VALDOSTA — The community is invited to join Artists on Ashley for the 9th Annual Holiday Open House 10 a.m.-2 p.m., or from 5-8 p.m., Thursday at the gallery. 

Free to the public, the art showing will feature work from co-owners and local artists Annette Crosby, Deb House, Walter Hobbs and Jeanne Cowart.

Landscapes, florals, bowls, abstracts and more have all been made in-house and will be displayed. Light appetizers will be served, and all of the art can be purchased.

House, who’s been painting since 14-years-old, believes that the Open House could bring more attention and traffic to downtown Valdosta.

“My hopes are that we have enough here that we will encourage more downtown activity,” she said. “We love being down here, and we love seeing downtown growing, and we have something to offer.”

While House finds inspiration in her grandchildren and pets for her acrylic and oil paintings, Cowart credits nature to be her creative muse for oil paintings.

She expects that attendees will enjoy themselves Thursday and is excited about people seeing their new pieces.

According to Crosby, who’s specialty is mixed media, it’s taken her several months to prepare for the event.

When creating her works, she utilizes what she calls “spontaneous gestural marks.” She simply makes a mark on her canvas, and then proceeds to respond and explore to that mark.

“I never have a plan,” Crosby said. “I never know how they’re going to turn out. I just start with the colors, and then I just keep mixing and creating, and when I think I’m done, I’m done.

Wilma O’Dell frequents the gallery and believes that it’s their exquisite attention to detail that qualifies these four friends to be great artists.

“Their use of color is impeccable, use of light is impeccable and their eye for what their patrons like is very good,” she said.

Her daughter Sara O’Dell fully agrees with her. Though she labels House as being her favorite, she says that all four artists have amazing talent.

The resident potter, Hobbs, has one asking of those interested in coming to the Open House.

“Buy pottery…and the paintings,” he said jokingly.

Artists on Ashley is located on 203 N. Ashley St., Valdosta, GA 31601. 

To learn more about the Open House, call (229) 560-8800, or visit them on Facebook at Artists on Ashley Gallery. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.