NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The public is invited to the opening reception for "Watercolor Portraits: Flora and Family," an exhibition of works by local artist Peggy Fare, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

"During the reception, East Texans will have a chance to meet and visit with Peggy as well as view the exhibition which will hang in the upstairs Hallway Gallery of the Cole Art Center," explained Charlene Rathburn, SFA director of galleries.

Fare has received numerous awards for her watercolors, which are included in private and corporate collections in the United States and abroad. Her paintings have been accepted into juried shows sponsored by the Southwestern Watercolor Society, the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Watercolor East Texas, Lufkin Art Guild, Lone Star Guild and the East Texas Museum of Longview.

In 2004 she was awarded signature membership in the Southwestern Watercolor Society, and she has served as a judge for art shows sponsored by the Lone Star, Lufkin and Livingston Art Guilds.

Fare, who is an experienced art teacher herself, received her Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University and has studied with nationally known artists such as Jan Kunz, Jo Taylor, Tony Couch, Frank Webb, Janet Rogers and Don Andrews.

"Watercolor Portraits: Flora and Family," which is sponsored in part by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts and Shelley's Bakery Café, will run through Saturday, Aug. 27.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Regular gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.