Mother's Day is just around the corner, and Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines will celebrate by featuring "Art for Mom" at the First Friday opening Friday, May 1, from 5 to 9 p.m.

"This is the perfect opportunity to find a unique North Carolina-made gift for Mom," says a spokesman.

Artists will be present to discuss their work during the event and refreshments will be served.

Diane Ness of Angel Designs is one of the artists who will be featured for the event. Ness is a clothing designer, and her beautiful garments are a recent addition to the Alley. She has had a lifelong love of fabric and design and has always designed and made her own clothing. Her designs fit a wide range of sizes.

"Even though I am still in the 'corporate world,' my escape is to spend all my spare time designing and creating jackets, vests and tops out of beautiful hand-painted batik fabrics, silk and 100 percent colorful cottons," she says.

Diane Kraudelt is a local artist working in oils and pastels. Kraudelt will be debuting two new pieces for the event. "Green Apples" is a still life of apples ready for baking. "My Favorite is" is an oil pastel of a giraffe eating ice cream. Kraudelt is a professional artist exhibiting in galleries, businesses and private collections. She is an award-winning artist and a member of several art organizations. Her 2008 juried shows include the Hilton Head National Juried Exhibition, the 18th Annual Mid-Atlantic Juried Art Exhibit, the Long Island Smithtown Township Arts Council Juried Exhibit, and the Randolph Arts Guild 26th Annual Juried Arts Show.

Handbag designer Patti O'Day will also be sharing some new creations on First Friday. She has been learning several new techniques, such as fabric "sandwiching," appliqu techniques, making her own beads, and has started painting on fabric. At least two of the painted bags will be available for Mother's Day. These are original paintings, not copies or printed versions.

Perennial favorite Christy Clark, of Silverwear, creates handmade sterling silver earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and pins. The hallmarks of Clark's work include large loopy hand-forged sterling silver chains. A limited number of gold-filled pieces are available, as are creations with beaded accents. Movement is also an integral part of each of her designs.

Many other jewelry artists will have selections for mom available as well.

Gallery owner Jean Skipper creates mixed metal jewelry incorporating found objects or items of sentimental value. She also offers hand-stamped sentiments on her jewelry pieces and can create a custom piece for mom with a saying or quote that is dear to her.

Debbie Keen makes her own glass beads and creates stunning bracelets, necklaces and earrings with them. Also look for collaged paper jewelry from Amy Smith, and fused glass from Lynn Burchner of "The Gilded Lilly," and much more.

Artist Alley features the work of over 50 North Carolina artists, many of them local. The gallery's regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artist Alley is located in downtown Southern Pines, one block east of the train station, at 167 E. New Hampshire Avenue.

For more information about the First Friday opening or the gallery call Jean Skipper at 692-6077.