You will be surprised and delighted at the variety, beauty, and affordability of the paintings, wall hangings, and pottery at the Brownwood Art Center’s Artists of the Year exhibit, opening with a free public reception this Thursday, June 5, from 5-7 pm.  The Art Center is at 215 Fisk in downtown Brownwood.

Harriett Nix and Mike Lewis are the Artists of the Year, chosen by vote of the membership of the Brownwood Art Association.  Harriett grew up in the country, surrounded by all kinds of animals, vineyards, and orchards.  Her love of nature is reflected in her landscapes, many featuring a variety of birds and insects, and still life paintings full of garden produce and flowers.  She has also been inspired by the historic architecture of Europe and the photography of her late husband Jackie.  After moving to Brownwood a few years ago, she  joined the BAA Fiber and Textile Art group, and several pieces of her fiber art are also in this exhibit.

Mike Lewis was trained and worked as a chemist until he retired 12 years ago.  He says that “For most of my life, I never considered myself an artist.  I dabbled with woodworking, and did make some nice furniture.”

Mike has now been a serious hobby potter for 10 years.  “The pots I have in this exhibit include some of my early stoneware fired pots, but most are examples of raku fired pots with my own glazes, and other alternative firing techniques.  After thousands of pots, I’m getting better.  I love exploring each of the pots that come out of my kiln.  Every pot is different, and every part of every pot is different.”

You can learn more about Mike and his pottery at a free Art Talk and Demonstration on Sat. June 14, from 10-11 am, at the Art Center.

The Artists of the Year exhibit continues through June 25.  Gallery hours are 2-6 pm, Mon-Fri, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

To learn more about the Brownwood Art Association and Art Center classes and events, visit the BAA website, brownwoodart.org, follow the BAA on Facebook, or call 325-641-2916.