This past Friday, Oct.1, Hammond’s own Oak Street Gallery in downtown hosted a viewing for new artwork by Gloria Ross, Lark Smith and Janet Gildermaster.

These women have been creating fine artwork for many years. Gildermaster is a water media artist. Smith works mainly with watercolor paints and ceramics, and Ross produces acrylic on metal.

During the reception, the three artists were open to questions about their works and the methods used to create them.

Ross’ compositions consisted of acrylics on crafted sheets of steel, which resulted in uniquely textured and multi-faceted artwork.

Coincidently, Smith and Gildermaster are a mother-daughter duo.

“I am fortunate that my mother is an artist,” said Smith. “From childhood, I’ve always been surrounded by her artwork, and she exposed me to museums and artists. She encouraged me to be creative.”

When describing her artistic inspiration, Smith expressed that the pleasure came more in the process than in the result.

“Painting is the pursuit of happiness, not the expectation of bliss,” said Smith.

Smith went on to say that she pursues her artwork because the process is absorbing, and it leaves her content to simply create. Gildermaster had similar sentiments.

“I first started playing with different paints, and it became so much fun,” said Gildermaster. “I just developed a passion for it.”

The Oak Street Gallery displays many local and regional artists.

“We try to maintain a variety of local and regional contemporary artist,” said Pat Macaluso, owner of Oak Street Gallery. “I also believe that that the gallery provides a new dimension to downtown Hammond. It seems that many people have shown a strong interest in fine artwork.”

The gallery recently celebrated its third anniversary last month. Many other events are scheduled at the gallery for the upcoming months. For more information contact Oak Street Gallery at 985-345-0251.