We hear a lot about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to the point that someone created a clever acronym – STEM – for verbal emphasis.

Lately, STEM has changed to STEAM as art was added to the mix, and to painter Steve Henderson, art is far more than one little letter in an acronym.

"The world needs art," the Dayton artist, who sells his original paintings and prints nationally and internationally, says.

"It sounds trite, but I believe it deeply. It has always been so. But especially today, with our corporate, cubicle world and its emphasis on cold scientific facts, we need something more than ever before that speaks of beauty, and something deeper than those cold facts.

"We need something that speaks to the soul, the heart, the inner workings of our being."

Henderson, who paints everything from Santa Claus to sailboats, from local landscapes to beautiful women in beautiful places, says that he seeks to create images that viewers will want to step into, be a part of, and find peace within.

"The canvas is a stage upon which the artist presents the character actor – color, texture, form, design, value, etc.," he says. "I choose to stage beauty, reminiscence, nostalgia, feelings of serenity, peace, tranquility – those emotions."

Henderson is presently showing a large wall of his work at Wenaha Gallery through December 15. He will be at the gallery in person during Dayton's Christmas Kickoff celebration. On Friday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. during the gallery's Christmas Kickoff Art Show, he will join gourd artist Sheryl Parsons and fractal photographer Debbie Lind, who will also be in attendance. Henderson will also be at the gallery from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 24, to chat with visitors and enjoy a piece of cake during the gallery's 25th anniversary celebration.