LABELLE- Local artist, Barbara Swift, has been an artist all of her life, from oil and acrylic paints to photography and lampwork glass. She is a familiar face around the LaBelle Gallery and Cultural Center, well known for her vibrant use of color, her spectacular watercolor paintings, and also her excellent teaching skills.

Swift participates in a monthly art challenge, started by the local gallery with the hope of inspiring creativity. A new subject every month challenges artists of all mediums, as interpretation of the theme is up to each individual. Finished pieces from the monthly challenge can be displayed inside the gallery. Regular exhibition rates will apply.

The monthly art challenge  subjects are:

• October - golden;
• November - holiday ;
• December -  bold.

This multi-talented, busy artist also hosts plein aire Painting gatherings through the gallery, which are open to everyone. The plein aire group meets at different locations around LaBelle for open air painting. These gatherings are scheduled to resume this month.

There will also be some two-day watercolor workshops, taught by Swift, at the LaBelle Gallery and Cultural Center on Thursday, October 7 and 14 ,and again on October 21 and 28. These two-day classes will be held from 1 4 p.m. The cost for each class is $35 per person ($30 for gallery members) which includes all supplies.

The LaBelle Gallery and Cultural Center is located at 471 N. Lee Street, and their hours are from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays each week. Visit the Arts of the Inland website for more details about their upcoming events and classes: https://www.artsinland.com They can also be reached by calling 863-843-2929.