View the following exhibits by Aug. 23! Admission is Free to view the gallery at the Charles H Taylor Visual Arts Center. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm.

Please Touch the Art: Works by Sally Barker

June 21 – August 23, 2025

A retired CPA, Sally Barker began her retirement filled with creativity.  She began making art – stitching various shades and textures of fabrics together to recreate famous works of art and developing a system for the blind to experience color, perspective and composition. Sally developed a color wheel which included red, yellow, blue, green, orange and purple with three shades of each hue. She also decided on textures for colors to add in the goal of sewing artworks that the blind could touch. Feeling the texture of a color helps blind audiences identify a hue, and feeling the sizes of different objects in the works introduces the idea of perspective to these audiences as well. The main idea, though, is to help the blind understand art as a means of communication.

PLAYTIME: Toys and Art

April 12 – August 23, 2025

This exhibition of toys and art is a captivating showcase that blends the worlds of childhood wonder and artistic expression. Within the galleries, visitors are greeted with a colorful array of toys, ranging from classic playthings to contemporary designs, each carefully curated to evoke nostalgia and fascination.

This exhibition features a diverse selection of artwork inspired by toys, as well as pieces that incorporate toys as mediums or subject matter. Artists from various backgrounds and styles contribute their unique interpretations, creating a rich tapestry of creativity.

From whimsical paintings and sculptures to mixed-media installations, the artworks on display celebrate the joy, imagination, and cultural significance of toys. Some pieces may explore the symbolic meanings associated with childhood objects, while others reimagine familiar toys in unexpected contexts, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions.

Interactive elements are interspersed throughout the exhibition with hands-on activities, workshops, and play areas encourage exploration and experimentation, fostering a sense of playfulness and discovery.

Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to reconnect with the enchantment of their youth, while also appreciating the profound impact toys have on shaping our identities and experiences. It serves as a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring magic of toys in both art and everyday life.