The Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery is kicking off the 2024 season with a new “Meet and Mingle” artist reception series on the first Wednesday of the month.

The event is Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., where members of the community can rub shoulders with 11 artists showcasing a variety of mediums.

The artists representing the Gallery will be Chris Demma, Jim Rapisarda, Kelly Bowman, Donna Law, Julie Gilbert, Tim Gallegly, Margarete Ripps, Jenny Willigrod and Mark Richardson. New to the Gallery this year and featured artists for the evening are Marie Picchiotti and Leslie Kiefus.

The Fountain Hills Art League’s 2023 Artist of the Year, Picchiotti’s passion is glass mosaics.

“Art has always been a part of my personal journey in some shape or form. My love for mosaic art started 10 years ago with a visit to New Mexico,” Picchiotti said. “Every single little shop had colorful crosses made of mosaic glass and ceramic tile. I decided to make one myself. But three times the size.”

Kiefus’ love is with ceramics who took a class in 2010 and was hooked.

“Clay is a wonderful medium: forgiving, therapeutic and magically transformed by heat and glaze,” Kiefus said.

“We are so happy to have Marie and Leslie join our Gallery,” said Margaret Sullivan, Gallery manager. “Marie’s glass mosaics are a beautiful addition and Leslie’s whimsical ceramics are incredibly creative.”

The artists will prepare appetizers from the Gallery cookbook and beverages are available at this casual event.

This is an opportunity to meet local talent at a relaxed social mixer. The artists are happy to visit and discuss their chosen art forms and their creative processes with visitors, all while sampling their savory snacks.

Gallery cookbooks will be raffled at the event.

The Gallery is located at 16858 E. Avenue of the Fountains and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about exhibitions, events, workshops and upcoming demos, visit fountainhillsartistsgallery.com.