A new exhibition featuring mixed media artwork by Peoria resident John Simon Weecks will be on display in Surprise during the month of October.

The public is welcome to a free opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at The Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N. Parkview Place, with Weecks in attendance.

The month-long exhibition will showcase award-winning wood carvings, oil paintings, murals and functional art. Highlights include the first prize winners of the 2023 Desert Woodcarving Show, first place winner and Best of Open Class in the 2022 Desert Woodcarving Show, hyper-realistic and medieval-inspired wood sculptures, Art Deco-inspired silver and diamond racers, and more.

The exhibition is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays, all month long, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Vista Center for the Arts. All works will be available for purchase in person or online at JohnWeecks.com.

The Vista Center for the Arts, a nonprofit operated by the Dysart School District, is hosting this pop-up gallery for October.

"The Vista Center for the Arts takes great pride in enriching the lives of our community through a vibrant array of visual and performing arts," Kara Poling, Vista Center community liaison, shared in a press release. "We're delighted to offer these exhibitions free of charge."

Weecks is a commercial artist based in Phoenix known for his wood carvings, paintings, jewelry and furniture.

John Simon Weecks will be in attendance for an exhibit opening reception Friday, Oct. 6 in Surprise.

(Photo provided by John Simon Weecks)