Fifth Annual Enchanted Brush to Exhibit Inspired Works from World-Renowned Artists

Artist Audrey Benjaminsen’s portrait of Vincent Price will be included in The Enchanted Brush exhibition.

The Enchanted Brush, the University of Findlay Mazza Museum’s annual summer exhibition featuring works by gifted artists from around the world, will take place from June 10 through Aug. 2 in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion’s Lea Gallery.

For this fifth annual event, titled “Inspired,” participating artists were asked to create original work that pays tribute to an existing work of art, an artist, or a work of literature, along with an image of their source of inspiration. The exhibit pays homage to foundational artists and authors with the intention of challenging and inspiring future artists.

The 32 artists who have crafted pieces for “Inspired” have created work for Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” National Geographic, Marvel, and other iconic brands.

Mazza Museum curator Dan Chudzinski, who conceived of and organizes The Enchanted Brush exhibition, said what began as a late-night conversation among artist friends “has grown from a modest gallery display to an extraordinary collection of some of the world’s most exceptional fantasy artists.”

“As we celebrate year five, I am honored to host this awe-inspiring assemblage of talent on behalf of the University of Findlay,” continued Chudzinski. “Here, viewers will have the rare opportunity to witness a dramatic display of artwork paying homage to the creative spark: the moment where imagination and creation combine to produce something truly unforgettable.”

“Come for the art. Stay for the stories. Leave inspired,” he suggests.

An artist reception will be held Wednesday, July 17 at 6 p.m. It will feature guest artist Audrey Benjaminsen, who will provide a demonstration. Benjaminsen is a multimedia artist from Ann Arbor, Michigan, whose sensitive and haunting images draw inspiration from the natural world, historical influences, dream-like curiosities, and worlds unknown. Following her art demonstration, Chudzinski will lead a gallery tour of the exhibition. Three other artists with works in the show will be attending the reception, including Rhonda Libbey, Rich Klink, and Megan Nedds.

The Enchanted Brush will be free and open to the public. Gallery hours will be weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 1-4 p.m., and by appointment.