How to go
What: The Ohio Watercolor Society 2013 Travel Exhibition at Middletown Arts Center
When: The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Jan. 11 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and it is a ticketed event. The exhibit will continue through Feb. 8.
Where: Middletown Fine Arts Center, 130 N. Verity Parkway in Middletown.
Admission: Tickets for “Chase the Winter Blues Away,” the opening reception of the exhibit, which serves as a fundraiser for Middletown Arts Center are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased from MAC. Tickets are not required during regular exhibition hall hours, which are free and open to the public.
More info: Contact the Middletown Arts Center at www.middletownartscenter.com, or call (513) 424-2417. Also visit www.ohiowatercolorsociety.com.
Middletown Arts Center will present the Ohio Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibit from Saturday, Jan. 11, through Saturday, Feb. 8.
“This is a very strong show. We are not a bunch of little old people painting sunbonnets. We are a very dynamic organization. We’re probably one of the strongest state watercolor organizations in the country,” said Barbara Rollins, president of the Ohio Watercolor Society.
The show is very diverse, she said, with abstracts, photorealism, traditional and contemporary pieces.
“This is an exciting medium and it’s the only medium that has a life of its own,” Rollins said.
The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ticketed event called “Chase the Winter Blues Away” will feature blues music from Gregg Clark as well as hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets may be purchased through the Middletown Arts Center, located at 130 N. Verity Parkway in Middletown. Ticket prices are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
“We will be showcasing three of our own Ohio Watercolor Society members — Todd Butt, Jan Holladay and Jean Vance, who also teach here. So, they will be here doing demonstrations for us,” said Executive Director Patt Belisle, Middletown Arts Center.
“Ohio Watercolor Society exhibitors are the best in Ohio. If you take a look through their catalog of all of the pieces that have been put into the show, their work is equivalent to the work of the American Watercolor Society, which we have showcased several times. These are the best of the best in watercolors,” she said.
This year marks the 36th Annual Juried Travel Exhibition from the Ohio Watercolor Society. The exhibition is comprised of over 40 selected works awarded by juror Jean Grastorf. Southwest regional artists whose works are included are: Ann Arnold from Cincinnati; Gary Brooks from Amelia; Kathryn George and Sharon Stolzenberger from Kettering; Misuk Goltz from Xenia; Yuki Hall from Beavercreek; Todd Butt from Trenton; Jan Holladay from Hamilton; Jean Vance from Oxford; Carolyn Ross Hibbard from Villa Hills, Ky.; Tamara Scantland Adams from Clarksville, In.; and Deborah Ward from West Harrison, In.
Dayton’s Homer Hacker (1917-2013) will also be recognized through a memorial exhibit of his work. Hacker passed away in December and was a renowned watercolor artist throughout the Ohio area. He was recently honored with the Jim Brower Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ohio Watercolor Society.
Hacker was instrumental in the growth and success of the Ohio Watercolor Society including the creation and support of the Hodnett-Hacker Memorial High School Scholarship. He also served in many board positions with the organization including president from 1988 to 1990. Hacker spent about 20 years of his career as a photographer at the Dayton Daily News. That position was followed by a 21-year career as creative director at Top Value Stamps.
“In our lobby, we will be showcasing a few of his paintings, along with some information about Homer. He used to teach here many years ago, so he is very much a part of the Middletown Arts Center,” Belisle said.
Other Ohio cities to host the traveling show this year include Van Wert, Sidney, Mansfield and Delaware.
“This is something that’s very rare in the area. It’s only being showcased in five venues in Ohio. If you appreciate art in any manner, or form, definitely try to see this watercolor exhibit. It has a lot to offer and we feel very privileged to showcase it here,” Belisle said. “It’s an opportunity to fulfill your life with a little bit of color, a little bit of joy and a love of the art in itself.”
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