The Downtown Gallery features local artists Joel Neuwirth and Frank Pierce for the month of February. The Artist Reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6.

Joel Neuwirth began making prints five years ago in a Sandhills Community College course taught by Denise Baker. He has since discovered the traditional wood-block printing methods of the early Chinese and Japanese masters, which has become the medium of his choice. Neuwirth employs the classical techniques of repetition, color, and enlargement as he explores each concept to its fullest.

Frank Pierce has been painting in oils and selling his work since he was 16. Pierce has A Southern Studio in downtown Southern Pines where he works as a graphic designer, photographer, fine artist, and teacher. He explores various subjects with oil on canvas and other media.

Pierce has added new paintings to his collection of work already hanging in the Downtown Gallery, including gorgeous floral paintings.

Located inside Flynne's Coffee Bar at 115 NE Broad Street in Southern Pines, the Downtown Gallery is a natural extension of the coffee shop, which has always showcased the work of local artists. The Gallery features an ever-changing and eclectic selection of fine art, pottery, fiber art, and metal art.

"Come meet the artists, partake of wine and hors d'oeuvres, and enjoy the art," says Flynne Meares.

The Downtown Gallery is located inside Flynne's Coffee Bar and is open seven days a week during regular coffee shop hours.

For more information, call Meares at 693-1999.