By Julia Kazar

On Saturday, Thirteenth Floor, Massillon’s first independent art gallery, celebrated its grand opening to rave reviews.  Everyone who came out enjoyed themselves and had wonderful things to say about the new gallery.  The gallery features art from several up and coming local artists, some as young as 19 years old.  The art is an eclectic collection that doesn’t really seem to have any rhyme or reason to it, but that’s okay, because it all works well together.  From simple sketches to elaborate paintings of people and cartoon characters, all the art on display is incredible.

Billy Ludwig, Thirteenth Floor

Gallery owner Billy Ludwig has worked hard to make this place a success and put the Massillon art scene on the map.  “I decided to open the Thirteenth Floor because I was bored,” Ludwig explained with a tinge of sarcasm.  “I didn’t have any other projects going on.” Anyone who has met Billy knows he is constantly working on something and rarely bored.

Ludwig definitely has plenty going on now though.  If the grand opening is any indication, Ludwig’s dream is definitely coming true.  The small building was packed with art and art lovers throughout the night.  In addition to all the great pieces that were on display inside, there was also an artist on the street carving sculptures out of logs using a chainsaw.  Onlookers had the opportunity to watch as a simple log transformed into a Native American head or a bear.

“This is something that Massillon has needed for a long time and I’m glad someone finally made it happen,” seemed to be the crowd’s opinion.  The spotlight is finally shining on Massillon’s artists and its art scene, giving some much needed recognition to the talented artists of the area.

Later in the evening there was a special performance by Scott Paris, a local musician.  He performed some of his biggest hits from his classic material to songs from his latest album, Pirate Signals. Paris’ music was just another great art form on display that night.

There are currently many different mediums of art displayed in the gallery, but Ludwig has some more cohesive shows that will be featured soon.  One upcoming show is called “The Creature Show” and will feature some of the best and most unique creature-based art that Massillon has to offer.  Check out both the current show, and “The Creature Show” which begins August 13th, at Thirteenth Floor on Charles Ave. in downtown Massillon. To purchase prints or original art work or if you would like some of your own work to be considered for display visit the website, 13thfloorgallery.com .


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