2025 Youth Art Show

Meet the Judges

We are so fortunate this year to have a prestigious group of judges with decades of experience as working artists and teachers devoted to guiding students on their art journeys. The Co-Op extends its heartfelt thanks to this team who thoughtfully judged this year’s entries – no small feat with more than 80 participating young artists!

Ron Arps

Pataskala native Ron Arps attended the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) from 1986-87, Parsons School of Design in the summer of 1986, attained his BFA at SUNY Purchase in 1991 and attended Lacoste School of the Arts (now SCAD Lacoste) in France from 1990 – 1992.

Classically trained in painting and sculpture, he has exhibited at many galleries around the country. His career path includes time spent creating scenic arts for museums, theme parks, aquariums and music festivals. Ron moved to Somerset five years ago, happy with the quiet of a small town. He is a Studio Artist Member of the Somerset Artists’ Co-Op.

Cheryl Cherry

Cheryl Cherry’s career as an artist spans 37 years of teaching and creating art across multiple disciplines. She attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree concentrating in painting and ceramics and a Masters of Art Education from Ohio University.

Cheryl is a Studio Artist Member of the Somerset Artists’ Co-Op and regularly provides volunteer support.

Bob Grayson

Bob Grayson arrived in Ohio in 1965 as a teacher and completed two master’s degrees from Wright State University and The Ohio State University. His 57 years in education include serving as principal at Hopewell for 20 years. He came out of retirement to serve 10 years as principal and art teacher at Foxfire School where he continues to provide visual and digital art instruction.

Bob started his art business at the Zanesville Masonic Temple in 2004. After the 2022 fire that destroyed the building, Bob relocated to 8 Main Street with 16 artists. He served on the Y Bridge Arts Festival for 11 years, five of those as director. He currently serves on his local America250 committee focusing on “History Meets the Arts.”

Bob works in multiple media, enjoys creating murals and takes commission requests. His greatest joy is seeing his students experience and enjoy the art they create. The Co-Op is grateful for his commitment to judging this year’s Youth Art Show.

Kristen Keeves

Kristen Keeves is an artist/designer with over 25 years’ experience working in television animation in Los Angeles. Over the course of her career, Kristen has been a creative leader on a wide range of animated projects for studios including Marvel, Warner Bros, DreamWorks, Gaumont, Fox Animation, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Animation.

In 2023, she relocated to Somerset, Ohio to spend time with family and focus on painting and sculpting. She is currently focusing her work on flora and fauna and Somerset is the ideal place for inspiration. Kristen is a Studio Artist Member of the Somerset Artists’ Co-Op.

Bobbi McKinnon

Bobbi McKinnon says being able to capture a moment in time that is meaningful fuels her creative passion. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning at Ashland University. She also attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She taught Art in the Fairfield Union Local School District and is licensed to teach Visual Arts for K – 12 students.

Her work is featured in regional art shows and festivals and she engages commission requests. Bobbi is a longtime Studio Artist Member of the Somerset Artists’ Co-Op and teaches adult and children’s classes across multiple media at Co-Op. Her monthly acrylic painting classes have a large following and her Summer Kids Camp classes are immensely popular.