(Lebanon, OH) - Two individuals who are served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will have artwork displayed at the Art and Soul Art Gallery this month. 

The annual exhibit at Dayton Metro Library gives artists with developmental disabilities the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork.

Aaron Bowman, 39, has been passionate about painting for about 10 years. His paintings often include animals, nature, and extraterrestrials, although he paints various subjects.

He is known for using bright colors to create art that would be an ideal statement piece in someone's home.

For this year’s Art and Soul gallery, Bowman submitted a painting of a peacock with bold colors.

Bowman said he is looking forward to attending the gallery to look at the art and to speak with people who appreciate his painting.

To blossoming artists, he encourages everyone to, “Try your best.”

David Werner, 39, is a photographer and nature enthusiast who captures surreal wildlife pictures. This year, he is presenting three photos at the art gallery. 

The photos feature a barred owl, a fire pink wildflower, and a pink lady's slipper wildflower. Werner said all the photos required proper timing- capturing the owl photo took patience, while the wildflower photos required knowledge of seasonal wildflowers. All three photos were captured at Ohio parks. 

“You go to the same place multiple times, but each time you see something different,” Werner said. “You might get a picture of a flower that’s not ready to pop, but then you come back next week and they’re all blooming. That’s always cool.”

Werner said it’s an honor to have his photos selected for the gallery.

The public gallery will be open during the month of April. The awards show will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Dayton Metro Library. Over $1,000 in cash awards are presented each year to participating artists.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.