NEDERLAND — Local artists and residents gathered at the Nederland Community Center on Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, for the spring Art at the Center reception, which featured live demonstrations, food and wine, and community voting.

People moved between rooms, stopping at snack tables and wine stations set up throughout the building. 

Residents gather at the Nederland Community Center to view artwork, visit with artists, and take part in the evening’s events.

Photo by Mindy Leary

The “Art at the Center” show, which began in 2009, continues to rotate new artwork onto the Center’s walls several times a year.

Artist demonstrations were spread across the multi-use room.

Andrew Morse worked at the pottery wheel as people watched with interest.  At another table, Jeanne Benson guided participants through her demo with colored pencils.

Andrew Morse demonstrates pottery techniques during the Art at the Center reception on April 16, 2026.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Lee Kennedy’s watercolor demo used her flower paintings for reference. “Watercolors, like any transparency, start with light,” Kennedy said, encouraging participants to mix colors and wet the page first to spread color.

Wolfy Wolf, who has displayed his work in the exhibit for about a decade, described his watercolor style as varied and evolving. “I do abstracts, I do whimsical landscapes, whimsical representations of architecture,” he said. 

His work also leans into imaginative and science-fiction influences. “I’ve done… more whimsical take on technology, like different kinds of flying cars and so forth, inspired by futuristic-type sci-fi,” he said, adding that some pieces are influenced by Hayao Miyazaki. “I like his… good blend of storytelling and spiritual stories.”

Attendees moved between demos and the exhibits, voting on their favorite artists. Organizers said the results were very close.

“It's always fun, and I really do think this is a really special community thing,” said organizer and co-chair Janna Butler, who studies under Annie Thayer.

Sixteen artists participated in the show.

From left, Kathy Bremers, Annie Thayer, Janna Butler, Serene Karplus, and Barbara Hardt pose with awards during the Art at the Center reception on April 16, 2026.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Third place went to Serene Karplus. Second place went to Kathy Bremers. Michelle Dick scooped first place. Awards were not for any one piece, but for an artist’s body of work.

The Best of Show award went to Annie Thayer, who has helped organize the show since 2013, said the event is about bringing people together. When asked what her favorite part of the show is, she said, “I think seeing the community get together around art.” 

She added that the range of artists keeps the show fresh each time. “We have such a diverse community of artists here… It’s really so good.”

The Coordinator’s Choice award went to first-time participant Barbara Hardt for photography. Special thanks went to Dawn Baumhover. 

The awards were not tied to cash prizes. Organizers noted the focus is on visibility and celebration, rather than competition.

The artwork will stay on the walls of the Nederland Community Center for viewing over the next few months. The Center is located at 750 Highway 72.