The paintings of two longtime art instructors at Sandhills Community College were chosen for a yearlong exhibition in the Caswell Building in Raleigh. Both instructors teach in the Continuing Education Division's Community Enrichment Program.

Since 1998, original art has been on display in the Caswell Building, located at 200 West Jones Street in Raleigh, as part of the Community College Art Exhibit. Artists' works are on display throughout the building for a year.

Ann Campbell teaches "Draw and Paint with Ann" both fall and spring semesters. She studied art at Syracuse University, Pratt Institute, and the University of Vermont. Campbell spends her summers pursuing opportunities with other artists, such as visiting the Vermont Arts Studio in Johnson, Vt., where she is sponsored by a grant from this prestigious artists' community. Although she works with several mediums, Campbell prefers watercolor. Her impressionistic style demonstrates her flair for originality and freedom of expression. Campbell's oil on canvas painting, "Beside the Canal," is displayed on the fourth floor of the Caswell Building.

Dr. Gerard Catapano teaches intermediate level oil painting and portrait painting. His acrylic painting, "Sun on Snow," is hanging on the first floor of the building. Catapano is a retired physician who is a self-taught impressionist. He is well known in the Sandhills as an accomplished muralist, having been commissioned to paint European scenes on the walls of several local restaurants. He also has many works in private collections. Catapano has traveled and painted in Italy, France, North Carolina and Maine. An avid opera aficionado, Catapano recently taught a course in Italian opera.

"We are especially proud that Ann and Jerry's works were chosen for this exhibition," says Teresa Reynolds, the director of the Community Enrichment Program at Sandhills. "N.C. Community College System President Martin Lancaster personally chose each of the 143 pieces from among over 1,000 that were submitted from all 58 community colleges. To be represented by two of our instructors is such an honor, particularly since President Lancaster is retiring after a decade of leadership."

Lancaster, a former chairman of the N.C. Arts Council, created the exhibit after he assumed leadership of the N.C. Community College System in 1997. He wanted to give artists at the colleges a chance to display and sell their creations and at the same time make the Caswell Building a more inviting place to work and visit.

The Community Enrichment program at Sandhills Community College provides short-term courses for self-improvement, cultural enrichment and academic enrichment, and lifelong learning. Students are able to pursue special interests and fill leisure time with worthwhile educational opportunities.

For more information about the program, contact Teresa Reynolds at 695-3775 or e-mail her at reynoldst@sandhills.edu. A list of Community Enrichment courses can be found at www.sandhills.edu. Registration for summer courses is now open.