After the hubbub of the holidays, Wilton Library offers art lovers a tranquil stroll through its gallery, reading room and reference area to reflect on the “Fairfield County Arts Association (FCCA) Winter Collection” exhibition, opening on Friday, Jan. 5, from 6-7:30 p.m..

The exhibit features 10 area artists from the FCCA collective who will be showcasing myriad subjects, styles and media. The featured artists include Deirdre Abbotts and Linda McKie-McClellan (Westport); Karin Brey, Patty Omonte and Eva Rogoff (Trumbull); Gail Ingis Claus, Diane Desmond and Jason Pritchard (Fairfield); Harold Davis (Bridgeport); and Nina Marino (Norwalk).

The artists work in a variety of media including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, graphics, mixed media, drawings, photography and sculpture with subject matter encompassing figures, portraits, still life, abstracts, botanicals, landscapes and more.

“I was fortunate enough to see this group’s work and felt that their talents would be appreciated by the Wilton community, so we asked them to exhibit, bringing much needed vibrant color to the walls of the library during the winter,” notes Ed MacEwen, the library’s volunteer art chairman.

The Fairfield County Arts Association was founded more than 30 years ago to bring area artists together. Its mission today continues as it “focuses on striving for visual art excellence on a personal and a professional level. It arranges inspiring art lectures, demos and informal discussions about member artwork, plein air outings and art shows. Guidance, encouragement, a shared passion for artistic creation and a membership comprised of caring individuals ensures FCAA’s success.”

The exhibition features 65 paintings from the group, the majority of which are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition runs through Friday, Jan. 25. The library’s hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd..

Pictured above:  Diane Desmond’s “Light in the Trees,” one of 65 paintings showcased in the multi-artist exhibition.