Pike County honors its own artists

A packed house for an art exhibit in Pike County is not the norm for a Sunday afternoon.

But, that’s what happens when a community honors its own.

The Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy hosted an artists’ reception Sunday for “The Roots Exhibit” that features the artists of Pike County.

“We have brought the artists home,” said Richard Metzger, Johnson Center director. “‘The Roots Exhibit’ includes about 150 pieces of artwork by 40 artists who are Troy natives or who call Troy home. Thirty-eight of the artists attended the reception and, for them, it was a wonderful time of seeing old friends and reconnecting.”

The participating artists were selected by a committee that identified the local talent and invited the artists to show their work at “The Roots Exhibit,” which is the first of its kind at the Johnson Center for the Arts.

“We have a tremendous wealth of talent in Pike County and wanted to give these artists an opportunity and a place to showcase their work,” Metzger said. “I am very impressed with the variety of the show – the texture, the tone and the size of the works. Overall it’s an excellent show.

“Pike County is a creative community and ‘The Roots Exhibit’ bears testimony to that.”

Metzger said the exhibit has an overall appeal, no matter one’s background in the arts.

“You don’t have to be schooled in the arts to appreciate this exhibit,” he said.  “It can be enjoyed as an aesthetically pleasing experience.”

Metzger said those who attended the exhibit will be impressed and maybe even surprised by the talent of their friends and neighbors.

“These artists are our friends and neighbors and the exhibit is just a shining example of what the people in Pike County are doing and an opportunity for us to know about and appreciate their talents,” Metzger said.

The Johnson Center for the Arts has extended its hours during the holiday season so that family members, who come home for the holidays, and visitors will have a greater opportunity to view the exhibit.

Through December, the Johnson Center will be open during its regular hours, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and also from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

There is no admission charge and the public is always invited.

“We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the exhibit and show pride in our community as we support our friends and neighbors,” Metzger said.