Artists Mary Ann Chaney (pictured) and Randy Patzer are the featured artists at Wildwood Barn. Photo by Grace Johnson.

Two new artists now have their works on display at Wildwood Barn in Nebraska City. Pieces by Randy Patzer and Mary Ann Chaney are on display and for sale through Sept. 4.

For Omaha artist Patzer, practice makes perfect. The self-taught metal artist said repetition has been his route to success. He makes a variety of decorative and functional pieces using heat and hammering techniques. He is the owner of Copper Creations, Inc.

Patzer said his previous occupations have helped him develop as an artist. He has worked in construction and roofing, as well as for the Boeing Aircraft Company. He said he uses some of the same techniques and tools when creating art. “Everything I do is working with my hands,” he said.

Initially, Patzer started making plates for family and friends, which incorporated themes such as flowers, butterflies, mountains, trees, water and whales.

Now, he said he gravitates toward modern and contemporary styles, which are currently popular with art buyers. “It’s interesting to see how my styles change,” he said.

Patzer enjoys creating fountains and other custom-order pieces, which can be as large as nine feet tall and five feet wide. He said the special requests make him feel that he is putting his talents to good use. “That’s one of the greatest things, to know that somebody appreciates your art,” he said.

For seven years, he has been attending art shows in the Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska City areas. “The art community is really nice,” he said. “You look forward to seeing the artists you know from all over the country.”

Patzer said he spends a lot of time designing each piece, but that the finished product sometimes surprises him. “There are a lot of happy accidents,” he said.

Mary Ann Chaney has been in love with painting for over 30 years. The Auburn native majored in painting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and now has a large collection of pieces which she characterizes as “abstract” and “expressionist.”

“I love the act of painting. I love to see the strokes,” she said. The subjects of her oil paintings are most often found in nature. “I like doing natural things,” she said. One series of paintings features the same stick. “I like to do a series because then you can develop it,” she said.

Though she is inspired by nature, Chaney said earth tones are seldom the colors that end up on the canvas or paper. Rather, she is attracted to bold, bright, and what she terms “overwhelming” hues. “I love color. I think that’s why I love painting,” she said.

In addition to private collections, her creations can be found in the Nemaha County Hospital, Auburn Memorial Library and Good Samaritan Center. She also displayed in the Jindra Fine Arts Gallery at Peru State College. She occasionally paints portraits of children or families.

For two years, she has had her own Chaney Gallery (www.chaneygallery.com) in Brownville, where she also has a studio. She is a member of the Brownville Art Guild, Schoolhouse Gallery and Brownville Fine Arts Association.

Chaney said she doesn’t spend a lot of time analyzing her work or thinking about where it’s headed. “I don’t know where my style is going. If you keep working at it, you improve. Mostly I’m just having fun.”