Art events, reception Friday

The muses who inspire the imaginations of 15 local artists have been working overtime lately as the North End Artists' Co-op prepares to stage a major art show.

Twice a year the North End Artists' Co-op rolls out its members' best work for display - and sale.

The nonprofit group's annual fall show, featuring 80 pieces of art, is slated for Friday at the Yuma Art Center, 254 Main St.

Organizers say the show will be overflowing with beautiful artistic creations, many of which would make great presents for Christmas.

"This is just a great opportunity for us to show off some new work and for people to do some Christmas shopping," said glass artist Judy Phillips, co-op manager. "These shows are also a great chance for people to come out and meet our community's artists."

A reception for the art show will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. The event is free and open to the public.

The Yuma Art Center will be bursting at the seams with art Friday. In addition to the North End show, the center will be hosting two other art shows. Yuma Fine Arts will present "Yuma Artists Annual 2009: Three by Thirty-Three" and a show dedicated to the works of Jean Rougeron, a French artist, director and filmmaker who has developed a technique for painting on negatives.

"I think it's just going to be a great evening of the arts," Phillips said.

All three shows will share the same reception, including appetizers and live music.

Phillips said North End's show will include art styles ranging from paintings and ceramic sculpture to jewelry and pottery.

"We maintain high standards, too. We don't do crafty things," she added. "Some of our members are art educators and some are professional artists. You have to be juried to be a member of the co-op, so the standards for our artwork are very high. This is fine art."

All 15 members of the North End Artists' Co-op will be showing, including four new members. They are Albert Escalante, ceramic sculptor; Diane Hatch, painter; Rosemary Hawkey, painter; and Larry Yanez, mixed-media artist.

Art from the North End show will remain on display the Yuma Art Center through Saturday.

Between shows, members' work can be found on display each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The venue is the United Building on the south end of the Yuma Art Center.

"The artists are always there doing demonstrations, which is nice," Phillips said. "Those Saturdays are a great time for people to meet and talk with the artists."

For more information, go to NorthEndArtists.com online