The Family Palette -- Where Family and Art Collide

A Creative Thread in The Family Palette: Patrice Wielgus

Art has been a lifelong companion for Patrice (Garbers) Wielgus, a steady thread woven through every stage of her life. Now based in Columbus and featured in The Family Palette exhibit at the Columbus Art Gallery, Patrice has embraced a new chapter in her creative journey: focusing fully on sharing and selling the art that has always helped her understand the world and herself.

Transforming Materials into Meaning

Patrice works across a wide range of media, including pencil, pen, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Her portfolio also includes unique jewelry crafted from repurposed pieces, blending fine art with thoughtful design. No matter the material, each piece reflects careful craftsmanship and emotional depth her art is not only seen, but felt.

Her black-and-white drawings showcase a love for detail and form, while her paintings reveal movement, texture, and expressive color. This balance between control and freedom is part of what makes her work so engaging.

A Journey Into Color

For many years, Patrice felt most comfortable working in pencil and avoided color altogether. That changed in her thirties when she began experimenting with watercolor, and everything shifted. She discovered a new joy in letting color speak, allowing it to carry emotion in ways graphite alone could not.

Since then, exploring new materials has become an essential part of her creative process. Each medium offers a different language, and Patrice thoughtfully chooses how best to express an idea or feeling through it.

Art with Heart and Purpose

Patrice’s passion for art extends beyond her own creations. As a gallery docent, she volunteers her time to welcome visitors and help foster an inclusive, inviting environment where people of all backgrounds feel comfortable engaging with art. For her, creativity is not just personal expression, it’s also about community.

Visit this month's exhibit

Come and enjoy art by Patrice Wielgus during The Family Palette

Open Reception is Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5-7 p.m.

The exhibit will be showing in the Columbus Art Gallery from February 5 - 26. The gallery is located in the Columbus Community Building, 2500 14 St., on the second floor

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 1 - 5 PM
Saturday 1 - 4 PM

Originally posted by Trax Creative District via Locable

Columbus Creative District

2500 14th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
402-562-4273
www.traxcreativedistrict.com

Calendar

Mon

1:00pm–5:00pm

Tue

1:00pm–5:00pm

Wed

1:00pm–5:00pm

Thu

1:00pm–5:00pm

Sat

1:00pm–4:00pm