WELLINGTON - The Wellington Art Society had its annual open house Wednesday, Sept. 10. to introduce residents to the organization and recruit new members.

The art society, founded in 1981, aims to "educate and encourage originality among its members and area youth," said president Adrianne Hetherington said. The group has about 120 members.

One of the new things the group has added this year is Art Reach, a program where members will create artworks and place them in facilities. Currently they are working on adorning the walls and family room at the Palms West Children's Hospital. The project is expected to be completed and unveiled at the end of October.

"I had donated some paintings to Little Smiles...after seeing those kids I said why aren't we doing something like this," said Karen Knight, chairwoman and founder of the new program. "It's really about bringing art in to their lives. We're trying to incorporate something in to make their lives better."

Knight said she expects the group to donate 50 to 60 paintings to the children's hospital.
Visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org for information.

Here are some selected artworks from the open house: