Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, kicked off its autumn schedule with the opening two exhibits on Sept. 17. Opening receptions were held for the fall membership show in the Kauffman Gallery and a showcase from Isabel W. Lark in the Steinmetz Gallery. Both exhibits will be displayed during LCAA's regular hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays until Thursday, Oct. 19.

The membership show highlights artwork by LCAA members, and it incorporates pieces that use a variety of mediums and themes. Each creation will be judged in the professional and nonprofessional categories, and awards will be given out for first, second and third places as well as an honorable mention. One watercolor painting in the exhibit will be chosen to receive the Myrtle Tremblay Award.

Lark's display contains a collection of pastel paintings titled "Painting With Dust." Although Lark's previous work primarily focused on scenic imagery, she adopted a fascination with pastels after taking lessons from fellow LCAA member and expert pastel painter Dot Stepenaski. "Painting With Dust" will feature Lark's recent work, which she created to explore her new favorite medium's dynamic with viewers.

On Sunday, Oct. 29, LCAA will have an opening reception for The Great Pumpkin Challenge, a new event that will serve as a fundraiser for the organization. For a set entry fee, contestants may enter a papier-mâche pumpkin in the contest for a chance to win prizes during the reception. The fee will include a papier-mâche pumpkin made by LCAA members which participants may customize with paints, markers, glitter, fabric or other mediums. Artists may pick up their papier-mâche pumpkins from LCAA or create their own, and the drop off deadline to enter the contest is Sunday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. For a set fee, contestants may attend a pumpkin-decorating workshop on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LCAA. The organization will provide art supplies for the workshop's attendees.

All pumpkins entered in the contest will remain on display until Thursday, Nov. 16, during which time artists can choose to sell their creatively decorated squash; LCAA will receive a 30% commission from pumpkins sold in the exhibit. "We decided to introduce the Great Pumpkin Challenge as a way to get creative with our fundraising efforts," said Patricia Keller, LCAA member and coordinator of the contest. "You can use any medium and your imagination to decorate your pumpkin."

In addition to the display of papier-mâche pumpkins, LCAA will hold "Autumn Daze III" from Oct. 29 until Nov. 16. Members and nonmembers may submit artwork that incorporates autumnal subject matter or colors for the annual exhibit. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including autumn landscapes, fall plants and animals and Halloween-inspired buildings and locations. There will be a set cost per entry, but there are no restrictions on the size or number of submissions.

For more information, visit http://www.lcaaonline.org.