The portrait show gala opening is part of an Artwalk that begins at Mountain Laurel Crafts on the square from 5 to 7:30pm where guests are treated to American art and fine crafts from more than 100 artists.

At the Ice House, the portrait show opening includes quick sketch portraits prepared for guests by several of the artists whose work is on display.

Cottle expressed enthusiasm about showing the work of the Wednesday group to which she belongs. "I think the type and quality of work in this show will change the public's view of portraiture," she said. "There are so many talented artists involved."

Although the work in the show is all two dimensional, it represents a variety of media ranging from oils and pastels to watercolors and charcoal. Some of the portraits are traditional images of a specific individual while others are more impressionistic. "We chose to feature Ellen Burgoyne's 'Chinese Dress' on the announcement postcard because it was different and we wanted to let people know this was more than a simple portrait show," said Jane Frenke, chair of MAC's Gallery Committee. A mixed media piece, Burgoyne's work is dominated by color and background and the face is a blank. "We called it 'the Matisse' because of the vivid reds and dramatic use of flowers," said Frenke. Artists represented in the show come from the four-state region.

The Wednesday Portrait Group has been active since 1962 and meets for two semesters each year for both painting from live models as well as professional workshops. All current members of the group, as well as some past members, are represented with work in the show. The artists work at all levels from beginners to longtime academically trained artists. "One of the unique qualities of the group is that artists of varying experience work together in a cooperative and harmonious spirit," said Janet Salter, a group member and former resident of Berkeley Springs. "We always welcome new members." Salter explains that a beneficial part of the sessions is that the group critiques its own work after working with a model for three weeks. "It's an excellent learning tool," she said.

The curated gallery exhibit produced by the Morgan Arts Council is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and hotel/motel tax revenues. The Ice House is located on the corner of Independence and Mercer and is open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. For more information call 258-2300 or check online at www.macicehouse.org.