The Oak Leaf Artist Guild has an exhibit called “Winter Show” currently on display at O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Center Gallery in the Renaud Spirit Center recreation complex. The exhibit has a variety of mediums on display, gallery admission is free, and the exhibit will be available for viewing through Friday, Feb.18.

 “There is art in the mediums of oil paintings, acrylics and watercolors in the exhibit,” said Annette McGarrahan, Guild member and public relations specialist for the group.

The Guild has been together for over 40 years. They started in 1967 and have met at various locations from its beginning meetings at  Fort Zumwalt Jr. High School, to inside a fabric shop to its current meeting place of the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre.

McGarrahan said in the past, in order for new members to join they had to attend a monthly meeting and present an artistic presentation or demonstration, and critiques on members’ works. Then the perspective member would have to show their artwork and be voted in.

McGarrahan said the Guild no longer works that way and the group currently has around 60 members and artists of all experience levels.

 “Artists of all levels are encouraged to join the Oak Leaf Artist Guild,” McGarrahan said.  “We encourage any artist interested to join,” McGarrahan added.

McGarrahan also has some work on display in the exhibit. McGarrahan said she has two pieces in the show, her landscape scene titled “The Old Apple Orchard” and a sunset scene titled “Days End.”

McGarrahan is a watercolor artist and while she’s taken many classes and workshops in art, she said she doesn’t have formal training as an artist.

“I’ve learned a lot through the Guild and I learn as I go,” McGarrahan said of her skills.

McGarrhan said all area artists interested in learning more, or any artist looking for camaraderie with other artists are welcome to join the Guild.

 “Any artist that wants to meet with other artists or wants mentoring should join the Guild,” McGarrahan added.

McGarrahan said during their monthly meetings, Guild members catch up with one another, learn new techniques and listen to presenters.

“We like to learn something new at the meetings, and we try to have different presenters demonstrate new techniques at our meetings,” McGarrahan said.

McGarrahan said the Guild meets once a month on Thursday evenings from 7  to 9 p.m. at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre, located inside St. Peters City Hall. Meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.

For more information about the Guild or the current exhibit, call Annette McGarrahan at 636-240-1159, or visit the Oak Leaf Artist Guild website.