Sculptor Paul Ducret of Manchester shares "Poe" in cast stone and "Boxy," a polymer clay turtle displayed at the Small Works - Big Impact exhibit of Nov. 1 - Dec. 21. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

MILFORD – A full roster of new and ongoing art classes at Creative Ventures Art Gallery and teaching studio, located at 411 Nashua Street in Milford, beckons both novice practitioners and other enthusiasts to explore watercolor, pastel, mixed media and printmaking, along with drawing, oil painting or alcohol-ink-designed creations.

“I believe anyone who is curious about trying a new skill or improving their chosen craft will find an array of classes taught by experienced, mostly local, artists of solid credentials,” said Betsy Craumer, a Bedford resident, pastel teacher and owner of the art hub she opened in 2015.

Craumer noted participation in the gallery’s programs offers amenities that include opportunities to show and sell artworks displayed on the gallery’s walls, showcased online, or shared at in-house exhibitions.

Seventeen local artists showed their wares at a recent Small Works – Big Impact exhibit of Nov. 1 – Dec. 21. It spotlighted sculpture, oil paintings, glass etchings, acrylic abstracts and wildlife studies in a format of less than 12-inches in size.

Lydia Gyurina of Amherst, an artist who rents studio space at Creative Ventures Gallery, is one whose free flowing, colorful abstracts drew commendations.

Brenda Ferro of Mason expresses the beauty of a perky Blue Jay. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Her studio sports a large desk showcasing hundreds of shades of pastels, frames of varying sizes, colored pencils and many colorful unframed drawings and works in progress.

Gyurina entered a vivid pastel abstract, “Egg Angel,” into the acclaimed exhibition. She studied some of her fellow artists’ works at the Small Works – Big Impact show and admired them as being precise, delightful and full of heart.

“It’s truly wonderful seeing the range of artworks exhibited right here in Milford,” said Gyurina, whose skills stem from her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.

“There’s a spectacular depth and breadth of skill that the artists exhibiting here bring to the table and I feel lucky to show my work alongside them,” she added.

Gyurina’s observations are astute, for she is adept at oil pastel abstracts, acrylic painting, digital media and video performance art.

Dominique Boutaud of Nashua adds abstract shapes to accentuate her exhibit entry. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Craumer extends thanks to scores of patrons who continue to support local artists at the gallery’s exhibits, through online art purchases and through participation in Creative Ventures Gallery’s extensive roster of art classes.

More details on artwork purchases, upcoming and ongoing classes and future exhibitions are available online at creativeventuresfineart.com.

Tara Van Meter, a Goffstown glass artist, presents "Floral / Fauna" at a recent exhibition. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Lydia Gyurina of Amherst draws accolades for her recent show entry, "Egg Angel," a vibrant pastel. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Gallery owner Betsy Craumer of Bedford wraps a customer's purchase of an oil painting. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Sharon Allen of Derry details the beauty of Everett Dam in Weare's Clough State Park. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON