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Middletown seen through artist’s eyes

Middletown artist Sam Ashworth pictured Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Middletown, in front of a display of logos he has created throughout the years. A retrospect of his work from his days with the Armco Steel art department through his time as an independent graphic designer will open at the Middletown Arts Center Friday, Nov. 13.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Middletown artist Sam Ashworth pictured Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Middletown, in front of a display of logos he has created throughout the years. A retrospect of his work from his days with the Armco Steel art department through his time as an independent graphic designer will open at the Middletown Arts Center Friday, Nov. 13.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Ashworth retrospect at arts center

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer Updated 7:16 AM Thursday, November 12, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — When Sam Ashworth holds an art show, it’s not just an art show. It’s also a history tour.

Ashworth, a longtime graphic designer and historian, opens a retrospective of his artwork with a reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Middletown Arts Center. The show runs through Dec. 12.

The show contains more than 30 pieces of artwork, many of which are posters for area entertainment events, from organizations like Middletown Lyric Theatre and the Sorg Opera Company.

Ashworth’s work is widely known, even if many people have no idea he is the artist. His work includes more than 70 logos for various events and business, some of which are still in use today, such as the logos for the MidFirst Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Middletown Transit System.

He came up with the logo for the festival “looking at the word ‘Ohio.’ I wanted some indication of where it was going to be, so I looked at the shape Ohio, and it was kind of like a circle,” he said, replacing the second “O” with the outline of the state and an indicator where Middletown is.

However, the exhibit won’t have the usual “look but don’t touch rule.” Ashworth will also display several of his brochures and books on tables for visitors to thumb through. Works range from an Armco brochure on pollution to a book on the Cincinnati Symphony’s 100th anniversary in 1995. If Ashworth had to name a favorite work, that would be it.

“It gave me the chance to combine graphic design experience and history. It’s like picking your kids. Which do you like best?” he said.

Some of Ashworth’s work depicts the passage of time. Some of his subjects, like the Victory (now Victoria) Theatre in Dayton, underwent a name change. Other posters depict events that no longer exist, like the Sunset Park Performing Arts Series that was held in the early 1980s.

Ashworth’s work represents “part of Middletown history. There are a lot of opportunities for people to look back at what Middletown was and see what it’s going to be,” said Patt Belisle, the executive director of the arts center.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.