Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, will open its annual Garden Show on Sunday, Feb. 26. The free show will run until Thursday, March 23, and may be viewed during LCAA's regular hours: Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Garden Show will feature artwork from LCAA members that spans several mediums and revolves around a springtime theme. In the past, artists have created sculptures, drawings and paintings that depict anything from flora to gardening tools. "It's not all just flowers; some pieces are of gardening tools and things like that," said Patricia Keller of LCAA. "I'm always amazed at the variety of the subjects people choose and the artists' creativity."

Whether it's a watercolor painting of a watering can or a wire sculpture of flowers, LCAA members use the Garden Show as an opportunity to usher in the warmer weather and look forward to spring. As winter draws to a close, artists who participate in the show remind us of what is just around the corner.

Each year, one artist in the Garden Show is selected to win the Ann Fields Award for excellence in watercolor painting. Ann Fields was a member of LCAA who left a trust to the organization after she passed away, to allow LCAA to recognize a particular artist for his or her work each year. Awards will also be given for first, second and third places in both the professional and non-professional categories. LCAA will bring in a professional artist from outside of the organization as a judge to give out the awards, as well as an honorable mention in each category.

LCAA will hold a prize drawing for a basket of gardening supplies from Ken's Gardens in Ronks, which is also sponsoring the show. Attendees of the show may purchase a ticket to enter the drawing during the event, and the winner will be announced at the end of the show. LCAA is always looking for sponsors for its shows to help with acquiring prizes and paying for a judge to attend the events.

In its Steinmetz Gallery, LCAA will feature the artwork of Anita Gordon-Palmer. Gordon-Palmer primarily creates oil paintings and portraits, as well as commissioned works of pets, homes and loved ones. Her work has been displayed in galleries across the United States, Belgium and Canada. The Steinmetz Gallery shares the same hours as LCAA.

In addition to the shows that LCAA hosts throughout the year, the nonprofit organization offers classes on painting, pottery making and drawing, as well as children's art courses. LCAA also hosts private shows and is always accepting new members.

For more information, visit http://www.lcaaonline.org or call 717 687-7061.