Bowen Center for the Arts is bursting with paintings, drawings, carvings and other independent creations reflecting the local landscape.

The Chestatee Artists, based in Lumpkin County, are presenting a collection that shows mixed mediums through the end of July.

"The exhibit focuses on the surrounding outdoors. It shows all the beautiful nature we have in this community and the wonderful artists we have," said Marcia Chelf, executive director for the arts center.

The works on display show country settings and idyllic scenes, such as horses grazing in fields and hiking trails beside lazy rivers.

"The works bring the outdoors in. If you are too hot this is a great spot to be because you can cool off looking at all these streams and water flowing," she said.

The Dawson County Arts Council held an artist reception on Friday. Chelf said many of the artists are members and volunteers at the center.

"Chestatee Artists is a very talented group of artists. For the exhibit they brought out some unusual types of art, like the chainsaw carvings, wind chimes, stained glass and the greeting poles, which are in different languages. It is things you don't usually see."

Chelf pointed out Debra Powell and Carl Pirone's creations as being especially unique.

Powell creates mosaics with dried leaves and flower petals. The final outcome resembles paintings from afar.

Chelf said Powell's "Hummingbird" uses pieces of leaves and flowers to create a colorful two-dimensional bird.

Pirone uses a chainsaw to carve animals out of wood. An eagle and turtle, each more than 20 pounds, are on display.

Bowen Center for the Arts is located in the Old Rock School building at 334 Hwy. 9 North in Dawsonville.

For more information, call (706) 216-2787 or visit www.dawsonarts.org.

The center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday