Meet Sheri Liebschner | Professional artist, Attorney and Athlete (Former broadcaster and fitness instructor)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Liebschner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, why did you pursue a creative career?
I simply felt it was a calling. It was both a calling to develop my own interests and talents and a calling to contribute to my hometown through art,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am inspired mostly by the area where I live, East Liverpool, Ohio. I love our historical buildings, places of worship, the Ohio River and Beaver Creek State Park. I tend to use bright colors in my work and seek to portray subjects in their best light. I took up portrait painting this year in order to capture the spirits of two people who were very special to our area and significant recent losses. Dominic Frank was a beloved former police officer, attorney and Judge of the East Liverpool Municipal Court. Bob Walker was a psychologist and musician who provided mental health guidance to most everyone in town and shared his love for East Liverpool through song. Both were close friends.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Certainly, you cannot visit East Liverpool and miss the Museum of Ceramics. Our town was once considered the “Pottery Capital of the World” due to the large number of potteries that were once in the area. The Thompson House is another must-see. The Late-Victorian home was once the residence of pottery owner C.C. Thompson. Across the river in West Virginia, it’s always fun to visit the Homer Laughlin China Company’s Fiestaware Outlet store. The Cadence Vault Gastropub is a great place for lunch, dinner or drinks. The upscale restaurant is located in the former Potters Bank building (where my Grandfather proudly did much of his banking!) Chef Ray’s Diamond Bar and Grill recently opened on the Diamond near the fountain in the middle of town and is has a casual sports atmosphere with a varied menu. Chef Ray’s food has been beloved in the area for years. Casa de Emmanuel is another East Liverpool landmark and the local go-to Italian restaurant. The marinara sauce is to die for and the salads are fantastic–order the house dressing! Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall Of Fame as a great place to visit in East Liverpool.  The model train display is fantastic!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many who have supported my current success! My parents have always backed my efforts and I have learned much from my Mom, who is also a professional artist. My art instructor, Christopher Leeper, has been a guiding light in the art world and has helped me immensely to develop my personal painting style. The Museum of Ceramics in East Liverpool and its Director Susan Weaver believed in me, provided me a place for classes and workshops and promoted my work extensively. The fellow artists I study with:  Jeanie Gordon, Suzy Mikusevich, Lynn Parry, and Paula Smith. Professional artist Nancy Hawkins and the Eastern Ohio Plein Air Club have provided not only opportunities to paint, but much spiritual support and inspiration. My significant other, Chris Mellington has been been in the background of everything cheering me on. And finally, the people of East Liverpool, Ohio and the surrounding Tri-State area have attended my shows and events, purchased my work, offered me places to show my paintings and shown me much love.

Website: sheriliebschner.com

Instagram: sheriliebschnerfineart

Facebook: sheri.liebschner.39

Youtube: @sheriliebschner6128

Image Credits
Suzanne Gray