"A lot of exciting things are happening at the Hollyhocks Art Gallery in March," says artist and proprietor, Jane Casnellie. "We're welcoming a new artist, Paula Montgomery, expanding our viewing hours, and hosting a party, in conjunction with Elliott's on Linden, to benefit the Arts Council of Moore County. We hope to see a lot of friends and new faces at these events."

Beginning March 1, local artist Paula Montgomery will display her work alongside the current featured artists, Jane Casnellie, Irene McFarland, and Marie Travisano.

Montgomery has had two shows at the Campbell House and most recently had one of her abstract pieces juried into the Centennial Art Exhibit in Sanford. Portraits and still life are her favorite subjects, and pastel and acrylic her favorite media. Montgomery is currently experimenting with abstract renderings that are a sharp contrast to her normally realistic style. She studied last fall with nationally known still life artist, James Sulkowski.

"People in the market to buy art will find a wide variety of subject matter and styles in the Hollyhocks Art Gallery," says Casnellie. "I work in oils in a wide variety of subjects, including Tuscan landscapes, still life, and pet portraits. Irene McFarland's medium of choice is acrylic and she portrays landscapes and still life in the manner of the Impressionists. Marie Travisano's contemporary pieces in watercolor and acrylic are reminiscent of the Expressionists. Paula Montgomery will add another dimension with her pastel pieces and experience with children's portraits."

"We all accept commissions and can ship paintings outside the area," adds Casnellie. "In addition, visitors to the gallery can usually find Marie painting on site on Wednesdays and myself on Saturdays."

The Hollyhocks Art Gallery's regular hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, since Mark Elliott acquired the property at 905 Linden Road in Pinehurst, guests at Elliott's on Linden are now invited to take a stroll through the gallery, in the evenings, before or after enjoying the eclectic fine dining at Elliott's. The entrance to the gallery is through Kitchen Essence.

And finally, both Mark Elliot of Elliot's on Linden and Jane Casnellie of Hollyhocks Arts Gallery say they are pleased to be a part of the Arts Council of Moore County's Appetite for Art fundraising benefit this year by hosting "Vivre Printemps! Art and Wine" on Friday, March 30, at 5:30 p.m. Partygoers will enjoy an informative winetasting at Elliott's on Linden followed by a gallery exhibit and reception at Hollyhocks Art Gallery.

The gallery artists will be present to greet guests and talk about art.

Attendance at this event is limited and the cost is $25 per person.

Those interested in attending this event should call the Arts Council of Moore County at 910-692-4356.