The Wildlife Art of Christopher B. Walden
Annual Reunion Exhibit in memory of Gordon and Betty Hughes
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09/08-10/19/2023
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening 9/8 6-8pm
Live Sketching at Port Middletown Arts and Music Festival 9/9
Exclusive Workshop 9/23 - Register here!
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For all info on exhibit events, please visit Walden's exhibit page here.
Christopher B. Walden, originally from Auckland New Zealand, came to the States in 1979 for what was supposed to be a 30 day tour. Thirty-six years later he is still here and in the meantime has become a nationally known wildlife artist. Chris' passion for the outdoors began at a very early age. Growing up in New Zealand, Chris was able to experience everything outdoors from working on a sheep farm to sailing the South Pacific. He brought his passion of the outdoors to the States. His thirst for knowledge about these new environments and inhabitants inspired him to capture them in his paintings.
Chris' very realistic style and his ability to capture life in the animal kingdom have endeared him to many collectors around the world. Chris prefers to show the viewer a story of how life is in the wild. Chris feels the need to give back to the lands and animals he paints by making sure that they are still around for many generations to come to enjoy. To accomplish this mission Chris has teamed up with various conservation groups in the US to lend his talents to help raise money and awareness to preserve the habitats that are in danger.
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Bio info taken from Chris Walden's website: http://www.waldensbrushwithwildlife.com/about-chris/
Free Bird: A New Series From Logan Walden
08/31-10/19
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception September 8, 6-8pm
Join us for live music, light bites and refreshments, and wildlife encounter! Entry is free and open to the public.
About the Exhibit:
"Free Bird” is a series of expressive acrylic paintings depicting the diverse and vibrant colors of birds. Stepping away from his usual subject matter, Logan Walden aims to deliver a body of work in the realm of wildlife as an homage to his father, Chris Walden, who is a successful wildlife artist. The "Free Bird" series depicts different birds from around the world with colors that could be imagined in the realm of fantasy, sci-fi, or surrealism - all genres heavily represented in Logan's prior work. Walden's intention for the series is to be energetic and expressive using loose techniques that reveal the painting process while capturing the realistic nature of the birds.
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Learn more about Logan and his artwork on his website here:
Area Art Exhibition
11/03-12/13/2023
Main Exhibition Hall
Submissions for this exhibit are open to artists ages 18+ within a 50-mile radius of Middletown, Ohio.
Every year we look forward to honoring the excellence of distinct & unique artwork created in the greater Cincinnati-Dayton region. This exhibit is always diverse, well-attended and respected, garnering large numbers of visitors from the tri-state.
Last year saw a robust response from regional artists with a record number of entries submitted across multiple mediums, including oils and acrylics, watermedia, drawing, glass, ceramics, enamels, and mixed media.
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Click here for prospectus/entry details​
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Pictured: Cropped selection of 2022 Best of Show by Rickey Smith
Tomorrow's Artist Today
01/27/2024-02/29/2024
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception 01/27
Tomorrow’s Artist Today is the premiere opportunity for local middle and high school students to showcase their work in a professionally juried exhibit. Local emerging artists ages 13-18 are encouraged to share their talents with the community in this one-of-a-kind annual exhibit.
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Pictured: 2023 Best of Show, Childhood Through A Lens by Zoey Abbott
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Entry info & prospectus coming soon!
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Interested in being a sponsor for this exhibit? Contact Kate Dykes at katedykes@middletownartscenter.com
Brendan Higgins
10/24-12/13
Lobby Gallery
2022 President's Award Winner, Area Art Exhibition
In recent years I have found working with a ballpoint pen relaxing because of the contrast of its limits and the freedom it offers. Working with a pen allows me to work on my subject when I have only a few minutes available. I like how I can pick up my work and scribble on it for just those few minutes. There is no waiting for it to dry, preparing materials or mixing colors. It is convenient for me, as a full-time engineer data analyst, while waiting for my computer data to be completed.
Working with the pen requires patience because there is no tool to fix a mistake. Trying to correct mistakes alters the texture of the paper and how the ink flows over it. Altering the texture of the paper can make a mistake much more noticeable. It is best to move forward and work around a mistake.
I choose nature subjects because I can explore all kinds of textures with a pen. There is no escaping from the details with the pen. I have to draw all the nooks, knots, tears, and textures that nature offers. I also enjoy sketching decaying buildings because of the challenge of drawing the imperfections of buildings.
I am part of the Urban Sketchers community in Dayton. We meet once a month at different locations. Urban scenes provide the opportunity to explore details of your hometown and visit many locations. It is a good way to detox from technology. Instead of using a phone to kill time, I can pull out paper and a pen to draw quickly what is in front of me. If I have time for watercolor, then I will add some color to my drawing. I have also found that the sketchbook has become a diary of my day.
I do oil painting as well. It is a good skill to keep and I enjoy expanding my knowledge of the techniques of oil painting.
To see more of Brendan's work, check him out on IG: