'Small Art, Big Impact' at Westfield Library Highlights Creative Vision of Area Artists

The Westfield Memorial Library is hosting the "Small Art, Big Impact" exhibit by the Westfield Art Association, featuring diminutive works created by 31 WAA members. The exhibit's closing reception is scheduled for August 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 550 E. Broad St., where visitors can meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

WAA President Darrin Owens explained that artists were asked to submit work that was 12 inches on a side or smaller, unframed. "For the 'Small Art, Big Impact' show, we ended up choosing one piece from each artist in the show, even though we let them submit up to three," Owens said. The organization also asked more experienced artists to step back so newer members could participate, including the treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. One artist in the show told Owens it was his first time having art accepted in a show, and he was very excited about the opportunity.

Since 1922, the Westfield Art Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization, has provided art education and public exhibitions. The WAA consists of a diverse group of artists working in all mediums and experience levels, including charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, multimedia, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts. The group includes both representational and abstract artists, as well as photographers and digital artists.

Owens noted that one WAA member is 104 years old and recalled hanging art for the organization in the 1970s. The WAA has exhibited at the library for many years and typically has four to six shows annually. The organization provides free entry for artists and features fairly low qualification requirements, allowing artists of all stages to display their work, build community with other local artists, and explore different mediums or styles.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.