BEMUS POINT – The Bemus Point Library hopes to expand on its role as community center with the opening of its first ever art exhibit, beginning with a reception taking place at the library at 6:30 tonight. The exhibit will serve as a showcase for two area women artists, Shar Trenkamp of Maple Springs and Savannah, Ga., and Sara Lawrence Skillman of Dewittville.

Lawrence Skillman was born and raised in Bemus Point, and her work is heavily influenced by the scenic views provided by Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding area. Describing her work as “natural glimpses,” Skillman creates watercolor and pen and ink studies of wildlife and locally inspired landscapes. A number of these works, mostly watercolors, will be on display at the library.

Trenkamp, while currently residing in Savannah, Ga., traces her link with Western New York to her summers spent at Chautauqua Lake. An annual visitor for the last 33 summers, she has taken classes at Chautauqua Institution and painted a number of landscapes inspired by the area. Also serving as inspiration in her recent work is her love of travel, which has taken her to painting trips in Tuscany and hiking trips to places such as the Yosemite High Sierras and Switzerland. Trenkamp works in watercolor and oil painting, and landscapes inspired by both her travels abroad as well as her time spent in Western New York will be exhibited at the library.

Kathleen McCarthy, Bemus Point Library manager, is excited that the library is having its first art show, adding to one of the many functions the library serves to its local community.

“We want to use our space as a sort of community center,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy hopes that in addition to highlighting the talent of area artists, the exhibit will draw attention to the many other programs and activities offered by the library, such as “Story Time” for children, book chats, and other informative events.

“I see the library as a community space, to welcome people,” McCarthy said. “We haven’t had any art shows in the past. Now is a good time for people to come in and look around.”

Works by both Skillman and Trenkamp will be available for sale at the library, and the artists will be present at the reception to answer any questions about their work. The event is free and open to the public. Following the reception, the exhibit will be on display in the library’s Meeting Room during library hours through Sept. 6. For more information, the Bemus Point Library can be reached at 386-2274.