Some people had forgotten, some people never knew.

That’s the way the “Pike County Masters: Jean Lake and Pugh Windham” exhibition was viewed by most at the reception at the Johnson Center for the Arts on Tuesday afternoon.

“I just didn’t realize the scope of Pugh Windham’s work,” said Jim Roling. “His carvings are awesome. Angie and I only have one of his carvings and I wish we had more.”

Angie Roling said the carving that she and her husband purchased is titled “Daddy’s Boots.”

“Seeing how incredible his work is, I don’t know why we don’t have more of it,” she said. The Rolings were equally impressed with the artwork of Jean Lake.

“I had not seen Jean Lake’s large pieces and they are amazing,” Jim Roling said. “I didn’t realize that she painted in such detail. I have heard that there is a painting that she did of Mr. Baker standing inside a screen door. After seeing these large pieces I would love to see that one.”

There were many “I wish I had” statements made during the reception. And, Lake’s daughter, Angie Lake Ingram of Millbrook also wished.

“I only have one piece of mother’s artwork – the large piece of the elderly lady standing at the window,” Ingram said. “When mother got sick, people began to buy her work and soon it was gone. My sister has two pieces and my brother has a piece. We all wish we had more.”

Morgan Drinkard, interim director of the center, said the Pike County Masters exhibition is an opportunity to see the genius of two local artists on exhibit under the same roof.

“We were very excited that so many people attended the reception,” she said. “Beginning right at 4:30 there was a steady flow of people and I think everyone was very impressed by the creativity of Jean Lake and Pugh Windham. It is a great show and we invite everyone to visit the Johnson Center during this very special exhibition that runs through May 30.”

The TroyFest Student Art Show Competition and the Charles Henderson High School Senior Art Show are exhibited in the upper level of the arts center through TroyFest weekend.