Art Guild member Dawn Byrum showing her colorful oil painting that was previously entered in the 2015 Southwest Birds Show.

The Grant County Art Guild is a nonprofit organization of local artists and fine crafters who come together to show and sell their work. Their mission in assisting with art education has been accomplished this last year through classes for their members and art supplies donated to area school art classes. The seasonal gallery for the Art Guild's 40+ members is the Pinos Altos Art Gallery located in the historic Hearst Church, open from 10 a. m. till 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday and major holidays through October 18. Traditionally, artist members take turn hosting at the gallery; on those days they have a special exhibit of their work. It is an opportunity for the visiting public to learn more about the particular art form of the featured artist and for the artist to get feedback from those who enjoy art and art galleries.

On Friday, May 29, the Guild's historian and long-time member Mary Soule will be the featured artist. Mary is well-known for her needlework and fabric art as well as her ceramics. She is also a painter and photographer. If you are wanting more information on the historic building that houses the gallery as well as the history of the Grant County Art Guild, Mary is an excellent source of that information.

Dawn Byrum has developed a distinctive art style and her colorful paintings always draw attention at our shows. She also works in various crafts and will be tending the gallery on Saturday, May 30, to show you her newest art works. It would be a great day to take a short drive to the Pinos Altos Art Gallery and see what Dawn and the other artists have to offer.

On Sunday,May 31, Donna Schmidt will be the Guild's featured artist. Donna paints mainly in oils and acrylics and continues to grow as an artist as she pursues classes and her art. She is much appreciated for the many past years of work that she has done for the Guild as the treasurer, as a board member and overseeing shows and projects for the Guild. Donna has taken a well-deserved time off from that work this year to concentrate on her art.

The public is cordially invited to stop in the Pinos Altos Art Gallery, 14 Golden Avenue in Pinos Altos, to check out the always changing display of local art and fine crafts. You will find the variety, talent and pricing there very amazing! Some come to see the historic building and unique gallery setting, some come for the art. Browsers and buyers always welcome and there is never an admission charge.