Wanda Owens Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a not-for-profit organization in North College Hill, will host a gallery opening in The Willoughby Art Gallery - located in Procter Center on Clovernook Center’s campus - featuring the work of Wanda Owens, a talented artist who is blind.

‘Illuminated Soul’ will be a collection of Owens’ latest art pottery; each uniquely sculpted with a variety of colors and surface carvings. “Colors are always an adventure,” said Owens. “Sometimes I close my eyes so I can try to see it!”

In each collection of work, Owens includes a piece featuring a clown and “always something about the Lord.” For Owens, the artistic process is a very spiritual experience. “All things are possible with God” – a quote from scripture – has been and continues to be what drives Owens to continue to create art. “Having had sight took me to a place of more thinking.”

Artwork from exhibit by Wanda Owens “The biggest thing I have learned is to keep reaching, not to look at a point of arrival, but to stay open,” said Owens.

Owens has been taking art and ceramics classes at Clovernook Center since 2004. Owens began to lose her vision at the age of 20, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Owens is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in social welfare. Owens is also a talented musician who has performed in several music groups.

The opening reception of “Illuminated Soul’ will take place on Saturday, February 9 from noon to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. The exhibit will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment, through March 8, 2013. The Willoughby Art Gallery is at 7000 Hamilton Ave. in North College Hill. Call 513-522-3860 or visit www.clovernook.org.