A new watercolor exhibit by Ruth Ann Clayton, titled “The Baker District in Watercolor,” is now on display at Nature’s Way in downtown Mountain Home. The exhibit opened Monday, Sept. 21, and will run through Saturday, Oct. 3, at 16-18 E. Seventh St., just steps from the historic square that inspired her paintings.
Clayton’s work invites the public to explore the charm of the Baker District and celebrate the community through her artistic lens. One featured painting shows the square bathed in soft hues, with its centerpiece statue surrounded by lampposts, benches, and brick walkways. A downtown building forms the backdrop, capturing the area’s architectural character.
Known by many as a longtime dietitian, Clayton previously worked in public health and hospital settings before co-owning Nature’s Way with her husband, Jack Clayton. The couple has been deeply tied to the community since taking over the store, which has been a fixture on the square since 1978. Their son, Duncan Clayton, took the helm of the family business in 2015, and his wife, Meagan, joined him three years later.
Clayton’s artistry represents a newer chapter in her life. She began pursuing watercolor painting in recent years and has increasingly showcased her work in local exhibits. This latest show coincides with the 15th annual Art Odyssey Studio Tour, one of the area’s largest art events, which runs Sept. 24-26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The free, self-guided tour features 29 artists across Baxter and Marion counties. Guide booklets with maps and artist information are available at the Donald W. Reynolds Library, the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce, and other participating venues.
Clayton’s exhibit is a tribute to the Baker District, its businesses, and the community spirit that Nature’s Way and its owners have nurtured for decades. Earlier this year, Nature’s Way was named the 2025 Heartbeat of the Baker District by area observers, underscoring its influence on the downtown landscape.