Staunch supporters of The Arts Garage in Port Clinton, art lovers Charlie Micallef, Dave and Cindy Peltier and Marsha Bordner and Harold Brown display a rendering of The Art Garage.

Art has many expressions. Studies show art stimulates the imagination, enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem and reduces stress. Art in communities is proven to enhance culture and tourism.

Art in Ottawa County is expanding thanks to the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council, specifically TAG, The Arts Garage. TAG will be a center for art and culture in Ottawa County, say many residents.

“Making a donation was an easy decision. I’ve been painting at TAG and see the interest and excitement it has already created,” said Dave Peltier. Peltier, an acrylic and oil painter, and his wife, Cindy, were two of the project’s first donors.

They saw first hand the interest and were committed to helping.

“It’s a good use of our money. We believe in the vision and wanted to show that,” said Peltier, who is on the Architecture Committee and never hesitates to become Mr. Fix-it, when necessary.

Charlie Micallef gave in memory of his wife, Kathy.

“She loved the arts. She liked to paint and draw. Everything I do for TAG is in memory of her,” he lovingly shared. A former Professor at The Ohio State University in the College of Business, Micallef is on the TAG Steering Committee.

Jeff and Carol Morgan are patrons of the arts, and Carol is president of the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council.

Carol and Jeff Morgan are no strangers to the arts. Carol is a founding member of the Arts Council and current president. They believe art gives a city and its neighborhoods a unique identity and shows its sense of pride, making it more of an attraction for investments and economic endeavors.

“It has been shown that public art is not only important to beautifying an area and making it more inviting for its citizens, but it also adds value to all the surrounding assets. Making the arts part of our lives helps us to better appreciate ourselves as a community and enriches us culturally,” Carol said.

Famous for a lot of reasons, like being past president of Terra State Community College and being a Tuskegee Airman, Marsha Bordner and Harold Brown are also art enthusiasts. They believe art and cultural centers are drivers of economic development, and there are studies to show that as truth.

“TAG is a prime next step to the area development, which is booming,” said Bordner. “Support of the arts enriches lives and brings joy to all who engage in it, either as an artist or art lover. We were happy to give in memory of our son Seth, who loved to paint.”

The Arts Garage at 317 W. Perry St. in Port Clinton will serve Ottawa County and beyond. For more information about the Arts Garage, to donate or schedule a tour, contact Jonnie Myers Debbink at 419-343-1288 or jonniemyers21@gmail.com. To join the Arts Council or to make a donation, go to ottawacountyarts.org.