Local artist exhibits open at WCA

Wayne Center for the Arts opened two new exhibits showcasing local artists Lacey Huffman and Tom Derr on May 30. A reception celebrating the artists will be held at WCA on June 6 from 5-7 p.m.

Huffman, a Circleville native and 2009 graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Landscape Oil Painting and Drawing, will present her exhibit titled “Things That Make Me Smile.” Huffman, who teaches weekly classes at WCA including Watercolor Wednesdays and Daytime Oil Painting for adults, showcases a variety of subjects in her exhibit including landscapes, portraits, still life and abstract pieces. Her work will be displayed in the Looney Workshop, with many pieces available for purchase.

Derr will present his watercolor exhibit, “Waynescapes,” in the Gault Gallery.

“This exhibition — 'Waynescapes' — evolved organically, somewhat by accident,” he said. “My wife and I had settled here in Wayne County after searching coast to coast for the best place to retire. After turning out several pieces, I began to realize I had done quite a number of local scenes, and I was developing a growing backlog of localities that I wanted to do. It was then that I thought a show of the work could highlight the character of the county, which is sometimes overlooked.”

Derr’s pieces, featuring local barns and scenes from Wayne County, also will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Ohio Barns.

Both exhibits will be open to the public through July 13 during WCA’s summer business hours Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.