The Campbell House Galleries' October exhibit will feature the works of painter Leigh Swanson and sculptor Dedi McHam.

"Finding the Familiar" opens Friday, Oct. 3, with a reception to meet the artists from 6 to 8 p.m. Jean Hendry, Barbara McCool, Lucretia Pinnock of Pinnock Realty, and Kim Sobat host the reception, which is free and open to the public.

The exhibit is on display through Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. The galleries will be closed on Oct. 13 in observance of Columbus Day.

The Campbell House Galleries are located at 482 East Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines.

The charisma of living creatures, the beauty of colors in motion, the influence of light and shadows in nature, and the allure of an

ever-changing sky have always fascinated Leigh Swanson. Largely self-taught, her preferred medium is oil on canvas, although she also works with watercolors.

"A truly great painting reflects the dedication and spirit of the artist," says Swanson.

"Great artists are blessed with the ability of combining their own special essence with superior talent. Imparting this unique aspect on canvas is far more challenging than the technical correctness in a brush stroke. Most artists are striving to reach this formidable goal and I am no exception."

"Horses have been my impetus for decades," says sculptor Dedi McHam. "Horses led me into writing and eventually into sculpture."

A natural affinity for sculpture, reinforced by studies in comparative anatomy, has established McHam as a respected interpreter of the equine form. She has created the annual trophy for the Charlotte Steeplechase and has successfully tried her hand at creating jewelry.

McHam has received commissions from professional equestrians, both in the United States and abroad, and before concentrating on sculpture, she had considerable success as a writer and regularly contributed articles to over 20 horse publications.

"Three phases of my life have been intensely passionate: writing, owning and operating a horse farm, and sculpting," says McHam.

For more information about the October exhibit, contact the Arts Council of Moore County at 692-4356 or visit the Web site at www.artscouncil-moore.org.