TROY — The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center will present Reflections in Faith, paintings by William Smith III.

The exhibit will be on display at the Hayner Center from Jan. 7 through Feb. 13, 2022. The public is invited to a reception honoring the artist from 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7. The reception is a wonderful way to William Smith III and learn about his art directly from him. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

William Smith III is an award-winning artist who grew up in Troy. After high school, he attended the Columbus College of Art and Design. He also studied at the Chautauqua Institute of New York and the Dayton Art Institute. He has worked professionally as both a visual artist and graphic designer most of his career. He returned to his hometown where he raised his two boys and currently resides with his wife Tracey. Smith is the publisher of the local good news media website, BravoTroyOhio.com and sister site BravoMiamiValley.com.

Much of Smith’s work is mixed media; however, his primary medium tends to be acrylic paint.

“I am not one that likes the constraints of labels or categories; however, I would describe my paintings as ‘expressive realism,’” Smith said. “A balance between both realms, that leaves the viewer finding themselves somewhere in the middle. This more than likely stems from influences by Salvador Dali and his quest to redefine, or question, reality.”

“From the time we saw William’s painting, RIF No. 1, which was included in a 2017 exhibit featuring art by Troy High School alumni, the exhibit committee knew they wanted to see and experience more of William’s art,” Exhibit Coordinator Leona Sargent said. “His work pulls you in and causes you to contemplate its meaning, as much as you want to figure out how William III created each work.”

The Hayner Center is located at 301 W. Main St. in Troy. The Hayner Center is closed on holidays. For more information, visit www.troyhayner.org or call 937-339-0457.