Keys to Creativity, located in the Lansing Mall is featuring local artists' work with some available for purchase.
The gallery features artists of all skill levels. Some artists featured have had talent their whole lives and didn't even know it. Christine Johnston is in her seventies and recently picked up painting. She said that she was excited to learn something new about herself at that painting has opened up an entire new world.
"Its amazing to me because I did just start in November and didn't know I could do this. So when my teacher asked me to put a couple paintings up, I sort of laughed at first and then I thought 'OK, I'll try it,' and I did. I'm very proud of myself," Johnston said.
For others, art is being able to communicate. Jill Campbell says that she is so passionate about it because she is able to express herself in a way that people of all languages can understand. She said she has been able to do so much through art and was excited to share it with Lansing at the gallery.
"Art has power. I mean, this is really exciting. You talk about it and...this is a representation, a representation of a whole. So this communication that we talk about can also be powerful," Campbell said.
Regardless of how long they have been working to hone their skills, the gallery provides a place for artists to show their work to the world.
"It also takes a little courage to put your work out there. You know you got to have confidence in your work. So here is a place where artists of all degrees, people who are new in their work, or well established artists are exhibited here. Its a fun place," gallery treasurer Ann Mellen said.
The exhibit runs through April 19.
