The Way Gallery, located on the lower level of Way Library, is an easily accessible public venue that is open during regular library hours. Way Library presents exhibits and displays of paintings, photography, sculpture, and other art works throughout the year with the purpose of providing educational and cultural enrichment.
Current Exhibit
David M. Ridenour: Veteran and Photographer
November 2025 - January 2026
Way Public Library is thrilled to highlight David Ridenour for his work leading the Veterans Art Show of Northwest Ohio in the Way Gallery since 2013! Enjoy his photography in the lower level now.
David M. Ridenour is a 1970 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Education majoring in Physical Science and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army through the BGSU Army ROTC program. He is the 2014-15 and 2002-03 past president of the Ohio State Association of Veterans Service Commissioners (OSAVSC). David was a member of the Wood County Veterans Service Commission from 1996 to 2019.He is a Past Commander American Legion Post 45 (Bowling Green), a former member of the Legion Riders, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1148 (Bowling Green), a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 35 (Toledo), and a member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). He served 8 years as a member on the Advisory Committee for the Ohio Department of Veteran Services. David also is the founder and President of the BGSU Army ROTC Alumni Society.
He was inducted into the Bowling Green State University Army ROTC Hall of Fame in 2004. David’s greatest contributions to BGSU started in 2008 when his research led to the addition of 34 names of former students who lost their lives in service to our country to the Memorial Hall Fallen Heroes Plaque, a plaque that had never been updated since its dedication in 1961.This project then led to a collaboration with other BGSU veterans to bring POW/MIA Chairs of Honor to the Doyt Perry Football Stadium, the Stroh Basketball Arena, and the Slater Family Ice Arena. Then in November of 2021, Bowling Green State University dedicated an outdoor Memorial Plaza to the 112 Fallen Heroes of BGSU.
In 2020, David was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
David served in Vietnam with the 1st Signal Brigade in 1971-72. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant soon after arrival in-country and served as the Executive Officer for Radio Company – Long Binh. During his tour, David was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.
David is a retired Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. He is now actively engaged in his hobby of photography. He initiated the Veterans Art Show of Northwest Ohio being held at Way Public Library in Perrysburg. David and his wife Jane have resided in Wood County since 1974 and have two adult children, Jennifer and Thomas.
Upcoming Exhibits
- February - March, 2026: Perrysburg Junior High School
- April 2026: Perrysburg High School
- May 2026: Country Garden Club Flower Show
- June - July, 2026: TOPICS Camera Club