On Friday, Dec. 10, the Rotating Artist’s Gallery of the Fairview Museum will exhibit the artwork of Nancy Hayes. A reception and celebration of Nancy’s artwork in watercolor, mosaic and stained glass will be held at the museum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on that date.

The Hayes came to Sanpete County from Layton. They have lived in many beautiful towns like Cave Creek, Arizona; Missoula, Montana; Bountiful, Utah; and Chino Hills, California. Wherever they lived, Nancy sought out art classes and increased her knowledge and variety of art forms to enjoy.

She moved to Sanpete County a year ago with her husband, Kim, her two dogs and a dozen chickens. They lived for the last year in their trailer while they were building their log home. It was a long year and she had to put her art on hold and the end result was a traditional Scandinavian log home.

Nancy has been taught by Lester Lee, Beth Arbuckle Ashdown, Michelle Walton and many other talented teachers over the years. She now enjoys expanding her art by teaching others to have confidence in exploring their own special talents.

Nancy started out painting in her early 20s with tole painting. It gave her a chance to make a little money while raising two daughters. Over the years she gave away most of that work, but she still has a few choice pieces she has kept.

While growing up, her mother taught her to sew. She has always enjoyed the fabric arts such as quilts, wool applique and clothing. A memorable trip to Israel 12 years ago was highlighted by 2 special quilt blocks that she had seen. Many of her pictures from that trip have those blocks in them.

Her love of watercolor art has always been around. While living in Bountiful, she found an art class at the local high school. She had the wonderful opportunity to learn under the amazing direction of Lester Lee. When she reached the age of “retirement” she started to paint at the senior center with a talented group of artists led by Beth Ashdown.

Watercolor is her favorite medium but enjoys oil and acrylics. She has explored photography and won first place for her picture taken in Montana at Lake McDonald.

Stained glass has always caught her attention and so several years ago she embarked in more classes to learn this beautiful art. When you work with glass you end up with buckets of extra glass and so it just made sense to bring another passion out in mosaics. She enjoys the challenge of finding the right wood tray or plate and creating a master piece from scraps.

Art has always been a major part of Nancy’s life. Now that the Hayes are finally settled in the beautiful Sanpete valley, she will have more time to create and share art.

This is an excellent and inspiring display. The museum staff invites visitors and Sanpete County residents to take time and see Nancy Hayes’ show. The museum is located at 55 N. 100 East in Fairview. The exhibit will be up until Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.

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