From staff reports

HILLSBOROUGH -- Painter Jennifer Hahn and sculptor Susan Wells will display their most recent work at the Hillsborough Arts Council July 28 through Aug. 20.

The opening reception will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 30, to coincide with Historic Hillsborough's Last Friday festivities. See www.hillsboroughartscouncil.org for more information about Last Friday.

Most recently, Hahn created paintings that focus on the endangered farmland in rural Orange County, where she has lived for eight years.

There has been recent conflict between the greater local municipalities, county officials and residents over the availability and use of rural land. This county provides healthy produce for people living a sustainable lifestyle and for the region's local booming restaurants and farmer's markets.

Located in the county are cottage industries, heritage family farms, watershed areas and protected rivers, all of which provide a rural buffer zone. In order to elevate the distinctive qualities of Orange County, Hahn painted canvases that heighten awareness of the beauty of the region in a way that may cause the viewer to give pause; not just to see a piece of artwork, but to look through a window into a place worth attention and careful consideration.

Wells' current sculptural work is designed to energize spaces with clearing and connecting light. Her sculptures use art as a technology that generates heightened connection between people, earth and spirit. The pieces are also created to acknowledge the unseen helpers of our planet and support them in their work of healing. Wells' work includes large-scale ceramic sculptures built and wood-fired in situ to generate light where they reside.

Maidenhair Studio, where Susan holds workshops, creates clay sculptures and throws pottery, is located in Cedar Grove, in northern Orange County.