Kelley Redmond has been amazed at the artwork coming into the Hartselle Fine Arts Center over the past couple of weeks for the Watercolor Society of Alabama’s 72nd National Exhibition.

“The level of talent is just amazing,” said Redmond, the HFAC’s director. “There’s just such a variety of styles on display in these paintings and they are all watercolors. We’ve never hosted an art show like this.”

The public will have its first chance to view the artwork on display this Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. during an opening reception. The show will continue through May 26. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Redmond said the center received more than 100 paintings. An internationally recognized juror, Stan Miller of Spokane, Wash., will select 110 paintings for this collection of art.

Richard Stephens of Hot Springs, Ark., will serve as the judge of awards.

“These paints are from artists all over the United States,” Redmond said. “I think this is something that will not only stir a lot of interest here in Hartselle, but also from at least a 100-mile radius.”

Ann Tucker, owner of Slate Gallery and Framing, also added that there would be a watercolor demonstration on Friday by a nationally acclaimed artist.

“We hope that we will have a big crowd this weekend for the demonstration, the opening ceremony and also during the entire show,” Tucker said. “We hope this will help promote the arts in our community and in our schools.”

Tucker said the show was originally planned for Tuscaloosa, but scheduling issues forced the society to look for a new place.

“We were invited to submit a proposal and they loved the place,” Tucker said. “We beat out Fairhope to get it.”

Tucker said the show has been an eye-opening experience, but she said the hard work has been worth it. She also sees this as a chance to promote the city.

“When the society members are coming to town, we’re using local restaurants to cater the functions,” Tucker said. “This is a great opportunity to promote Hartselle.”