Preble Arts After-School Programs
Preble Arts (Preble County Art Association), 207 E Main St, Eaton, OH 45320
About
Preble Arts After-School Programs include activities such as pottery painting, turning the wheel to create a piece of pottery, and selecting a brush for a new watercolor. Participants may also spend time practicing a violin or other musical instrument, tasting a special treat at a luncheon, and viewing the artwork of a local artist’s latest exhibit. Birthday celebrations in the program feature fun projects that can include pottery painting, clay, and canvas.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Paint-your-own-pottery hours Wednesday–Friday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Price: With as little as $5/month, you can help someone discover the healing power of art.
Preble Arts After-School Programs are part of Preble Arts, also known as the Preble County Art Association, which includes Preble County’s only paint-your-own-pottery studio and hosts birthday parties with projects such as pottery painting, clay, and canvas. The organization’s mission states that Preble Arts empowers individuals of all ages and backgrounds through meaningful arts experiences and views creativity as a catalyst for personal growth, community connection, and lasting change. Preble Arts directly serves more than 7,000 community members each year, supports 51 local artists annually through teaching, exhibits, and an artist sales gallery, and offers free after-school programs for at-risk youth and teens. It also works with organizations such as My Neighbor’s House, a mental health and recovery drop-in center whose clients attend Preble Arts.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Claudia Hawkins and Operations Coordinator Kali Meyers, with a Board of Directors consisting of President Kathy Clapp, Treasurer Grace Lykins, Secretary Anna Fomin, and Trustees Brittany Corwin, Chris Wair, Andrea Deacon, and Jordan Guinn. The organization’s history notes that local artist Rosie McNees founded the Preble County Art Association in 1987, the Preble County Art Center opened in 1990, the first Executive Director Vicky Fanberg was hired in 2014, and the organization moved into the historic Stotler Building in Downtown Eaton in 2017.
Testimonials from participants and partners describe the programs as “full of the most random but fun surprises” and a place where students “found friends” and want to return the next year. A representative from My Neighbor’s House states that clients and staff are encouraged and guided to think outside the box and create art they normally would not get to do, and that clients feel safe to be creative and are always excited to go back. Another testimonial highlights experiences such as turning the wheel to create pottery, selecting a brush for watercolor, practicing musical instruments, tasting special treats at luncheons, and viewing local artists’ exhibits all in one place. Executive Director Claudia Hawkins states that she has seen how one creative experience can spark confidence, healing, and joy in someone’s life and that “art really can change everything.”
Last updated July 2, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Paint-your-own-pottery hours Wednesday–Friday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Price: With as little as $5/month, you can help someone discover the healing power of art.
Preble Arts After-School Programs are part of Preble Arts, also known as the Preble County Art Association, which includes Preble County’s only paint-your-own-pottery studio and hosts birthday parties with projects such as pottery painting, clay, and canvas. The organization’s mission states that Preble Arts empowers individuals of all ages and backgrounds through meaningful arts experiences and views creativity as a catalyst for personal growth, community connection, and lasting change. Preble Arts directly serves more than 7,000 community members each year, supports 51 local artists annually through teaching, exhibits, and an artist sales gallery, and offers free after-school programs for at-risk youth and teens. It also works with organizations such as My Neighbor’s House, a mental health and recovery drop-in center whose clients attend Preble Arts.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Claudia Hawkins and Operations Coordinator Kali Meyers, with a Board of Directors consisting of President Kathy Clapp, Treasurer Grace Lykins, Secretary Anna Fomin, and Trustees Brittany Corwin, Chris Wair, Andrea Deacon, and Jordan Guinn. The organization’s history notes that local artist Rosie McNees founded the Preble County Art Association in 1987, the Preble County Art Center opened in 1990, the first Executive Director Vicky Fanberg was hired in 2014, and the organization moved into the historic Stotler Building in Downtown Eaton in 2017.
Testimonials from participants and partners describe the programs as “full of the most random but fun surprises” and a place where students “found friends” and want to return the next year. A representative from My Neighbor’s House states that clients and staff are encouraged and guided to think outside the box and create art they normally would not get to do, and that clients feel safe to be creative and are always excited to go back. Another testimonial highlights experiences such as turning the wheel to create pottery, selecting a brush for watercolor, practicing musical instruments, tasting special treats at luncheons, and viewing local artists’ exhibits all in one place. Executive Director Claudia Hawkins states that she has seen how one creative experience can spark confidence, healing, and joy in someone’s life and that “art really can change everything.”
Last updated July 2, 2026.
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