06/26/2026
The Steubenville Art Association is sad to announce the sudden passing of long term member Jim Watson.
The SAA was founded in 1946 and in their first set of bylaws, it was written that they would have a "Spring Exhibit" every year thereafter. And they did, with the exception of the two Covid years and 2025 when a venue was not available.
Since about 2000, Jim and JoAnn Watson have been in charge of these "Spring Exhibits." They made all the plans, wrote the prospectus, seeked sponsors, contacted artists for entries, helped move large equipment, hung the artpieces, documented intake, procured professional judges, ordered winning certificates and ribbons, and well you name it. Anything and everything that needed done was either performed by the Watsons or under their direction.
Because of the success of the Spring Exhibit by the Watsons, the SAA and Youngstown State University - Steubenville will continue the art show this September. The show has been renamed the 77th Annual SAA Exhibit and will feature a Special Award in honor of the memory of Jim Watson for many years to come.
Now, the SAA has lost several of its older members over the past few years. And every one of them was appreciated and viewed as a part of the SAA family. Every one was talented and each one made the SAA better for their input. All are missed and all are thanked for what they have done for us.
But, because of Jim's service over the past 25+ years, we are focusing on him. Jim was one of the best artists ever to join the SAA. He could make every twig in a bird's nest look like an exquisite painting on it's own. He did the kind of paintings you wanted to touch to feel the flowers and the trees, his artistic realism and detail was remarkable.
Not only did Jim serve the SAA, he was also friend to all other members. He was so respected not only for his artistic talent but also for being a wonderful human being.
As Jim has risen above the clouds, and looks at the beauty of the heavens, I like to stop and wonder what he is painting now. Enjoy it, Jim. We'll see it when the rest of us get up there.
Thank you, Jim and JoAnn.
