“The Art of Friendship” opens September 16

(NEWTON, Kan.) – The friendship started in a swim class, but the talk was always about art, said Mary Johnson, one of 12 artists exhibiting in “The Art of Friendship,” which opens Saturday, September 16, at 7 p.m.

Johnson and Mae Blythe were the swim friends who became founding members of the “Tuesday Morning Artists” group a decade ago, first meeting in their art studios. Soon other artists heard about the group and joined them. They eventually moved to Carriage Factory Art Gallery for their weekly get-togethers. They create art, encourage one another and enjoy the special friendships that have developed over the years. The work of the artists — Carol Zerger, Cindy Sigmund, Constance Gehring, Kathy Waltner, Jan Schoen, Jennifer Weigel, JoAnn Swearingen Boling, Mary Lee McDonald, Peggy Wambold, Susan Bartel, Mary Johnson and Mae Blythe –includes oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, alcohol ink, mosaic and mixed media.

The opening reception for their exhibit on September 16 will feature talks by the artists, music by the Bob Wambold Trio and refreshments. The event is free and open to all ages. The exhibit will on display and for sale through November 11.