Latest exhibition celebrating local artists opens at Middletown center

Frank Martindell's painting "Through Sleet and Snow" will be part of the “Hughes Family Annual Reunion Show" at the Middletown Arts Center through Sept. 24. CONTRIBUTED

Frank Martindell's painting "Through Sleet and Snow" will be part of the “Hughes Family Annual Reunion Show" at the Middletown Arts Center through Sept. 24. CONTRIBUTED

The latest exhibition at the Middletown Arts Center in the “Hughes Family Annual Reunion Show” in memory of Gordon and Betty Hughes is set to open today.

This year’s exhibition will feature watercolor paintings by Frank Martindell and will be on display through Thursday, September 24.

Martindell was well-known at the MAC for many years, first taking classes from nationally known painter and his mentor, Homer Hacker. Martindell went on to instruct beginning and intermediate watercolor classes for 24 years.

“MAC will present the opening virtually on its social media platforms,” said Kate Dykes, executive director of Middletown Arts Center. “Although MAC must forgo its usual opening reception, which is always open to the public, a nice advantage of sharing these works virtually is that it is available online for all artists across the globe to see, enjoy and assimilate.”

The exhibit will also be open during regular business hours at the MAC.

The annual exhibit was first sponsored by Gordon Hughes in memory of his wife, Betty Hughes, in 2003. Sponsored by David and Becky Hughes this year, the show will continue to honor the memory of Gordon and Betty Hughes.

“This exhibit was originally conceived to feature original artworks, either bringing together well-known local artists, or as a one-person exhibit, from someone noteworthy in his or her medium,” Dykes said.

Previous shows have included artists such as Don Dennis, Bruce Peters, Bill Rehse, Paul Melia, Steve Perucca, Bro. Joseph Barrish, Reggie Finkelman, Stephen Suchy, Mary Deas Wortley, Sharon Stolzenberger, Pat Brewer, Ron Bushhorn, and many others.

Groups showing art at the MAC have included eight regional Ohio Watercolor Society artists, Queen City Art Club and Jean Vance and Friends. One-person exhibitions have included Homer Hacker, Jack Howard, and Judge George Elliott.

The Hughes Family Annual Reunion Show can be viewed in the main exhibition hall. Hours are Monday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Guests should note that masks are required at the MAC, and visitors are expected to abide by social distancing guidelines. The Middletown Arts Center is an active participant in the Butler County Safety Pledge Program. For more information, go to www.middletownartscenter.com.

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