Lafayette Art at the Mill is currently showing the works of 21 local and regional artists in its second annual summer exhibit. Highland Lakes artists Agatha Wyman and Rick Perez are joined by Ogdensburg artist Richie Culver for this show. Culver received his BFA in Color Theory from Lehman College of the City University of New York. “Color has always fascinated me and remains the focus of my work,” he explains. “I am an abstract expressionist at heart and tend to concentrate on action’ painting.” A Sussex County resident for over twenty-two years, he states simply that, “I have always enjoyed painting.” Perez received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Local venues have been the focus of his recent oil on canvas paintings and each is created onsite. His work on display will include scenes from Vernon and Highland Lakes, including Wawayanda State Park. He has exhibited his paintings in various East coast shows and exhibitions, including solo and juried events. Wyman received her BFA Ceramics from Pratt Institute. She will have dozens of her recent pieces on display, including numerous examples of her “Stone Balloon” series, inspired by a deflated balloon that had wrapped around a tree near the side of the road. The series addresses issues of the common man. Balloons, usually associated with rejoicing and celebration, are shown as burdened, forgotten, shoved aside and pushed around. “Surrogates for those of us neither glamorous nor tragic enough to be of interest to writers or reporters; for the common and often forgotten people who never have their fifteen minutes,” states the artist. “And yet, isn’t it sad to be a balloon and to be made of stone.” The balloons start by being thrown on the wheel, followed by a great deal of altering and hand building. The opening reception for the show, which will run through Sept. 3, will be a special two-day event, held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday July 1, with refreshments served. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists, who will be available to discuss their work. Culver, Perez and Wyman expect to each attend at least one day of the two-day opening. Art at the Mill focuses on modern trends in the visual arts, including paintings, sculpture, fine crafts, and photography. The gallery is currently open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday, and by appointment. The gallery is located in the Lafayette Mill Antique Center in Lafayette, New Jersey, just off Route 15 at Morris Farm Road, on the second floor, above the café. Call 973-579-9994 for additional information.