Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA), in partnership with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE), will present Susan Shie: A Celebration of the Artist’s Journey, a retrospective celebrating nearly four decades of work by internationally recognized Wooster artist Susan Shie. The exhibition will be on display October 10 through December 10, 2026, in the Gault and Looney Galleries at WCA.
Shie’s art—including narrative quilts, paintings, drawings, and writings—explores personal experiences, world events, culture, politics, and everyday life. A professional artist and educator since 1986, Shie combines intricate imagery, hand-stitched textiles, words, humor, and social commentary. Throughout her career, her hometown of Wooster has remained an important source of inspiration.
Pictured below is a self-portrait taken from the artist’s sketchbook.
The exhibition also celebrates Shie’s lasting impact on the local arts community and arts education. “Susan’s relationship with Wayne Center for the Arts reflects a remarkable history of creativity, collaboration, and generosity,” says Sara Starr Brink, Executive Director of WCA. “This retrospective is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only the extraordinary body of work she has created over nearly four decades, but also the many ways she has supported and encouraged our artistic community.” Jarrod Hartzler, Executive Director of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, adds, “Susan Shie’s work has been stimulating and supporting arts education programming for students of all ages for generations. Her work pairs perfectly with arts integration strategies in social studies, science, and language arts. The OAAE is proud to support this celebration of her impact on arts learning.”
Additional works will be displayed at William Gallery, Crystal Lake Creatives, Wayne County Public Library, and The College of Wooster Library, extending the celebration throughout the Wooster community. The exhibition will open with a free reception on Saturday, October 10, from 2–4 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is appreciated.
ABOUT
Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA), founded in 1973, is the region’s oldest and most comprehensive visual and performing arts organization. Our mission is to “Enrich Lives and Strengthen Communities Through Art.” WCA offers galleries, concerts and events, and classes in visual arts, clay, music, digital arts, and dance.
The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE), founded in 1974, is a statewide organization dedicated to ensuring the arts are an essential part of education for every Ohioan. OAAE works with arts and education organizations across Ohio to support arts learning and education.
The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) supports Ohio’s vibrant arts and culture through grants, programs, and partnerships that connect artists, organizations, and communities across the state.