HUNTINGTON -- The 2010 West Virginia Watercolor Society (WVWS) juried exhibition Festival of Colors will take place June 11 through July 30 at Gallery 842 located at 842 4th Ave., Huntington.

The opening reception is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 11.

The exhibit was juried by John Farley, gallery director and adjunct art faculty member at Marshall University. A graduate of Marshall University's Department of Art and Design, Farley's work has been chosen for display in the Huntington Museum of Art and the West Virginia Culture Center among others.

Farley encouraged the public to view this exhibit, noting the diversity and talent represented in the show.

"There are a wide variety of examples of various watercolor techniques - despite the fact that they are all under the umbrella of watercolor paintings," said Farley in a news release. "Taking full advantage of freedom of the medium, to be controlled, or more expressive-viewers will find everything from highly representational portraiture to gestural abstract paintings."

WVWS President Jeannine Romano was pleased for the organization to be exhibited at Gallery 842.

"During the past two years as president of the West Virginia Watercolor Society, I have been continually amazed and inspired by the caliber of talented artists we have in our state" Romano said. "The motto 'To promote and ensure a high standard of watercolor painting' is demonstrated by many of our members who mentor and teach watercolor painting throughout the region. It is exciting for us to be among the first to exhibit at Gallery 842, to bring our creative flare to the Huntington area. Many of our members are also signature members of national societies, and set an ideal for those of us who are novices. It has been an honor and an inspiring pleasure to work with these folks."

Summer hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, contact Jaye Ike, 304-696-3296 or jaye.ike@marshall.edu.