The art exhibit at Oak Ridge Public Library for the month of April consists of a variety of works done by the Arty Group. The group began in 1968, when several members were taking art lessons at the YWCA and decided to continue meeting and painting together. The main goal of The Arty Group is to paint, inspire and encourage each artist.

Past projects of the group include a nine block quilt to commemorate Oak Ridge’s Fiftieth anniversary in 1992 and an appointment calendar featuring original paintings. The Arty Group continues to meet in members’ homes and go on trips to paint on location. They have traveled to Nashville, Chattanooga, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other local areas for artistic inspiration.

This year’s exhibition includes artists Ouita Northcutt, Ruby Schlandt, Polly Keck, Mary Henderson and Pat Thompson.

Landscapes, portraits and flowers are featured subjects of this exhibit. The works are created with acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastels, colorful collages and linoleum cut prints.

An award-winning oil painting series, entitled, Shells, by Polly Keck is on display. This painting won second place at the Anderson County Fair and is a three dimensional nature study. Pastel portraits by Pat Thompson recall the innocence of infants and childhood.