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New exhibits coming up at Art Center of the Bluegrass

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Two different artists will have their works on display in January and February at the Art Center of the Bluegrass.

The work of Susan Smith will be on exhibition from Jan. 21 through February 28 in the Museum Gallery at 401 W. Main Street in Danville. A reception for the artist will take place from 4:30-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Susan is a passionate abstract artist currently working in acrylics. She discovered her love for art during grade school, sparking a lifelong artistic journey.

Susan began her work with watercolor but transitioned to acrylics in 2024, drawn to their bright colors and versatility. Over the years, she has refined her skills through various learning opportunities. She studied under local artist A. Jack Mays, and later Joan Wilson, an art teacher from England. She is currently taking private acrylic lessons with Christina Browning at Art Center of the Bluegrass.

Inspired by the bold, brilliant hues of acrylic paints, Susan explores vibrant color palettes and techniques such as Dutch Pour and Blow Painting. Her work radiates joy and energy, inviting viewers to find delight in the beauty of color.

Susan made her artistic debut at the Bluegrass Art Center’s Fall Festival, where she publicly showcased her work for the first time. She is excited to continue sharing her art locally, bringing her passion for vibrant, abstract creations to the community.

The work of local artist Jane Hutchens will also be on display from Feb. 3 through March 8, with an artist’s reception from 4:30-6 p.m. on Feb. 7. 

This solos exhibition titled “Deeply Felted” is an innovative look at Jane’s work, where she invites viewers into a world where the delicate art of needle felting meets the organic beauty of wood.

Known for her intricate, tactile creations, Jane transforms wool fibers to bring to life figures and scenes inspired by nature. Each piece is thoughtfully displayed within the natural contours of found wood and objects, blurring the lines between sculpture and environmental art. 

The exhibition highlights the artist’s unique methods, showcasing the technical skill behind her needle felting process and the materials she uses – wool, wood, and even natural textures from the surrounding environment – and how they interact to form a cohesive narrative. 

Jane draws from her love of both the handmade and the wild, exploring themes of growth, decay, and transformation. Through this collection, she invites viewers to slow down and engage with the natural world through a lens of creativity, craftsmanship, and unexpected beauty.

Located at 401 and 409 West Main Street in Danville, the Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity. Bringing 30,000 people through the doors each year for the GLASS National Art Museum, art exhibits, classes, workshops, retail space, café, events, community gatherings, cultural conversations, and
ceramics studio, the Art Center of the Bluegrass is reimagining what an art center can be.