It's a beautiful day and I've come to Waterford to take a nice walk. Why Waterford you ask? Well, it's the time of year in Waterford when you can take a walk and see beautiful works of art.

I'm joined on my walk by Susan Osborn, the founder and executive director of the non profit organization called WECAN, which means Waterford Economic Community Action Network. WECAN is showcasing delightful works of art created by local artists. The program is called “Palettes of Waterford.”  All the artwork is painted on large wooden palettes.

“The talent,” exclaims Susan. “You live with these people and you don't know they're that talented."

This is the third year that WECAN is displaying artwork at businesses throughout the town. It's a wonderful project. The artists love it because they get to show off their work. Local business owners love it because they display the art. It draws people into their businesses. They love the program so much, each business pays 150 dollars to display one palette.

And then, there's the art lovers. People who love to look at beautiful works of art. They enjoy coming to Waterford and checking out these wonderful creations.  All of the art is displayed either on the sidewalk or in the front windows of the businesses.

All the palettes are impressive. There’s a Harry Potter themed palette. There’s a General Strong Vincent palette. There’s palettes with pigs, elks, tractors, and classic cars. There’s palettes with a patriotic theme. There’s palettes with a religious theme. It’s difficult to pick out a favorite.

All 49 palettes will be sold at an auction at Waterford Gazebo Park on September 12. The artists get half of the sale. WECAN gets the rest to use for community projects.

What a nice way to spend a day in Waterford! Visitors can travel to the sites of all 49 palettes and play a game at the same time. You find the number assigned to the palette. As you visit that palette, you then match its number with a letter clue on the artwork's title card. Write down all the clues on a puzzle found inside the “Palettes of Waterford” official program. Then solve the puzzle. You can win a prize. Your kids and grandkids will love it.

Business owners greatly appreciate the customer traffic that the artwork brings to town. They are fond of the artwork too. Some of the business owners bid on the art and display it in their stores and restaurants for customers to see all year 'round.

Once again, all the artwork will be sold at an auction to be held Saturday, September 14 at Waterford Gazebo Park. Bidders can take one last look at the palettes beginning at noon. The auction starts at 1 pm. Most of the artwork can currently be seen by taking a two mile walk in town. However, some of the art is being displayed in businesses a few miles outside of Waterford.