The Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, will celebrate its 85th anniversary by holding an art show featuring 5-by-7-inch original paintings donated for sale by its members. The show, themed "Lancaster County Color," opened on June 12 and will be on exhibit through July 7 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The paintings, which will be on display in the Kauffman Gallery at the LCAA, will be hung on the walls according to color, creating a large color wheel. "Whatever the predominant color, it will go on that wall," explained LCAA member Patricia Keller. "We have gotten animals, like horses; flowers; some abstracts; and fruits and vegetables. We have the gamut of things. Our artists did this as a group, so it's not just one subject matter. Hopefully, this will be a successful fundraising event for us and one to celebrate our 85 years."

The paintings will be matted, but not framed. Buyers are invited to have their paintings framed and then place them on a tabletop or a wall. Keller noted that the smaller paintings are designed to be more affordable to community members.

Keller is also an artist and created paintings for the exhibit. "I have done tiny landscapes this size or (painted) one big flower. What is fun about doing it is that it's a neat exercise. You can sort of expand your ideas," she shared. "A lot of times I will do one that size before I do a big painting as a study - to get a feel for composition or the colors you want to use."

Founded in 1936, the LCAA supports the visual arts through exhibitions, classes, workshops and special programs. "We are the oldest art association in Lancaster County and have over 200 members," said Keller. "Until we moved to Strasburg over 20 years ago, the association was centered on Vine Street in downtown Lancaster. We moved to Strasburg in 1998. We have a variety of classes for adults and also children's summer camps and activities. It is one of the few places artists of all levels can show their works and also sell them if they wish."

The LCAA building consists of a pottery room, the main gallery and the Steinmetz Gallery, named for one of the founding members. "We have about 10 art shows a year. Some are themed shows, and some are membership shows," Keller said. "There are a lot of classes and special programs. We have a ladies' critique group, (where people can get) help with their work and get good ideas."

She encourages the community to visit the LCAA during the upcoming anniversary exhibit. "We have all kinds of things that appeal to everyone who is artistic," Keller added. "What we hope is that people will understand what our mission is - to promote the arts."

For more information about the LCAA or the upcoming exhibit, visit http://www.lcaaonline.org or http://www.facebook.com/LancasterCountyArtAssociation or call 717-687-7061.