More than three years ago, Jason and Katherine Horst, owners of Horst Arts in Manheim, were working out of their home when they came up with an idea. "We were watching 'The Great British Baking Show' and decided to try a similar craft-based version with us and our two young children," Jason recalled. "It was a lot of fun, and we tried to figure out how to host a full-fledged event out of our home with friends." Although that idea never came to fruition, just a few months later, the couple opened its business at 17 N. Main St., Manheim, and the location became the perfect venue to host The Great Create. The first event was held in January of 2020. The next Great Create will be held on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m.

As Jason explained, the event is an opportunity to indulge in creativity, get competitive and have fun. "This is a two-hour event that includes three rounds of art-and-craft-based competition," he shared. "The first round is fairly simple and very crafty. The second challenge involves cut paper and is a bit more technical. The third challenge is more freeform and involves a canvas and collage." Instructions and guidance are provided at the beginning of each challenge, and no artistic knowledge or experience is required to participate. "A winner is chosen for each round, and at the end, an overall winner is chosen and receives a prize," Jason stated.

The most recent Great Create was held in March of 2022, when participants were sets of mothers and daughters who were all friends, Jason said. "When friends do this event together, there's always more smack talk and that's a lot of fun," he remarked. "In fact, friendly ribbing is encouraged."

He noted that artistic skill is not required to enjoy The Great Create. "This event is for people who watch reality television competitions and think it would be fun to experience a similar event in a fun setting," he said. "While it is a competition, that's actually secondary. It's about enjoying a challenge with friends or making friends while exercising your creative muscles."

For more information or to purchase tickets for The Great Create, visit https://horstarts.com or stop by the studio. The deadline for registration is Saturday, Jan. 21.