Artist James Holko, left, speaks with Kevin Harsch, right, about his Dark Art exhibit Saturday at Beautiful Whirl'd on West Market Street in Warren. Photo by Renee Fox

WARREN — Attending art exhibits downtown contributes to the revitalization of Warren and provides inspiration, camaraderie and new experiences, said patrons of exhibits Saturday evening in Courthouse Square.

Dark on Park, an Art on Park event at the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County on North Park Avenue, featured numerous rooms and halls filled with works featuring a sinister twist. Saturday also was the opening reception for James Holko’s Dark Art continuing exhibit down the block at Beautiful Whirl’d on West Market Street. His exhibit offers images of well-loved Disney characters after they’ve transformed into zombies, some of the Halloween season’s favorite movie murderers and other nefarious, original works by the U.S. Air Force veteran from Braceville.

The events and others were a part of the Halloween Art Hop.

After Kevin Harsch of Warren bought a sketch from Holko of the Little Mermaid with her mouth marred by the zombie life, he said events like this drive people downtown to connect and network, and enjoy the talents the people of the city have to offer.

“There needs to be more of these events and more people need to come. It is supporting home, taking care of your people, when you go to local things. Downtown is starting to do things. We would love to see a real revival and these are the types of things that don’t just support the artists, but also the businesses downtown,” Harsch said.

While social media can drive people to events, using word of mouth and talking about the things going on in the community can help drive others out too, Harsch said.

From his studio at the fine arts council, Dave Karr said sometimes he creates a piece that maybe only one other person will understand.

“And that is OK. If just one person looks at it and says, ‘I totally get it,’ and it clicks for them, it is like an instant bond between us and a real human connection,” Karr said.

Art can help one become comfortable in his or her own skin, said Ryan McClennan, a model for artists.

“It is very freeing and independent, it tests boundaries,” McClennan said.

Karr said the process can be an outlet for emotion and is a positive way to deal with negativity or substance use issues.

“All of the tension just pours out of you, you feel so relaxed,” Karr said.

The benefits aren’t just internal or emotional.

Harsch said the shows encouraged him to come to the Square and spend money on local goods, including a beer at Modern Methods Brewery in David Grohl Alley.