ATTLEBORO - Local artists once again will receive special recognition when the Attleboro Arts Museum presents its Annual Members' Juried Exhibition and Holiday Gift Gallery Sale through Jan. 22.

The exhibition will start with an opening awards reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The event will be free and open to the public, and feature live music by Bob Andrews and light refreshments.

Many of the show's 92 participating artists are expected to be on hand during the reception, and Museum Executive Director Mim Fawcett encourages attendees to take the opportunity to get to know their local artists.

"I have started a tradition of having the artists wear a blue ribbon that we provide them with," Fawcett said. "I want all contributing artists to be recognized and honored at this event, and I ask all attendees to step up to the artists and ask them to point out their work. This is a celebration for all exhibitors - not just those who receive awards."

The exhibition features 176 pieces of original artwork created by the artists within the last three years in all mediums, from pastel to oil, as well as "very clever 3D pieces of ceramic, wax, wood, fabric and metal," all of which highlight the increasing talent of the artists, according to Museum Executive Director Mim Fawcett. "Our member artists are branching out with unique materials and applications," Fawcett said. "They're also tackling a range of subjects with their work. There are very graceful scenes, as well as provocative statements represented."

The artists also have taken the quality level of the work up a few notches this year, according to Fawcett - something she says is both recognized by and beneficial to the artists.

"On more than one occasion, a member artist commented about the overall quality level of the submissions," Fawcett said. "I'm pleased to see that our artists are impressed with the standard of the work and are proud to be included in the museum's exhibit."

But the opportunities don't stop with just the exhibition for either the artists or the visiting art enthusiasts as each artist also has been invited to place art or craftwork in the Holiday Gift Gallery Sale, which also runs through Jan. 22.

The artists were invited to place in the sale paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art and other work that would appeal to shoppers searching for a creative gift, with artwork no larger than 24-by-24 inches, framed and valued at $150 or less.

Items in the gift gallery include items starting at just $3.

Janette Sears can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.