lasher gallery

Lasher Gallery Featured Artists:
Louie Rochon and Chris Spencer

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) is proud to welcome Louie Rochon and Chris Spencer, two local Whidbey artists, to the Lasher Gallery April 1 through May 31. Rochon brings to WICA his vibrant color palette and rich textured detail in his paintings, while Spencer invites viewers to embrace the iconic whimsy and utility of his steampunk lamps and sculptures. Please join us for an opening art reception on April 10 at 5PM in the Lasher Gallery to celebrate the inspired work by both artists. The gallery is also open during Box Office hours, Monday through Saturday, 12:00-5:30 PM, and one hour before every show.

Louie Rochon

Before Louie Rochon discovered his true creative voice, he spent more than 25 years exploring a wide range of artistic disciplines—from watercolor painting and life-sized papier-mâché sculpture to fine art macro photography. In 2015, at the ripe young age of 63, he found his deepest passion in abstract expressionist acrylic painting. Louie Rochon’s work joyfully moves between abstract, expressionist, and impressionist styles. His paintings are alive with bold, vivid color and free-flowing lines that radiate energy and movement. Often described as “Happy Art,” his work bursts with optimism, warmth, and a heartfelt love of nature—especially flowers. Much of Louie’s inspiration comes from his surroundings. For over 30 years, he has lived on Whidbey Island with his wife, Sandy, "the love of my life." The natural beauty of the island landscape, combined with a deep sense of gratitude and joy, infuses his canvases with light and positivity. As Louie says, “Our world, now more than ever, needs art that is happy, joyful, and hopeful.” Through vibrant color and expressive gesture, his work offers viewers a moment of uplift—a reminder of beauty, connection, and possibility.

Chris Spencer

Steampunk lamps are a reallocation of discarded artifacts (junk) combined with creative (wild) imagination to create working lamps that pique interest along with providing light to read by. The additional sculptures tell a (humorous) story rather than just look cute.

Previous Exhibits