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ExhibitsEnjoy historic and fine art exhibits year round. There is never a fee to visit our exhibits!
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Our Current Exhibit
2023 WOWS Member's Watercolor Show
August 25 - November 26
In 1974, a group of artists wanted to create an organization for the purpose of promoting watercolor as a fine art medium, and they
founded the Western Ohio Watercolor Society (WOWS). One of the original members, Elizabeth “Betty” (Garver) Nagy, was an organizer/founder and held the position of being the first president of WOWS.
In the years ahead, there were several other well-known artists that have served as President, i.e., acclaimed Miami Valley artist, David Smith, known for his watercolor architecture and landscapes of the Dayton area; Homer Hacker known for his watercolors both on a local and national organization level also served as President of WOWS. Renowned artist and author, Nita Leland, wrote six books on color
theory and is believed to be the leading authority on color theory. We were honored to have had Nita serve as President in 1986.
No doubt, WOWS holds a long history, and we believe we were the first watercolor organization in Ohio. We are very proud of the many
dedicated artists over the years who worked together with a vision to continue and to further the growth of the organization. We continue to exhibit our watercolors in shows, host watercolor demonstrations during our monthly meetings, and invite the public to participate and learn about watercolor.
founded the Western Ohio Watercolor Society (WOWS). One of the original members, Elizabeth “Betty” (Garver) Nagy, was an organizer/founder and held the position of being the first president of WOWS.
In the years ahead, there were several other well-known artists that have served as President, i.e., acclaimed Miami Valley artist, David Smith, known for his watercolor architecture and landscapes of the Dayton area; Homer Hacker known for his watercolors both on a local and national organization level also served as President of WOWS. Renowned artist and author, Nita Leland, wrote six books on color
theory and is believed to be the leading authority on color theory. We were honored to have had Nita serve as President in 1986.
No doubt, WOWS holds a long history, and we believe we were the first watercolor organization in Ohio. We are very proud of the many
dedicated artists over the years who worked together with a vision to continue and to further the growth of the organization. We continue to exhibit our watercolors in shows, host watercolor demonstrations during our monthly meetings, and invite the public to participate and learn about watercolor.
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Meet Our Juror: Jill HartmanJill Hartman doesn’t recall a time as a child when she didn’t have a coloring book, pencils, crayons and a notepad. At age 7, her dad gifted her a woodburner that resulted in family and
neighbors getting holiday ornaments that winter. As a teen, Jill took drawing classes from a local artist after school, made woven bracelets for friends and painted banners with her cheerleading squad; she was always making something. A graduate of Bowling Green State University and The University of Dayton, Jill Hartman has been a high school art teacher for 27 years. She has served The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center in a variety of events and initiatives and coordinates an annual exhibit of Troy Area student work for local school districts. She was recently celebrated as “2023 Outstanding Art Teacher of the Year” for the western region of the Ohio Art Education Association. Jill considers herself a “Jill of all mediums” and eagerly takes part in area workshops and classes where each new medium quickly becomes her new favorite. While watercolor was her undergraduate concentration, she finds watercolor among the most difficult mediums to teach despite its versatility. As the parent of adult children and someone that cannot sit still, Jill is now starting to make more art for exhibit and sale. Fostering confidence in young talent and assisting young people in getting their work seen is her greatest contribution to the art world. |
A Word From Our Juror
It was an incredible honor to serve as juror for the Western Ohio’s Watercolor Society (WOWS) Member Show at Troy-Hayner Cultural
Center. To all artist members that submitted work, thank you for the opportunity to see through your eyes and experience your vision through this lens. To the artists selected, congratulations. As a veteran high school art teacher, I have always loved the versatility of watercolor but find it to be the most challenging to teach as teens often resist the planning and patience vital for developed, traditional works in watercolor. I sensed your persistence with the details I uncovered in each pass I made through the exhibit.
After careful study, I was ultimately drawn to works that transported me to a place. These works evoked a memory and occasionally echoed themes of celebrated artists. It would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge my interest in the application of the media and I would note that a different juror could have easily chosen other works. There is an immense amount of talent on exhibit.
First place recipient Tessa Kalman translates smell and sound in Out of the Gate; her gestural figures are posturally expressive in the middle ground of a composition dominated by transparent, textural exhaust that capitalizes on the granular surface. Oakes Quarry Park by Linda Leas (second place) is masterfully masked and layered; I am transported to the idyllic settings we long for as observers of beloved natural settings. Rounding out the juror awardees is My First Wheels No2; seemingly celebratory of youth and its discovered freedoms, Connie S. Gifford’s closed composition hints at isolation like that of Edward Hopper; it delights and imposes thought.
Honorable Mention pieces explore a variety of themes like a survey course in the arts. Rose Schultz’s Shady Sojourn is a meticulous study in depth that’s playfully approached like a batik. The ordinary is extraordinary in Cheryl Milligan’s elevated still life, Summer’s Bounty; the rich tones in contrast to highlights satisfy the viewer. The loose, gestural quality of Jennifer O’Brien’s Twins is contemporary and playful. Finally, Marie Trittschuh’s open composition, Pollinating, marries traditional watercolor to the newest of paper; detail bubbles to the top of the surface in a soft, puddled background of a similar palette.
Winter of Life by Marsha Elliott was selected for the Portrait Award; this structured, modern vignette highlights a traditional, familiar subject with confident tones and bold light.
Other important factors are craftsmanship and technique, individual expression, and unique qualities that draw the viewer back to the piece for a second or third time, making me wonder how something was planned or marveling at what seems effortless (but clearly is not!) Life as a teacher can be insular and I want to applaud all exhibitors for their courage and hope others are inspired to share their work in this way. Again, thank you for this opportunity.
Jill Hartman
WOWS Juror
August, 2023
Center. To all artist members that submitted work, thank you for the opportunity to see through your eyes and experience your vision through this lens. To the artists selected, congratulations. As a veteran high school art teacher, I have always loved the versatility of watercolor but find it to be the most challenging to teach as teens often resist the planning and patience vital for developed, traditional works in watercolor. I sensed your persistence with the details I uncovered in each pass I made through the exhibit.
After careful study, I was ultimately drawn to works that transported me to a place. These works evoked a memory and occasionally echoed themes of celebrated artists. It would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge my interest in the application of the media and I would note that a different juror could have easily chosen other works. There is an immense amount of talent on exhibit.
First place recipient Tessa Kalman translates smell and sound in Out of the Gate; her gestural figures are posturally expressive in the middle ground of a composition dominated by transparent, textural exhaust that capitalizes on the granular surface. Oakes Quarry Park by Linda Leas (second place) is masterfully masked and layered; I am transported to the idyllic settings we long for as observers of beloved natural settings. Rounding out the juror awardees is My First Wheels No2; seemingly celebratory of youth and its discovered freedoms, Connie S. Gifford’s closed composition hints at isolation like that of Edward Hopper; it delights and imposes thought.
Honorable Mention pieces explore a variety of themes like a survey course in the arts. Rose Schultz’s Shady Sojourn is a meticulous study in depth that’s playfully approached like a batik. The ordinary is extraordinary in Cheryl Milligan’s elevated still life, Summer’s Bounty; the rich tones in contrast to highlights satisfy the viewer. The loose, gestural quality of Jennifer O’Brien’s Twins is contemporary and playful. Finally, Marie Trittschuh’s open composition, Pollinating, marries traditional watercolor to the newest of paper; detail bubbles to the top of the surface in a soft, puddled background of a similar palette.
Winter of Life by Marsha Elliott was selected for the Portrait Award; this structured, modern vignette highlights a traditional, familiar subject with confident tones and bold light.
Other important factors are craftsmanship and technique, individual expression, and unique qualities that draw the viewer back to the piece for a second or third time, making me wonder how something was planned or marveling at what seems effortless (but clearly is not!) Life as a teacher can be insular and I want to applaud all exhibitors for their courage and hope others are inspired to share their work in this way. Again, thank you for this opportunity.
Jill Hartman
WOWS Juror
August, 2023
Participating Artists
*listed in alphabetical order by last name
Shirlee Bauer The View at Hebble Creek $300
Beach Grass $250
Mikayla’s Selfie NFS
Aileen M. Cave Fallingwater II $1,800
Lost $800
Sherry Cia A Morning of Hebble Creek Reserve $350
The Life of the Rock $450
No Title $100
Donna Pierce-Clark Still Standing $2,300
Carol Collett Grassland Sparrow $65
Pretty Prickles $100
The Tour guide $125
Joann Davenport Time for Rehearsal NFS
Pop NFS
Remembrance NFS
Billie Dickson Flowers For M’Lady $350
Along the Seine $350
Storm Clouds $350
Carol Edsall Island Channel $425
Simple Treasures $325
Shelling, Just One More $325
Marsha Elliott Winter of Life *PORTRAIT AWARD* $325
Chew Mail Pouch $425
Such a Rascal $325
Jeanette B. Ferguson Spirited Reflections $855
Spring in the Courtyard $525
Fun at Flathead Lake $465
Mary Foreman Russell’s First Time to Destin, FL NFS
Teddy Watching a Train Show NFS
Charlene R. Fox River Sparkle NFS
Duck Landscape #1 $185
Connie S. Gifford Fiona $350
Yellow Rose $350
My First Wheels No2 *THIRD PLACE* $400
Linda Grimes New Mexico Garden $150
Hidden Garden Doors NFS
Yuki Hall Patriots Point $900
Duomo in Rain $600
River Street $400
Shirley Harbaugh Early Autumn Reflections NFS
Dale Hollow Hideaway NFS
Contemplation NFS
Larry Hawkins Nap Time $150
Let’s See $125
Diana Hoke Bur Oak $150
Along the Rhine $400
The Pink Hat NFS
Rosie Huart Enveloped Words $1500
I AM $500
Just for Today $250
Tessa Kalman Cow Committee, Interrupted $250
Out of the Gate *FIRST PLACE* $300
A Heron Over Hebble $275
Susan Konek Autumn in Vail NFS
Bonnie Kuntz Check Mate $200
A Day at the Track $275
Winter Rose $275
Linda Leas Landscape in Payne’s Gray NFS
Oakes Quarry Park *SECOND PLACE* NFS
Cheryl Milligan Summer’s Bounty *HM* NFS
After The Rain $175
Misty Breeze $195
Jennifer O’Brien Twins *HM* $450
The Rooster $250
Sam $400
Barbara Olekas Cindy’s Lily Pond $150
Under the Banyan in Maui $300
Sofia $175
Kyna Paul Smokie Mountain $450
Giraffe Wilderess $250
Libby Rudolf The Salish Sea $625
Carol’s Poppies $625
Old Sugar Mill $850
Mojan Samardar Life of Devotion NFS
Mr. Golden Jazz NFS
Red Sky at Night NFS
Rose Schultz Along the Tagus River $250
Shady Sojourn *HM* $250
Facing the Square $250
Rhonda Sloan Evening Delights $250
Boating on the Cadaqués $450
Reflections of West Liberty Kentucky $350
Eileen Thomson Emerging Butterfly $375
Best Buds $200
The Twins NFS
Jane Trame Luminous Strata $395
Marie Trittschuh Pollinating *HM* $150
From the Vineto $150
M J White Portrait of Walter & Jim NFS
Beach Grass $250
Mikayla’s Selfie NFS
Aileen M. Cave Fallingwater II $1,800
Lost $800
Sherry Cia A Morning of Hebble Creek Reserve $350
The Life of the Rock $450
No Title $100
Donna Pierce-Clark Still Standing $2,300
Carol Collett Grassland Sparrow $65
Pretty Prickles $100
The Tour guide $125
Joann Davenport Time for Rehearsal NFS
Pop NFS
Remembrance NFS
Billie Dickson Flowers For M’Lady $350
Along the Seine $350
Storm Clouds $350
Carol Edsall Island Channel $425
Simple Treasures $325
Shelling, Just One More $325
Marsha Elliott Winter of Life *PORTRAIT AWARD* $325
Chew Mail Pouch $425
Such a Rascal $325
Jeanette B. Ferguson Spirited Reflections $855
Spring in the Courtyard $525
Fun at Flathead Lake $465
Mary Foreman Russell’s First Time to Destin, FL NFS
Teddy Watching a Train Show NFS
Charlene R. Fox River Sparkle NFS
Duck Landscape #1 $185
Connie S. Gifford Fiona $350
Yellow Rose $350
My First Wheels No2 *THIRD PLACE* $400
Linda Grimes New Mexico Garden $150
Hidden Garden Doors NFS
Yuki Hall Patriots Point $900
Duomo in Rain $600
River Street $400
Shirley Harbaugh Early Autumn Reflections NFS
Dale Hollow Hideaway NFS
Contemplation NFS
Larry Hawkins Nap Time $150
Let’s See $125
Diana Hoke Bur Oak $150
Along the Rhine $400
The Pink Hat NFS
Rosie Huart Enveloped Words $1500
I AM $500
Just for Today $250
Tessa Kalman Cow Committee, Interrupted $250
Out of the Gate *FIRST PLACE* $300
A Heron Over Hebble $275
Susan Konek Autumn in Vail NFS
Bonnie Kuntz Check Mate $200
A Day at the Track $275
Winter Rose $275
Linda Leas Landscape in Payne’s Gray NFS
Oakes Quarry Park *SECOND PLACE* NFS
Cheryl Milligan Summer’s Bounty *HM* NFS
After The Rain $175
Misty Breeze $195
Jennifer O’Brien Twins *HM* $450
The Rooster $250
Sam $400
Barbara Olekas Cindy’s Lily Pond $150
Under the Banyan in Maui $300
Sofia $175
Kyna Paul Smokie Mountain $450
Giraffe Wilderess $250
Libby Rudolf The Salish Sea $625
Carol’s Poppies $625
Old Sugar Mill $850
Mojan Samardar Life of Devotion NFS
Mr. Golden Jazz NFS
Red Sky at Night NFS
Rose Schultz Along the Tagus River $250
Shady Sojourn *HM* $250
Facing the Square $250
Rhonda Sloan Evening Delights $250
Boating on the Cadaqués $450
Reflections of West Liberty Kentucky $350
Eileen Thomson Emerging Butterfly $375
Best Buds $200
The Twins NFS
Jane Trame Luminous Strata $395
Marie Trittschuh Pollinating *HM* $150
From the Vineto $150
M J White Portrait of Walter & Jim NFS
Our Upcoming Exhibit
