“It started out as a small meeting of a few artists,” Museum Director Eric Anderson said of the Collective that meets each Saturday morning.

“From those roots, it has grown into a regular circle of 12 to 14 participants who come together to share ideas, conversation, and the work taking shape in their studios,” he said.

“This exhibition marks the first time the Collective has presented their work together publicly entitled the ‘Collective Collected,” he added. “It offers an opportunity to connect with the community and share the creative energy that has developed through years of conversation, encouragement, and exploration.”

The exhibit, which runs through July 18, features paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs.

“It really is a nice set-up,” Anderson said. “There was a good deal of work getting it together, but it has been worth it.”

Interested individuals can check out the ‘Collected Collective’ exhibit Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. in the east section of the gallery.

“The Collective was created to fill a void in the local visual arts community,” Anderson said. “It provides consistent time and space for artists to meet, socialize, and share what they are creating.”

For more information on the Collective, the exhibit and all available shows at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum go to https://www.blanden.org/.