The city of Enumclaw’s Gallery 2009 presents “Accepting the Challenge,” by artist Janet Berthon. The exhibit opens at City Hall council chambers, 1339 Griffin Ave., today, Wednesday, and runs through March 3.

Berthon is well-known for her sculptural skills. In this exhibit, she shows herself to be a skilled landscape and floral painter as well. She is an Enumclaw resident who shows regularly at the Art Alive! Gallery.

“I have had a life-long love affair with the arts,” Berthon said. “Earning a master’s degree in art education at the University of Washington allowed me to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and methods. After retiring from teaching, museum and studio art classes continued to provide further avenues for me to keep my mind occupied and my hands busy with creative processes.  I found that carving in stone and painting with watercolor offered additional challenges for my creative instincts. I love the mystery of stone and have focused on shaping the soothing shapes and curves of birds.  Capturing the delicate colors and forms of flowers with watercolors is equally as challenging. And so, the quest to reproduce or imitate some of the beauty around us provides an eternal challenge for my creativity.”

Artists have been selected by the Enumclaw Arts Commission to exhibit at Gallery 2009 each month on the following schedule: Jan Wieser, March; Sharman Owings, April; Mike Dilbeck, May; Helena Portvliet, June; Lea Bishop, July; Lori Twiggs, August; Peter Chafouleas, September; Guest Artist, Jean Stanley, November; Equestrian Exhibit, November; Ken and Lydia Strange, December.

Sylvia Hillberg is currently showing jewelry in the case at City Hall. Items displayed are for sale.

Hours for the exhibition space are 8 a. m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enumclaw City Hall is closed on national holidays. The gallery is closed to the public Tuesdays for municipal court proceedings. For information, contact the Enumclaw Cultural Programs office at 360-802-0239