Susan Shie: A Celebration of the Artist’s Journey
October 10 – December 10, 2026
Join us for an Opening Reception on October 10th, 2pm – 4pm. Free to attend but RSVP is appreciated.
For nearly four decades, celebrated artist Susan Shie has transformed fabric paint, beads, leather, and ink into intricate visual chronicles of people, places, events, and ideas. Drawing from world cultures, folklore, politics, environmental concerns, personal milestones, and the everyday experiences of life, Shie creates works that are at once deeply personal and remarkably expansive.
This retrospective surveys significant periods and projects throughout Shie’s extraordinary career. Her work has responded to major world events and political and environmental issues, while also honoring the celebrations and intimate moments that shape our lives. Weddings, inaugurations, protests, accomplishments, and countless other stories find their way into her richly detailed compositions. Through it all, her hometown of Wooster remains a recurring presence–a place that provides both subject matter and a sense of connection across decades of work.
Wayne Center for the Arts has been an important part of Shie’s artistic journey. Over the years, Shie has contributed to the Center not only as an artist, but also as curator, collaborator, mentor, and community builder. She curated major Wayne Center exhibitions, including Touching Stories and The Garden Party, and for decades has nurtured some of the region’s most accomplished and prolific artists through W.A.G.E. (Wayne Artists’ Group Effort), an initiative which she cofounded.
With support of community partners, Wayne Center for the Arts is proud to present the largest exhibition of Shie’s work to date. Works are presented throughout the Gault and Looney Galleries, with additional works exhibited at partner locations throughout Wooster:
This exhibition celebrates not only an extraordinary body of work, but also an artist whose creativity, generosity, and commitment to community have made an indelible mark on the cultural life of Wayne County and beyond.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the community members who have generously lent works and supported this exhibition.
To see previous exhibits, check out our Past Exhibit page.
