CANTON, Ohio — From start to finish, theater mask maker and teacher Jonathan Becker does it all. 

The Hiram native has lived across the globe during his 35-year career and has clients in 50 countries. 

These days he calls Canton home, and the fruits of his labor can be found at his Historic Ridgewood neighborhood home. 

“This is a whole process that’s happened over years of sort of experimentation, trying to make a headpiece,” he said. “This is for the Milwaukee ballet, for their production of the Nutcracker. And once it gets painted, it will get an insert, a helmet insert that will get padded out in such a way that the dancers can wear it.”

The pandemic was tough for Becker and those in the theatre and performing arts community.

The 59-year-old was forced to sell his property in Muncie, Indiana, and chose to move closer to family in Canton. 

However, the move three years ago has been invaluable for Becker, and he’s embraced the local art community through first Fridays and the inaugural Artist’s showcase. 

“Perhaps one day it will become something of interest for people other than myself,” Becker sadi. “It’s an interesting foray into new materials, into a new market. I’m meeting new people in the arts community because of it.”

And his message to artists of all ages is, even during the tough times, don’t ever give up on your passion. 

“It’s really important to always say yes in every instance and then try and figure out how to make what it is that you’ve agreed to possible,” he said. “This sense of saying yes has really been important in creating forward momentum.”

The first Artists’ Showcase takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in the historic Ridgewood neighborhood in Canton.