OHIO Zanesville to host art show celebrating local history

Ohio University Zanesville will host a special evening celebrating local history, art and community storytelling during an art show featuring the work of 50 local artists on Tuesday, June 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Zanesville Campus Library.

The exhibit highlights artwork created for local author Jim Boyd’s upcoming book, "Birth, Death, and Resurrection of a Golf Course: Mangold Country Club to Zanesville Jaycees Public Golf Course."

The project combines historical research and personal storytelling with illustrations from artists across the region, offering a unique look at the history and impact of public golf in Muskingum County.

Born and raised in Zanesville, Boyd developed a love for golf at an early age while spending summers at the Zanesville Jaycees Public Golf Course. A graduate of West Muskingum High School and former Ohio University Zanesville golf team member, Boyd credits his time at OHIO Zanesville and history professor Mike Kline for helping inspire his passion for historical research and storytelling.

What began as an interest in researching public golf courses in Appalachian Ohio eventually evolved into a deeper exploration of the people, organizations and events that shaped the Zanesville Jaycees Public Golf Course over the last century.

“This book is the culmination of my research into Harry Mangold, The Mangold Farm, Park, and Country Club, The Zanesville Junior Chamber of Commerce, Harold Mizer and his family, the Bowmans, Logan and Mitch, and the events and golfers that created the golf course,” Boyd shared. “It is a story of hard work, death and sorrow, community support, rebirth, and fulfilling the life of a public golf course.”

Boyd said the idea to incorporate local artists into the project came during a conversation about cover artwork and quickly grew into a larger community collaboration. The result is a project that not only documents the history of a golf course, but also preserves memories and stories connected to generations of local residents through visual art.

Visitors attending the June 2 event will have the opportunity to view artwork featured throughout the upcoming publication and meet several of the contributing artists. 

“I hope by reading it you have formed a picture of what life and golf were like in early 1900’s Zanesville and gained an appreciation for the hard work of those who brought public golf to this part of the state,” Boyd said.

A separate book signing event celebrating the official release of the book is planned for later this summer at the Zanesville Campus Library. Preorder your book by visiting the library during the event or online with the Muskingum County Community Foundation. 

The art show will remain on display during library hours until July 31.  The event is free and open to the public.