The Fluvanna Free Library is drawing people in to see this month’s art display.

Jerry Paduano, a mixed media artist who is currently focused on graphite and colored pencil works, has many of his pieces on display at the library through the month of February.

Paduano grew up in Greenhurst and went to Maple Grove High School where he enjoyed art and shop classes. He and his wife, Suzette, a local photographer, settled in Panama where they raised their three children: Jennifer, Nicholas and Kristen. Now their family also includes five grandchildren.

According to Paduano, he was interested in art at a young age and enjoys graphite and colored pencil as his medium because of the simplicity and versatility.

“I like to draw everything – emotions and people with character, especially,” he said. “My family is one of the biggest inspirations for me.”

Actors, wildlife, animals and portraits are common subjects in his art.

For Paduano, his artistic creativity has also surfaced in wood and metal workings, including designing and building his family’s home and gardens.

Alongside painting, sketching and drawing, he builds the frames for all of his artwork.

In 2009, his wife and children purchased Paduano a few art supplies which helped him rediscover his love of sketching.

Paduano is currently an employee at Cummins Engine, where he manages incoming skids. Both he and his wife are members of the Chautauqua County Society of Artists.

During the summer months, many of Paduano’s works are on display and for sale in exhibits in Bemus Point and Mayville. He does commissioned artwork including portraits, pets and wildlife.

To contact Paduano about his artwork, call 763-9492 or email jerry.paduano@yahoo.com.

The Fluvanna Free Library is located at 3532 Fluvanna Ave. Extension in Jamestown.

For more information, contact library director Christine Anderson at 487-1773. Visit www.cclslib.org/fluvanna for links to the library’s online catalog and lists of new books and videos.