The new year means new art at the Brownwood Art Center.  Five local and regional creators in color are featured in the January Invitational Exhibit.  Meet them and see their work at the First Thursday reception, Thursday Jan. 4, from 5-7 pm at 215 Fisk in downtown Brownwood.  This event is free and open to the public.

Jeremy Serna is the owner of Painting With Friends in Brownwood,  and a demonstrator, teacher, and exhibitor at the Brownwood Art Center and 1117 Studios and Gallery in Abilene.  These days he’s best known for Paint Parties and his impressionistic watercolors.  Serna says “Plein air painting is the best form, life and nature are the best teachers.”

Keith Stinnett of San Angelo has worked in a variety of media, including lithography, sculpture, and wood carving.  His vivid and vibrant acrylic paintings have been featured at the Visitor Center and the Pop Art Museum in San Angelo.  His idea of being an artist is “to blur the line between Art and Living every day!”

Mixed media artist A. Michelle Fox says “I consider myself a contemporary historian that writes life in images.” Her energetic acrylic and oil paintings center around “conveying an emotive picture of our world.”   She is currently based out of 1117 Studios and Gallery in Abilene, where she also teaches art lessons.

Painter Celty Kearney has shared her expertise as an art instructor at Howard Payne University in Brownwood.  She currently specializes in human and pet portraits, as well as painting murals.  She says that with each stroke of her brush “I’m leaving a colorful mark on the canvas of life, while inspiring others to embrace their creative spirits.”

Stephanie R. Prosser is a studio artist and muralist who is leaving her mark on the Big Country.  Her colorful paintings, commercial signage, and mural work can be found throughout homes and businesses across West Texas.  When she is not painting on site, or in her studio, Mrs. Prosser continues to share and nurture her creativity as Owner of 1117 Studios & Gallery in Abilene.  1117 Studios & Gallery is a beautiful new studio rental space and art gallery in downtown Abilene, housing 10 working resident artists with studio spaces.

The January exhibit continues through Jan. 24.  Gallery hours are 2-6 pm Monday-Friday. The Brownwood Art Association is always welcoming new members and volunteers.  To learn more, find the BAA on Facebook, visit www.brownwoodart.net, or stop by the Art Center at 215 Fisk weekdays from 2-6 pm.