A new art exhibit, "Home and Heart," opens this Friday at the Jesse Stuart Foundation.

Visitors to the Jesse Stuart Foundation expect to examine a broad range of books in our two bookstores, but they are also pleasantly surprised to find a fine collection of regional crafts and visual arts, including a new exhibit of representational art in the Jesse Stuart Foundation’s Leming Gallery.

A recent visitor from the Delta Queen tour group said, "Wow! This is first rate. It’s better than anything I’ve seen in Cincinnati in a long time."

Five local artists, long associated with the Jesse Stuart Foundation, have combined their talents to produce a visually exciting show that will formally open to the public on First Friday, October 7th, from 5-8 p.m. This exhibit will remain open to the public M-F, 9-5 p.m. until the beginning of the new year. The five artists are:

Caroline Wilson is a native of Catlettsburg who began her interest in the Arts through her dancing. She studied for two years at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Later, she studied painting in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, and North Carolina. Her watercolors focus on the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky.

Bill Kersey, a retired Ashland Oil engineer, has been active in the local arts community for many years. Bill studied with Fred Rigsby and he works in oil and pastels media. His work has appeared in many area galleries, including a painting on permanent display at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in Morehead.

Steve McClements, a member of the Jesse Stuart Foundation staff, is a newcomer to the arts community. He works in graphics and is also a woodcarver. "Home and Heart" will also contain items produced by other members of the Ashland Area Woodcarvers.

Linda Harbison is one of the area’s most versatile artists. Her work ranges from stone carving to watercolor. Linda is a graduate of Morehead State University’s veterinary technology program and her love of animals is evident in her artistry.

Jim Marsh, retired manager of creative services for Ashland Oil, has been the chief designer for JSF publications for many years. Thanks to Jim’s artistic leadership, the JSF is producing books and magazines that attract a national reading audience.

Marsh is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he studied communications design and illustrations. He was a student of noted figure painter Vincent Nesbert.

The first Friday of every month is an Art Walk in downtown Ashland, along Winchester Avenue. Each gallery is open to the public.

Treat yourself and your family to the beauty of "Home and Heart," opening this Friday in the Leming Gallery of the Jesse Stuart Foundation at 1645 Winchester Avenue in downtown Ashland.

For more information, call (606) 326-1667.