A reception earlier this month paid tribute to local artists whose works are on display at the Dawson County Government Center.

County native Amber Gilleland said she was honored to have her paintings hanging on the fourth floor of the new center.

"I grew up here. Dawson County is part of my heritage and my roots," she said as she walked through the gallery with her family.

Nearly two dozen local artists are featured in the permanent fourth floor exhibit. Local art work is also on display on the center's third floor.

"We're rich in talent in Dawson County with artists," said Kevin Tanner, who as county manager worked with the arts council on the project. "Thank you again to all the artists. This is a testament to what we believe community means in Dawson County."

Commission Chair Mike Berg thanked the artists for donating pieces to the exhibit and volunteers with the Bowen Center for the Arts for organizing the gallery.

"The board really supports the arts. We've done so in the past and we'll continue to do so in the future," Berg said. "It's a wonderful thing to have art here, local artists, in a local building where the citizens from not only this county but around the state will come and visit and see. It's a great working relationship."