Wayne Bates

The MAG Community Art Center is honored to present Wayne Bates: Collected Works. The inaugural exhibit in the Doran Gallery highlights Bates' work from the 1980s through the early 2000s, a period of intense work and active participation in national art and craft fairs. Upon returning home from a show, Bates would stash unsold pieces in his workspace attic, while in the studio he would move on to another body of work. We are fortunate to see this collection exhibiting the development of the artist’s creative process.

Wayne Bates is as thoughtful in life as he is with his artwork. He has been a long time supporter and advisor to the MAG, and an invaluable mentor to me. Weekly conversations have evolved around art and craft, websites and computers, building a creative community, and supporting artists in their creative endeavors. Wayne’s perspective, based on lived experiences in the art and craft world, has always given consideration to real people. Never one for “pie in the sky,” Wayne has always been honest, kind and incredibly generous with his time and expertise. We are a stronger art community thanks to the empowering effects of Wayne Bates.