Places Of Popular Interest, Buildings and Structures In Warren Ohio

My hometown of Warren, Ohio, has an interesting history. Back in the day, it was home to Packard Motor Cars, Halsey-Taylor drinking fountains, and a proud steelmaking and manufacturing heritage. In 1986, the Trumbull Lamp Plant even made the light bulbs for the Statue of Liberty’s 100th birthday. Warren’s history is a shining example of how resilient and amazing its people of the city are.

In 2016, I bought an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil to tryout digital painting. I thought Warren, with all its historic buildings and houses, would be a great place to start. I finished a piece and posted it on social media to show my progress. After a few posts I got an invite to include my work in a group show. Then I was invited to exhibit my work in a solo gallery show. This show helped me launch a series of products like coffee mugs, totes, and greeting cards.

Photo: Tribune Chronicle/Andy Gray  Artist Alex Savakis, left, talks with Vince D’Onofrio of Newton Falls at the opening reception for Savakis’ illustrations of Warren landmarks, which will be on display through December at Trumbull Art Gallery.

I learned a lot from my gallery show. Each person who visited brought their own story to the art. Churches were special because they made people feel like they belonged. Restaurants reminded people of happy times together. And individual houses held memories for each person. I’m learning to be a better artist, but the real lesson was that the art could bring people together and keep its history alive.

Below, selected works created on my iPad.