A diverse group of "Family and Friends" will exhibit their art in the Hastings Gallery in the Boyd Library on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

An opening reception, which is open to the public, will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Blair Sechrest received her bachelor's degree in fine arts from UNC Greensboro and is currently pursuing an associate of arts degree in graphic arts from the Arts Institute of Raleigh/Durham. She will be exhibiting >and selling jewelry and other examples of glass art. Sechrest has been involved in lampworking for the past six years.

After dabbling in many aspects of the needle arts, Boydie Girimont discovered quilting in the early 1970s and has been "hooked" ever since. She is a past president of the Sandhills Quilters Guild and is very active in the organization. Various pieces of her recent work will be on display.

John Girimont received his bachelor's degree in fine arts from Virginia Common-wealth University >(VCU) and now works as a graphic artist. His artwork from his years as a student at VCU will be on display.

After graduation from VCU, Steve Girimont became interested in photography and moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., to study at the Brooks Institute of Photography. Photography remains his avocation. The works he will have on display and for sale are from his many photography trips to the Southwest.

Trisha Girimont also graduated from VCU with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. She has also developed a passion for photography, especially floral macro-pictures. She will have several photos on display.

A lifelong woodworker, Mike Girimont became enamored in woodturning after he retired in 1998. He has taken many classes at John C. Campbell Folk School as well as attended seminars from world-renowned turners. Many pieces of his woodwork will be on exhibit.

Geoff Purser went to Mississippi State, where he studied bugs, earning both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in entomology. But he always enjoyed working with wood, his earliest inspiration being his grandfather and memories of working with him on wood projects as a child.

Over the years, Purser improved upon his basic skills in furniture making. He now uses many different power and hand tools to add a craftsman's touch his furniture. On exhibit will be several pieces of his custom furniture.

And how are all these artists related? Mike and Boydie Girimont are the parents of Blair Sechrest, John Girimont and Steve Girimont. Trisha is married to Steve, and Geoff Purser is the friend.

"Family and Friends" will be on display through Dec. 31.

Admission to the Hastings Gallery is free and open to the public during regular library hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.