YOUNGSTOWN — One Mahoning Valley area artist has come up with a new way to share his work with the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bob Barko Jr., owner of Steel Town Studios, said he hoped to bring together a small circle of his local artist friends for at least one holiday show this year. The result is the inaugural Steel Town Studios and Friends Christmas Market at Concept Studio.

The event will be held noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13 at the downtown Concept Studio, 217 W. Federal St.

Admission is free, but because of state health guidelines, the number of people in the venue at any one time will be limited, face coverings will be required and physical distancing will be encouraged.

“My hope is that it is a great show at a beautiful venue in downtown Youngstown that will bring some Christmas cheer and a little happiness to our guests and our friends in what has been a pretty tough year,” Barko said.

In addition to Barko’s pop culture graphic artwork, the market will feature the work of five other artists:

• The re-purposed stage and studio lighting fixture home decor of Jody Cercone;

• The paintings of Will Duck Jr.;

• The hand-lettered home decor, gifts and custom creations of Megan Factor;

• The jewelry and photography of Mary Ann O’Leary;

• The pottery and artwork of Daniel Rauschenbach.

Barko, who is marking his 20th year in business at Steel Town studios, said the idea for the show had its genesis when he was working on the old State Theatre mural earlier this year. The new mural, part of the State Theatre block project, is located next door to Concept Studio.

“I already knew my usual Christmas shows had been canceled or were up in the air,” Barko said. “Working next to this awesome venue inspired me to take matters into my own hands. So, I spoke with Mary Ann, the owner, and also reached out to some of my Youngstown artist friends.

“Before we knew it, we had ourselves a Christmas Market.”

Barko said the show will have a variety of gifting possibilities, as each artist has his / her own distinctive wares.

“We have six artists — including myself — that have their own unique products. There will be a little something for everyone,” Barko said. “Our guests will be able to find something truly one-of-a-kind for that special someone on their gift list.”