As intriguing as the sign is, the building housing the gallery is even more interesting. The building was originally built as a horse auction barn, became a hardware store at one time and later a feed store.

After leasing the building in March 2003, the three artists behind the formation of the gallery did all the renovations on the walls, the painting etc. These three talented artists had all been in business for nine or 10 years and all wanted to have a place where they could show their work.

Jim Moose, a woodworker who lives in New Castle, designs and builds beautiful furniture, about 95 percent of which is custom design work. He said he turns out about 15 to 20 pieces a year, and his wife Sherry does a lot of the finishing and sanding work.

Donna Kissinger from Sharon is an artist and metalsmith and turns out fantastic large pieces, which she describes as telling a story. Her unique line of jewelry is created from copper, pewter and glass.

After graduating in 1994 from Slippery Rock University and having her focus on drawing and metal work, she has done mostly production work in pewter and copper in the last four years.

Her work has been seen at the Yankee Peddler Festival in Canal Fulton, Ohio, the Butler Christmas Show, and she has recently finished a piece for the Slippery Rock Alumni Show that includes pieces of copper, pewter, slate and even a piece of an onion bag.

She said that when she is working, "The piece takes over and I grab a little of this and that, often items that remind me of my childhood."

The third "founding member" of the group is Pat Logue from Sharon or as I came to think of him, "Pat the Potter"

There were bowls and vessels in various stages of completion near the potter's wheel and as Pat showed me through his studio, I realized how much broader is this field of pottery than mugs and vases.

He does custom tile work for clients who want an item such as a fireplace-surround piece and his wall fountains are popular as well. He has done the inlaid painted tile work on a table that was built by Jim.

Pat has begun a new line of sinks that feature raised designs and are made to sit on a stand or table.

There are about 25 other artists whose work is displayed as well. All of the art is original and all the artists live within 25 miles of the gallery. What an amazing amount of talent we have in this area!

There are items made of scrimshaw, and pen and ink works, including one on a mammoth tusk thought to be 25,000 years old. These were done by Mark Schaukowitsch of Stoneboro.

There are wearable items such as shawls and scarves, and natural soap products from Natural Soap Works of Hermitage and wonderful wildlife paintings and much more.

As I admired the many types of art, Moose commented, "You don't have to be a millionaire to own art. There are items for sale here ranging from $3 to $5,000."

The building is large and can house other artists looking to rent work space. There are many classes offered, lasting six weeks. If you were taking pottery for instance, that should give you enough time to create a piece and take it home at the end.

Some classes offered are "Handbuilding Ceramics," "Throwing on the Potter's Wheel 1," "Woodworking 101," "Furniture Design" and even a "Decorate your own Clothes -- Kids' Saturday Workshops" for children 5 and older.

Donna Kissinger has given jewelry designing classes as well. The next unit of classes starts next Monday.

For more information about classes, call 724-946-8980. Better yet -- stop in and look around for a truly eye-pleasing experience.

Contact Connie Cousins with Mercer-area news at 724-662-9296 or e-mail her at: conniecousins@msn.com

Items may be sent by regular mail to her at 334 Fullingmill Road, Mercer 16137.