For the last 87 years, June Roberts has been making art of one kind or another.
"My mom would give me a pen and paper and I would be happy for hours," said Roberts, a 90-year-old Davidson resident.
The Davidson artist's work is among those on display at So Alive Gallery's "Christmas in Davidson" exhibit.
The theme of the show is "Winter Wonderland," said gallery owner Mary Vogen. Artists were asked to submit bright, cheerful paintings, sculptures, pastels and watercolors.
Roberts' artwork was among 17 pieces chosen.
"She's a very established and mature artist," Vogen said. "One of her pieces on display is an African-American woman on the subway that I believe she painted in the '40s."
There is a story behind that painting, Roberts said.
"I used to see the woman in my portrait on the subway on my way to the Art Students League," Roberts said.
"She had a water bottle on her head, and everyone thinks it's a purple hat, but it's a hot water bottle … I guess she had a headache."
Roberts' daughter, Roseanne said her mother's art has left an impression over the years.
"In high school, she drew murals on the auditorium walls of Shakespeare, with a comedy and tragedy theme, and as of about 10 years ago, they were still there," Roseanne said.
During her career, Roberts has received awards, studied under well-known artists and traveled with the USO to sketch soldiers during World War II. She also worked as a fashion artist and illustrated several books.
At an artists' reception last week, Roseanne said her mother felt "honored to be there."
"I hope we can submit her paintings into other shows, because her work is beautiful and others really seemed to enjoy it," Roseanne said.
At the other end of the age spectrum was 12-year-old Amanda Emery, who debuted her love of animals and talent for watercolor in her first show.
"I started painting last year," she said. "I used to do just pencil sketches, but I really like watercolor. I've loved art since I was little, and it's something that just came naturally to me. I think it's fun."
Emery said she chooses animals as her subjects because they're one of her favorite things and "they're easier to me than people are."
Emery is displaying a colored pencil drawing of a jumping horse and a watercolor painting of a wolf.
"She's got a lot of raw talent," said Vogen. "Each of her pieces shows real diversity."
All of the pieces displayed for the show are for sale.
"Our mission here is to have local artists and affordable work, versus having people just buy a print," Vogen said. "Everything is priced as low as possible, so it's affordable for Christmas in this economy."
So Alive Gallery is located on Main Street in Davidson. For more information, call (704) 892-0044.
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