NORWICH – Gallery coordinators at the Chenango Arts Council are making the final touches on a new exhibit featuring the works of local artist Matthew Wilson, set to debut in conjunction with a special reception from 5-7 tonight at the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, 27 W. Main St. in Norwich.

The gallery exhibit – free and open to the public – showcases more than 25 works created by Wilson and includes photography, display pieces, and specialty ceramics, most of which are functional pieces like pottery, vases, cups and bowls. Wilson had his work spotlighted at the Arts Council member exhibit in November, when he won best in show in the pottery category, but tonight’s reception ushers in his first-ever solo exhibit in Chenango County.

Wilson has spent years establishing a notable reputation for his work with ceramics. In 2009, he graduated from SUNY Oswego in studio art, preceeded by time studying abroad in Spain, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic and Costa Rica. He has also featured his work at other art exhibits statewide, most recently at galleries in Oswego and Auburn. Moreover, Wilson shares his passion for art in the community, working as an art teacher at the Norwich Middle School in addition to teaching an amateur ceramics class at the Arts Council.