The Art of Sally Abbott Kicks Off Special Events Series at UA Wayne
The University of Akron Wayne College is proud to open its 2013-14 Community Connections Special Events Series with The Art of Sally Abbott, on display in The Gallery of the Student Life Building. The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Wayne Center for the Arts and is showing until Oct. 21. Admission is free.
The artist was beaming with excitement as she arrived at UA Wayne College to install her pieces. “This is my first solo exhibit,” Sally Abbott exclaimed. “I’m very happy to share my work and let others experience my art.” A self-taught artist and native of the Pittsburg area, Sally uses oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels to create a range of works from beloved pets to fantasy. She created her first commissioned painting in 1960 and in 1972, was instrumental in starting the Art in the Park program in Wooster, Ohio. She later helped to install the first paintings for the pediatric section of Wooster Community Hospital and at the Apple Creek Developmental Center. Sally painted a mural at the entrance to the pediatric section at Wooster Community Hospital, in addition to murals in Indianapolis and Burgettstown, Pa. She also creates Focus paintings for cancer patients, a form of art therapy that gives those in treatment something to focus on besides their illness.
Sally is the creator of Valley Illusions Studio in Wooster. She is a member of both the Wayne Center for the Arts Watercolor Guild and Wayne Artists Group Effort (WAGE), and has exhibited extensively throughout the area for the past two decades. Her work can be viewed online at valleyillusions.com.
The public is invited to a Meet the Artist event in The Gallery on Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:30 – 8 p.m. when Sally will present her pieces and discuss the techniques she uses. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free.
For more information on this and other Community Connections events visit wayne.uakron.edu and click on the Community tab or call 330-684-8729. UA Wayne College is located at 1901 Smucker Rd. in Orrville.