By Cole Hatcher
Ohio Wesleyan University’s Beeghly Library has “gone to the dogs” with a new art exhibit in its Gallery 2001.
The exhibit, on display now through Aug. 7, features 13 paintings by artist and author Becky Gehrisch of Delaware.
The paintings, acrylic on canvas, are illustrations from Gehrisch’s forthcoming children’s book, “Escape to Play.” The book, Gehrisch’s first, chronicles a day of fun by three mischievous farm dogs. It is set for release in July, along with an accompanying coloring book.
Gehrisch says she grew up drawing dogs and farm scenes after visiting her grandparents’ homes in the country. She hopes “Escape to Play” encourages her young readers “to have fun by discovering the world around (them).”
She earned her bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from The Ohio State University and hopes to pass on her love of art by including reproductions of classic paintings in both her new book and coloring book.
Gehrisch also works as a portrait artist and operates a new publishing company, Bookling Media LLC. In addition, she volunteers as the illustrator coordinator for the Central and Southern Ohio chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Learn more about Gehrisch and her work at www.gehrisch-arts.com.
In addition to Gehrisch’s paintings, the Gallery 2001 “Escape to Play” exhibit also includes a display of other children’s books by central Ohio authors and illustrators. The books are courtesy of downtown Delaware’s Beanbag Books.
Gallery 2001 is open during library hours in the lobby of OWU’s Beeghly Library, 43 Rowland Ave., Delaware. For the latest hours, visit owu.edu/library. Admission is free. The gallery is a satellite of Ohio Wesleyan’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum.
