In addition to being a proficient artist who paints with pastels, scratchboard, and acrylic, Debbie Hughbanks knows a LOT about boxes, because she's always sending her artwork somewhere.

"A good box is 'key' to shipping successfully," says the western and wildlife painter, who last year was accepted into 11 major national shows. "I wrote an article, Shipping Pastel Paintings for the Fainthearted, that addressed shipping if you don't purchase the special art shipment boxes."

Redbreast

From the Western Spirit Art Show in Cheyenne, Wyoming to the Artists for Conservation Exhibit in Qingdao City, China, Hughbanks' art travels the globe and invites viewers into her world of nostalgia, simple living, and country life. One of her works was manufactured into a 3-dimensional collectible figurine and selected as the exclusive pony for Dillard's Department Store.

"That little pony, 'Kindred Spirits,' went all over the world!" Hughbanks says.

For those who don't want to chase Hughbanks' art around, Wenaha Gallery makes it easy to see a collection of her work at a month-long Art Event that runs through February 10, 2018. Images range from African wildlife to nickering horses; from a forgotten baby's toy to a cat shamelessly sleeping while the mouse ambles by.

Wenaha Gallery, located at 219 East Main Street, Dayton, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.