The history and development of Orem is a long one, dating back 90 years, when orchards ruled the landscape. The first glimpse of industrialization came in the 1940s with the introduction of Geneva Steel.

It was those orchards that inspired Orem artist Jay Wallace to create his latest exhibit, "Orem in Retrospect," which opens Thanksgiving Day at the SCERA Center for the Arts.

"I grew up on a small orchard and witnessed the transformation and development change in Orem," Wallace said. "It became more of a commerce center than the farming community it used to be."

Wallace, an Orem resident of 36 years, watched the transformation from his orchard, lending inspiration to his main piece, "Evolution of the Orchards," a three-series painting depicting what happened to the orchards.

Wallace will have 11 other works on display, featuring Orem landmarks such as Geneva Steel, the SCERA Theatre, a World War II prisoner of war internment camp (where Canyon View Junior High School stands today), the discovery of a woolly mammoth skeleton and the Olmested Hydroelectric Power Plant, among others.

Adam Robertson, president and CEO of the SCERA, said the decision to showcase Wallace's art was an easy one.

"It seemed like a perfect fit, as SCERA has a longtime history in Orem and Jay's exhibit showcases the history of Orem," he said. "This exhibit definitely has a unique perspective on our great city, as it combines the past and the present."

"With the orchards there was a feeling of loss," Wallace said. "But there are pieces of intrigue, like the skeleton. And then there are pieces about Orem's heritage, like the steel plant."

Wallace returned to art after 15 years in the commercial printing business.

"I felt a void in commercial printing," he said. "I wanted to create things again. It became an outlet for that creative release."

Wallace still lives on the south end of his father's orchard, still growing his own pear and apple trees.

"I like Orem a lot," Wallace said. "There are a lot of gems that make Orem a nice place to be, and if I can, I will stay here."

A Wallace will host a reception on Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The Utah Valley Handbell Ringers will perform following the reception.