall, Jamie Bishop, Janette Oleksa, Laura Hayes, Eli Hayes, Nina Salerno and Delores Oleksa, who contributed a piece by artist Tiia Taks Brimanis. • Showcase: Beyond the submitted artwork, there will be five framed archival prints made from Lewis Hollins' original paintings. • Auction: Offerings in the silent auction include other paintings, drawings, assemblage, mixed-media art, drawings, photography, ceramics, plush and framed archival prints. • Donate: For those who can't attend, they can visit bold.org/scholarships/lewis-hollins-memorial-art-scholarship to donate. • More: People can visit lewishollinsart.com to learn more about Hollins, who was also a well-known server at area establishments.