Special to 1812Blockhouse
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind us and many of us are creating New Year’s resolutions and bucket lists for the start of a brand-new year full of possibilities.
Need bucket list of ideas? Consider reserving a seat for the next Prohibition at the Caverns? Enjoy an 8-course fine dining experience in the historic Caverns located at Hudson & Essex for an unparalleled dining experience. Don’t forget the Historic Ohio State Reformatory also offers overnight paranormal investigations throughout the year. Explore one of the most haunted prisons in the world on a public Ghost Hunt for a night like no other. You can view our calendar or contact the prison for more information.
For those that love all things quirky, the Mansfield Memorial Museum has you covered. Pop in and say hello to Elektro, the walking, talking robot made in Mansfield by Westinghouse for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. While you’re there, check out the newly opened Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum to learn about the Brigadier General and more local history. The collection features artifacts ranging from film to uniforms dating from 1852 through today.
Take a Class or Two or More
If your bucket list includes learning something new, we have you covered. The Ohio Bird Sanctuary presents Easels with Elliott on January 13 and 14. Enjoy a glass of wine as you paint a canvas, and then sit back and watch as the resident artist makes tracks on your artwork to create a one-of-a-kind piece for you to proudly display. During the process, you’ll learn about the human-wildlife conflicts with Black Vultures and what the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is doing to help. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Learn to Crochet at Alpaca Meadows in this two-hour workshop (January 14) that introduces you to the basics of this versatile fiber art.
The Mansfield Art Center offers a variety of classes for all ages that include drawing, tufting, comic book creation, and stained glass tutorials to name a few of the options. This month you can Tuft Your Pet (Jan. 13, 14) in a 6-hour class that introduces you to the art of tufting, learn how to use the Procreate app to create Digital Art (Jan. 14), join the Enameled Copper Bowls class (Jan.17) and create a true display piece, or learn to make Sterling or Brass Shot Plate Jewelry (Jan. 24).
AR Workshop Ontario offers classes and private events where you can make home decor items while learning new skills. January’s offerings include a chunky blanket, a trendy wooden sign, and canvas workshops. Need a fun group event? Contact them for ideas. Kingwood Center Gardens offers a variety of classes. This month, they are offering Houseplants 101 (Jan. 19) where participants will learn about the variety of houseplants along with tips and tricks when it comes to caring for them and a Cooking with Herbs (Jan. 26) class for those interested in expanding their culinary skills.
Stay in Shape During the Winter
Axe Social Lounge is a great way to make memories with your family and friends. Reserve a lane, invite your friends, and learn all about ax throwing. If you enjoy it, you may think about joining an ax-throwing league. Ballroom Dancing is an excellent way to while away some time during the winter months, and you may make a few new friends too! Lessons are offered every Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Exercise Your Brain
The Phoenix Brewing Company offers its monthly round of Taproom Trivia (Jan. 17) for those who want to stay sharp during the winter. Whether you’re reading or creating, the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library and all their branch locations take you on wonderful adventures through activities and classes from reading programs to candy tasting and sea glass! View the calendar.
Theater, Art & Live Music
Theatre 166 is hosting the Emerging Artist’s Festival each Saturday (Jan. 14, 21, and 28). The festival is designed to guide, encourage, support, and advocate for artists of all ages who wish to find their voice through the creation of original works. A new work will be showcased each week during the month.
The Mansfield Playhouse brings Unnecessary Farce to the stage on January 27. Cops, crooks, a cheap hotel, and an embezzling mayor entertain you in this award-winning comedy by Paul Slade Smith.
The Passages Exhibit opens at the Mansfield Art Center on January 22 and showcases four female artists and examines the delicate landscape of life’s procession with reflection, creation, humor, pathos, and irony. Passages is about transition; the movement through life and death, the dance of experiences that connect us all, and the individual perceptions that set us apart.
The Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre Workshop Showcase (Jan. 28) offers young actors the opportunity to work one on one in a small ensemble to develop and grow vocal skills, hone their acting abilities, and perform in a small cast setting.
You’ll find opportunities to sip a glass of wine or enjoy a cold brew along with live music with Just Jazz Live at The Happy Grape Bar and Bistro (January 13th & 27) and live performances at The Phoenix Brewing Company on January 13, then each Friday and Saturday night through the month. Many of our regional Wine & Ale Trail locations are known for live music!
Fun for the Family
We have plenty of fun activities for the family at the Buckeye Imagination Museum, Richland Carrousel Park, Kingwood Center, and Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
Winter Camp kicks off at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on January 16th and 28th. Your 6-12-year-olds will be entertained with games, crafts, hikes, and lots of winter fun.
The Richland Academy of the Arts will host a special father/daughter ball on January 21st. A Midwinter Night’s Dream with the Fairy Queen is a special evening that will include dinner, dancing, photos, pamper room, and more. Advance registration required.
Shop Local
Looking ahead to February, the First Friday Shop Hop will be held on February 3rd. Come see all the shops that downtown Mansfield has to offer while supporting local businesses and business owners.
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com. Got a public event to share? Add it on our “Submit an Event” section of the calendar.
Source, Photo: Destination Mansfield – Richland County; Image by Monika from Pixabay
