A display of paintings by local artist April Hurst will highlight the final Gallery 2018 exhibit of the year.

The monthly displays are a joint effort of the city of Enumclaw and 4Culture of King County.

Hurst was a “People’s Choice” winner during Enumclaw’s 2018 GEMs Miniature Show and was then invited to show her work in Gallery 2018. Her work will be on display Dec. 6 through the end of the month.

A reception for the artist is planned for 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the gallery.

“I was always interested in art, even as a kid. I liked drawing pictures,” Hurst said. “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.”

She started painting watercolors about three years ago after deciding to make all her holiday cards by hand. Each person on the mailing list received an original, hand-painted card.

Hurst’s return to the art world was the result of a health issue. After 40 years of grooming animals she required surgery on her elbows and was looking for something to do while recovering. She chose to attend classes at Enumclaw’s Arts Alive! taught by Elaine Lynest.

“I started really learning watercolor and color mixing and have really enjoyed these classes a lot,” Hurst said, noting that she has continued taking classes even after returning to work.

Gallery 2018 is found in the council chambers at Enumclaw City Hall, 1339 Griffin Ave. Hours for the exhibition space are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.