Wayne Art Center is hosting its 22nd Expressions of Radnor exhibition, an annual show focused on displaying art from local artists. All mediums are welcomed, leading to a diverse array of works from many different perspectives and backgrounds.

Expressions of Radnor was displayed from Feb. 13 to Mar. 10. An event of this scale takes months of planning, often starting as soon as the prior June. Executive director Nancy Campbell believes that Expressions of Radnor is an important event to highlight pieces the community can create.

“It’s very different than a typical exhibition that we would open up to just any artist,” Campbell said. “It became more impactful and meaningful. This was a way to thank not only the (Radnor) township for their support, but also all the residents for their friendship.”

Once everything was finalized, 87 original works were arranged in a unique composition in the Davenport Gallery and opened to the public on Feb. 11. Artists could decide to put their works on sale with the price listed underneath the title.

One artist, Marianne Tebbens, a renowned sculptor and grandmother to Conestoga junior Jadyn Zahlaway, displayed two colorful pieces titled “Abstracted Light” and “Expressing Nature.” From a young age, Tebbens was fascinated by clay. As she traveled and learned more techniques and mediums, her love for sculpture grew stronger.

“I try to feel an emotion when I’m throwing on the potter’s wheel. Sometimes I feel frustrated,” Tebbens said. “Sometimes I feel joy when it centers and I finish the rim. When it collapses you feel like ‘Why am I doing this?’ But you always pick it back up because your passion is there.”

Another acclaimed artist with an extensive repertoire of oil and pastel, Anne Graham, presented a majestic pastel portrait titled “Phil Reading” this year. She studied at the Pratt Institute for several years before moving to England to further develop her skills.

Since the age of 5, Graham felt that she was destined to become a professional artist. Although pursuing art as an occupation is not suitable for all aspiring artists, she encourages those who feel a strong connection to consider it.

“If you’re passionate about (art) and you really love whatever medium you’re working on, you’re almost always successful,” Graham said. “Whether it’s each stroke of paint or each piece of pastel, if that’s the way you feel, go for it.”

On Feb. 26, the Wayne Art Center hosted an award ceremony and reception. Visitors from all over the community came in to enjoy snacks and view the exhibition. After some brief pleasantries, Campbell announced the awards alongside program coordinator Pam McLean Parker.

Esteemed artist Dori Spector received the Wayne Art Center Award for her oil painting “Cupcake” alongside a monetary prize. She also submitted an oil painting of Ardrossan Farm, titled “Wheeler Field Radnor, Winter Twighlight.”

Spector specializes in figurative drawing and oil painting, techniques she learned from studying at the Moore College of Art where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. From there, she attended the Arts Student League of New York on a merit scholarship.

Although Spector finds inspiration in the life all around — even from something as common as a pair of ripe oranges — she finds herself particularly drawn towards the human body.

“They (people) just call to me. I love to think about how I would draw them,” Spector said. “I always have loved to watch people walking down the street (while) in restaurants, I think that is just more interesting than anything else.”

Many guests who attended the reception were enthralled by the complex imagery that rose from the gallery. The artists were also welcomed to come and watch the visitors’ reaction.

“I think art has to stir something in you to be true art,” Tebbens said. “It has to stir the artist, but when you put it in the environment, it should affect people in some way – even if it’s just curiosity.”