Local Artist's Work On Display At City Hall Throughout December

ENUMCLAW, WA — The artwork of animal groomer-turned-painter April Hurst will be on display in the Enumclaw City Hall Gallery throughout the month of December. An artist's reception will be held Dec. 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Gallery at 1339 Griffin Ave.

Hurst was selected as the People's Choice winner for the city's GEMs Miniature Juried Art Exhibit of 2018. Painting for only three years, Hurst received first place in the Miniature Juried Art Exhibit this past July.

"I was always interested in art, even as a kid. I liked drawing pictures," Hurst said in a statement. "Later, I took up oil painting for a few years in a class, but with raising a family and other things that come with life, stopped painting for many years."

After working as an animal groomer for 40 years Hurst says she needed elbow surgery. Looking for something to do while she was recovering, Hurst joined classes at Arts Alive! Center for the Arts in Enumclaw with her friend Elaine Lynest.

Beginning with watercolors, Hurst spent her first winter as an amateur painter creating Christmas and holiday cards by hand.

"After returning to work, I kept going to classes on Mondays when my business is closed," she said. "I have enjoyed this great local resource here in our hometown of Enumclaw."

See Hurst's art for yourself between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from Dec. 6 through Jan. 1, 2019, excluding Tuesdays and national holidays.

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Image via City of Enumclaw