Thursday evening the Bainbridge Firehouse Arts Center and community welcomed  Paige Brown and her unique expressions of Southern rural art at an opening reception for her exhibit.

Ms. Brown and her father Ricky Brown, both from Ozark, Alabama, were present to enjoy the enthusiastic reception of those in attendance.

Ms. Brown indicates she began painting about five years ago to fill a void she felt in her life at that time. She admits she felt so insecure of her results that she hid the work under the bed until one day her father found her working on a painting. His positive reaction gave her the encouragement she needed to “go public.”

Now, he is one of her biggest fans. He enjoys showcasing her paintings in his home. His only complaint is that they don’t stay there long. “She is always taking them down to sell or place in a show.” He pointed out his favorite painting of a hunting dog saying, “That was hanging over the fireplace in my den until today.”

In addition to Brown’s colorful paintings, she also has a line of self-made jewelry and note cards, all on display and for sale at the Bainbridge show.

The exhibit remains open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through August 25.