ACTC Celebrates 20 Years of Art

ACTC Celebrates 20 Years of Art

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

At the Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), creativity has long been more than just coursework—it’s been a community, a passion, and for many, a life-changing experience. That spirit was on full display recently during a vibrant art fair held at the Boyd County Public Library, Midland Branch, where students, faculty, and visitors gathered to celebrate two decades of artistic growth under the guidance of ACTC Art Professor Wendy Foster Welsh.

The event marked a significant milestone for Welsh, who has spent the past 20 years inspiring students to explore their creativity and develop their artistic voices. The art fair featured a wide range of mesmerizing pieces created by ACTC students over the years—each one a reflection of the dedication, experimentation, and growth fostered in Welsh’s classes.

For Welsh, art has always been more than a profession—it has been a lifelong calling. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how her early experiences shaped her path. “I grew up in Indiana, so he would take me to these art museums in Chicago. And I just thought it was really cool. And eventually I went to the Savannah College of Art Design and got a degree in a BFA in painting.” Those childhood trips with her grandfather sparked a passion that would eventually lead her not only to become an artist, but also an educator committed to passing that inspiration on to others.

That philosophy has remained central to her teaching throughout her career. Welsh emphasized the importance of creativity in everyday life, explaining, “everybody needs a creative outlet of some sort. And I think that's why these classes are important just to find the joy in it.” For many of her students, that message has resonated deeply, encouraging them to pursue art not just as a skill, but as a source of personal fulfillment.

Looking back on her two decades at ACTC, Welsh expressed both pride and gratitude for the countless students she has taught. “it's just been a amazing 20 years to, to just watch people grow and change and to just see them become creative,” she said. Her words capture the heart of the exhibition—an ongoing story of transformation, where individuals discover new talents and perspectives through art.

Among those students is Libby Singleton, whose enthusiasm for painting was evident at the event. “I love everything about it. It's, I've started with drawing one and two, drawing II, and then I took painting I, and then this is Painting II. And I love it!” Singleton’s journey is a testament to the accessibility and appeal of ACTC’s art program, welcoming both traditional students and those returning to education later in life.

Singleton’s story also highlights how art can open new doors at any stage. “I have always been kind of artistic and done crafting and stuff and, but I worked full time and I always said that when I retired for work, that I was gonna go back to college and take all of the classes that I wanted to take, but couldn't when I was in college because it didn't fit into my degree. Right. Which was business. And so that's what I did as soon as I retired at the end of June in 2024. And I started in the fall of 2024 at ACTC in the art classes,” she shared.

Her experience reflects a broader theme seen throughout the exhibit: art as a second chance, a rediscovery, or even a long-delayed dream finally realized. When asked about what she enjoys most, Singleton kept it simple yet heartfelt. “I love color. Anything. I just love playing with colors,” she explained.

The art fair at the Boyd County Public Library was more than just a showcase—it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the lasting impact of dedicated teaching. Through Welsh’s guidance, students have not only learned techniques but have also found confidence, joy, and a sense of identity in their work.

As attendees walked through the exhibit, they weren’t just viewing paintings or drawings—they were witnessing stories of growth, passion, and transformation. After 20 years, Wendy Foster Welsh’s influence is clearly visible, not only in the artwork on display but in the lives, she has helped shape.