New this year in the gallery are signed, numbered, and framed giclee prints — of pastel paintings by Mrs. Pesta and photos by Jesse Pesta, who will be visiting from New York City to co- host the open house. Pesta’s black and white photos feature subjects from around the world. Giclée refers to archival prints made on fine-art papers.
Joe Persinger’s framed photos of area landscapes and wildlife also will be on exhibit in the gallery. Persinger will provide musical entertainment during the weekend event. He will sing traditional folksongs as well as songs he has written, accompanying himself on the guitar.
John Pesta will be on hand to sign copies of his mystery novel, “Safely Buried,” which was published in 2011. The novel is set in Meridian County, Indiana, a fictitious place based on Jackson County. Persons who own a copy of the book may bring it with them to be signed. Anyone who wishes to purchase a copy may do so at the open house.
Mrs. Pesta’s gallery-studio is surrounded by picturesque woods alongside the Jackson-Washington State Forest, a favorite subject for her pastel paintings, which will be on display. She will demonstrate painting outdoors, weather permitting.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6.
This event is one of the stops along the Forest
and Farms Artisan Trail through Jackson and Jennings Counties. Several
such trails have been established to promote tourism, arts, and crafts
in the Hoosier state.