At the Monday, Dec. 4 meeting of Tiffin City Council, Tiffin Municipal Arts Commission (TMAC) Chairperson Ryan Poignon and Vice Chair TJ McKee gave the group's annual report. The report concluded with the presentation of the Creative Citizen Award to Claudia Steinmetz, recognizing her creative impact on the Tiffin community through the arts.
Steinmetz's accomplishments include serving as the art teacher for Tiffin City Schools at Krout and Washington Elementary, instructor at Dance Unlimited Dance Studio, choreographer and performer for the Ritz Players, and assistant choreographer for the upcoming Tiffin Columbian spring musical. Her visual artwork can be seen at The Shops at Wolf Creek, Madison Street Tavern, Clover Club, JAMs Markets, and The Tiffin Police Station murals.
The certificate states “This individual is being recognized for their creative impact in our community. Thank you for all of the motivation and creativity you have given throughout the years. May you continue to inspire us for many more years to come. In special recognition and appreciation for your extraordinary dedication to our community, the Tiffin Municipal Arts Commission and the City Of Tiffin is honoring you with the 2023 Creative Citizens Award.” and is signed by Chairperson Ryan Poignon and Mayor Dawn Iannantuono.
Steinmetz remarked on her recognition “As a lifelong resident of Tiffin, much of my passion for the arts was shaped by my experiences here, such as being involved in the art program at Columbian High School, taking dance lessons at Dance Unlimited, and performing at our beautiful Ritz Theatre, so it is truly special to be able to represent the arts and those local staples now as a young adult. I believe that the arts play a huge role in bringing communities together, and it is incredible to be a part of that in so many different ways. I have always been inspired by public art, so it is really a dream come true to have the opportunities to now paint murals myself, especially in my own community. I cannot understate how thankful I am for the local businesses and organizations who have supported me the past few years, allowing me to share my passion with the community, and giving me an opportunity to create public art that our town deserves. I look forward to more opportunities in the future. Please continue to support your local businesses, community arts programs, and school art and music programs.”