Wanda Hardy’s Artist’s Statement

I believe art is personal –a shared experience between the maker and the viewer—sometimes intentional, sometimes not—and much like a conversation, where color, line, shape and texture share space in the dialogue. I hope the work you are exploring today speaks to you, reminds you of something, or simply delights you. Color and spontaneity drive my designs. My work blends energetic shapes and vibrant colors that spring from the first stroke of the brush or the juxtaposition of random papers and paint on my work surface. Much of my work recycles various types of paper and objects, cutouts from my paintings, as well as fiber and fabric scraps. The eye or leaf shape is a signature form that appears often in my art. It is a reminder of my mother’s keen sight and how important it is to simply look.

Wanda Hardy

Wanda Hardy is a native Washingtonian and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD. Her experience in art spans over six decades, beginning with sewing (a skill she learned from her mother) and eventually encompassing wearable art, home décor, jewelry, and accessories—even art made with Paint 3D. Though she is mostly self-taught where painting is concerned, her creativity has been enhanced over the years through classes exploring paper-, print- and book-making techniques, ceramic tile making, collage, quilting, interior design, photography and painting. She is grateful to Pyramid Atlantic, VisArts, Plaza Art, G-Street Fabrics, Montgomery College of Art & Design in Maryland, and the Art League in Alexandria, VA for the knowledge imparted.

Her paintings and collages have been featured in these exhibitions:

  • Historic Takoma, Takoma Park, MD, Jun-Jul 2021

  • Historic Takoma, Takoma Park, MD, Aug-Sep 2021

  • “Festival”, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery, Wheaton, MD, Aug 2021

  • “Celebration”, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery, Wheaton, MD, Nov 2021– Jan 2022

  • “A Lifetime of Perspective”, Bender JCC, Goldman Gallery, Apr-May 2022

  • “Retrospective”, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery, Wheaton, MD, Apr-Jun 2024

  • Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival, Wheaton, MD, Sep 2024

Join Sandy Spring Friends Meeting for a special artist’s talk with Wanda Hardy on Sunday, February 2 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Sandy Spring Lyceum (17801 Meeting House Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860). Light refreshments will be provided.  Wanda will talk about the inspiration for her current show in the Lyceum Gallery. All pieces in the show are for sale.

The Lyceum Gallery is open during staff office hours (10 am-4 pm Tues-Fri), Sundays 9 am-1 pm, and by appointment (301-774-9792).