Our Previous
Exhibits
One of the many ways that the Middletown Arts Center provides distinctive, equitable access to arts and culture experiences is through our quality, diverse art exhibitions- always free to visit!
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​
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
08/31-10/18
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception September 8, 6-8pm
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
Sponsored by Patti Gage in memory of George Robert Gage
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​
Click here for list of award winners
Click here for list of accepted entries
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Pictured: Cropped selection of 2022 Best of Show by Rickey Smith
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:
Tomorrow's Artist Today
Sponsored by Cincinnati State - Middletown Campus and Mears Insurance
01/27/2024-02/29/2024
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception 01/27/24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
The official Opening Event will be held on Saturday, January 27 from 10am-12pm. All students, family, friends, and loved ones are invited to attend! Entry is free and open to the public. Live music and light refreshments will be provided. Live artist demo and a caricature artist will also be here! After the opening, this exhibit will remain on display thru 02/29.
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Pictured: 2023 Best of Show, Childhood Through A Lens by Zoey Abbott
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Art Sprout Preview
An art show presenting the works of Middletown students K-6
01/27/2024-02/29/2024
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception 01/27, 10am-12pm
The Middletown City Schools' Elementary Art Department is proud to present their collections of student artwork! Schools presented include: Amanda Elementary, Central Academy, Creekview Elementary, Mayfield Elementary, Miller Ridge Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, and Wildwood Elementary!
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Join us at the Middletown Arts Center as we present this collection of creativity from our local elementary students!
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The official Opening Event will be held on Saturday, January 27 from 10am-12pm. All students, family, friends, and loved ones are invited to attend! Entry is free and open to the public. Live music and light refreshments will be provided. A caricature artist will also be here! After the opening, this exhibit will remain on display thru 02/29.
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This exhibit has been organized by the Middletown City Schools Elementary Art Department and Educators.
Sensory Friendly Saturday
02/10/2024
9:30am - 12:00pm
Explore our art galleries and activities in a sensory-friendly environment!
Click here to view our Social Story w/ Visit Expectations Worksheet
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What to expect:
Art Exploration- enjoy our new MAC scavenger hunt!
Guided Art Activities
Therapy Dog Team from Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati
Experienced Volunteers
Calming Space
...and more!
There are sunglasses and noise-cancelling headphones available for use during this event. Please inquire at the front desk!
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Friendly volunteers from Abilities First will be working alongside MAC Staff as we provide a sensory-friendly experience.
This event is free and open to the public - All ages and abilities are welcome.​
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Annual Reunion Exhibit presented in memory of Gordon and Betty Hughes
03/15/2024-04/18/2024
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday, 03/15 6-8pm
Live jazz music by Moses Mabarak Quartet ft. Kelli Campbell
Complimentary light bites + special drinks
Artist Statement: In my art, I challenge the societal prejudices responsible for the distortion of our self-perception and that of others. This began with the realization that I had been unconsciously drawing my own nose larger than it actually was, exhibiting my own imposed prejudice. Determined to reclaim my true vision, I meticulously measured and drew my nose, thus unmasking the insidious presence of racism within my own self-perception.​
My transformative process in this series seeks to confront these notions, thus fostering emotional clarity and recognizing vital energy in individuals. Using lines and stripes as metaphors, I explore the tension between inner and external worlds. Through various mediums, I intricately define a sense of interconnectedness, shaping meaning with emotion-infused brushstrokes. My unique artistic language incorporates elements of fauvism, cubism, abstract expressionism, and African art.
The works symbolize a hole in our perceptions of each other that can never truly be filled except with presence. We self-contain this energy of our past and our nature in various ways. The stripes represent that energy and where it is directed- a manifestation of how we filter ourselves, our natural energy, and the tension that surfaces because of that containment- and its influence on interactions between systems of people.
By shedding distorted images, I strive to transform the world- making the truth as unmistakable as the nose on my face. (Full Artist Statement available here)
Pictured: Cropped selection of work to be exhibited by Brian Mathus
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03/05/2024-04/30/2024
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, 03/15 6-8pm
Live music + Complimentary light bites
Artist Statement:
I’ve always been intrigued by nature- the way it can look or feel different just by the light, the colors, the air. It’s something I’m drawn to and always have been.
Observing is an important part of my art, whether it be a floral, landscape, or figurative painting, it’s inspired by a careful observation of what I’m seeing, and translating that onto canvas or paper.
In my show “Observations: A Delicate Impression” I hope to express that through my work, to show my impression of nature as I see it, and the beauty it brings to life.
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PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP TO BE HELD APRIL 13. Click here for more details.
Annual Student Exhibition
Sponsored by Suzie Bennett, in memory of Jay Wright
05/03/2024-07/03/2024
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday, 05/03 6-8pm
Middletown Arts Center offers art education in Painting, Drawing, Glass, Ceramics, Photography, Fiber, Enameling, Metalworking and more. The talented MAC instructors help hundreds of students each year to develop their artistic skill. Our annual exhibition showcases the best of the best of our students' work.
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Prospectus Available Here
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Pictured: 2023 Best of Show, Student Peggy Hostetter
Kaleidoscopes of Color - Artwork by Tami Beale
05/01/2024-07/03/2024
Lobby Gallery | Opening Reception Friday, 05/03 6-8pm
Jump into a world of endless colors and eccentric patterns with abstract paintings created by Tami Beale. Just like looking into a kaleidoscope, each painting offers a unique and vibrant experience. Each glance reveals new intricacies and delights before your eyes.
Tami Beale is a self taught artist specializing in one-of-a-kind abstract oil and mixed media paintings. Tami's work is an array of vivid colors, textures, and layers. She creates her art without the use of brushes or thinning agents, giving her pieces a distinct allure, which draws the viewers in for a closer look. From whimsical to contemporary, her art provides a touch of distinctiveness to any space. With over two decades of artistic exploration under her belt, Tami's art journey has been fueled by a passion for pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown. Through her work, she seeks to ignite the imagination and inspire the soul.
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Artist Statement: Art has always been a personal and therapeutic journey for me and I am so honored that I am able to share it with people who love art as much as I do. I believe that art is a healer, not only to those who create it, but also to those who immerse themselves in it
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Pictured: Permanent Retrograde, by exhibiting artist, Tami Beale
Annual Photography + Digital Art Exhibition
08/01/24-09/05/24
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday, 08/02 6-8pm
Middletown Arts Center presents their annual Photography and Digital Art Competition. Entry details coming soon.
All Professional and Amateur Photographers and Digital Artists ages 16 years or older are eligible to submit digital photographs, film photographs or other digital works of art on our website.
Regional professional and amateur photographers and digital artists compete to exhibit their best work. This esteemed exhibition features a variety of photography and digital art subjects including architecture, landscape, and portraits.
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Pictured: Cropped Selection of 2023 Best of Show, "Showgirls in the Shadows" by Alexander Boardman
Between Realms - Works by Chip Williamson
07/10/24-08/28/24
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception Friday, 08/02 6-8pm
From the artist: Photography has a special way to invite its viewers into the past; into worlds long gone, exposing the reality and the mystery between the “then” and the “now”. Faded images, yellowed through the years, enhance the feeling of time and distance. Photos of the motherland, great grandparents, long-gone babies, historic events, and even past wonders of the world take us into other worlds, where time travel is possible and the mystery of living and dying is revealed for just a moment, somewhere between realms. Read the complete exhibit description and artist statement here.
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Pictured: Work from "Between Realms" series by Chip Williamson
Watercolor Ohio 2024
09/21/24-10/17/24
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Saturday, 09/21 1-4pm
The 47th Annual Juried Exhibition for the Ohio Watercolor Society​
Juror of Selection and Awards: Ken Call
2024 OWS Workshop: People and Figures in Watercolor, 7/16-7/19 More info & Register Here
About the Juror:
Born and raised in Rochelle, Illinois, Ken went on to graduate from the American Academy of Art in 1980 with an Associate Degree in Illustration and Watercolor. After starting his career as a studio artist, he soon branched out and began a successful freelance career, which led to the creation of over 500 illustrations for books, magazines, art publishers, advertising agencies and corporations. During the past few years, Ken made the transition to fine art and portraiture.
Many of his originals hang in galleries and homes across the country. Several awards have led to Signature status in the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society, Montana Watercolor Society along with being a Master Signature member with the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Illinois Watercolor Society.
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Pictured: 2023 Ohio Watercolor Society Gold Medal Winner, Weeds by Jeanette B. Ferguson
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This exhibit is sponsored by C Robert Buchanan, Architect, and:
Trish Weeks
09/04/24-10/23/24
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception TBD | Palette Knife Techniques + Expressive Color Workshop on October 19 - More info coming soon
Trish draws inspiration from the organic landscapes in the Midwest and the Carolinas. She also adds a global perspective by including memories from travels to paint in Europe, India, China, Japan and Nepal where she paints plein air in the environments she is experiencing. Trish’s signature works portray expressionist views of nature that seem to breathe and vibrate with amazing energy. These are created by combining simple compositions with complex layers of color using a palette knife to intensify the clarity and impact of the colors. Her technique with the palette knife shows both delicate detail and also creates bold swaths that intensify the expeience. Despite her strong technique, her composition and palette maintain a serenity; and the subject maintains a delicacy.
Trish’s art achieves a unique balance in its constituent elements, which may account for the sense of well being it brings to viewers. Those who experience her work routinely comment on how good it makes them feel, and describe it as a tactile experience or “a dance with color”.
Pictured: Work by Trish Weeks
Area Art Exhibition
11/08/24-12/12/24
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday 11/08/24, 6pm-8pm
Middletown Arts Center presents the Annual Area Art Exhibition. This juried competition is open to adult artists working in 2D & 3D media. See the best work from artists within a 50 mile radius of Middletown.
Work to be accepted Monday, October 28 - Thursday, October 31 during business hours - check business hours on prospectus (coming soon).
The Area Art Exhibition is presented by Patti Gage in memory and honor of George Robert Gage.
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*Due to the high volume of entries, payment for entry fees must be made with cash or check
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Pictured - Section of Homage to the Ancestors by Clifford Darrett
Phillip Erbaugh
10/29/24-12/12/24
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception Friday 11/08/24, 6pm-8pm
The Middletown Arts Center presents the 2023 Presidents Award Winner, Phillip Erbaugh.
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Annually, the Presidents Award is given during the Area Art Exhibition to an artist who displays an inherent depth in their work, paired with mastery and interest in their medium. The winner is awarded an exhibition the following year.
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More information to come.
Tuscan Treasures - Works by Peggy Trimble
07/10/24-08/28/24
Lobby Gallery
Reception Friday, 08/02 6-8pm
Eighteen months ago, I visited the bustling and exciting city of ancient Florence, Italy, and the lovely, quiet, historic town of Siena. The trip ended with a week's stay at a farm called Frattoria del Colle which was nestled in the beautiful, quiet Tuscan countryside, in the shadow of the small, stone hilltop village of Trequanda.
The term farm was certainly misleading, as the Frattoria was actually a vibrant, active wine-making agriturismo. The property itself is composed of seven or eight charming, quaint buildings, most of which were constructed in the 1700s. Owned by the historic del Colle family, whose culture and history trace back many centuries in this area, the buildings and acres of beautiful, parklike grounds are a monument to the family’s determination to carefully preserve the old while living in the present.
Included among these structures stands a small, brick, antiquated chapel, exuding with the gracefulness of its period charm. Filled with the family’s art and religious items, it includes an original Della Robbia wreath.
During the week, I also toured several small surrounding villages, each more captivating than the next with their stone and stucco homes and marketplaces, and the friendly warmth of the Italian people.
In its entirety, the surroundings were inspiring for any artist. The paintings you are viewing are the result of the peaceful serenity found in this bucolic setting.
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Pictured: Work by Peggy Trimble