On June 6, the Bowen Center for the Arts in downtown Dawsonville held a reception for its current exhibit, “For Men Only.”

The show premiered the beginning of the month and features men artists who are members of the Dawson County Arts Council.

Open to the public through June 27, the show features 17 artists from the surrounding area, and works of art that range from photography and oil paintings, to graphics and mixed media.

This year is the first year that the arts council has hosted a show featuring only male artists.

“We have spaceships, fishing lures and sculptures. All the works in this show display not only the talent of the featured artists, but also shows other interests that each man has in his personal life,” said Marcia Chelf, director of the arts center.

One well-known local sculptor, Allen Ferg, has on display some of his bronze and painted terra cotta soldier sculptures.

“His ‘Gymnast’ is so graceful, she seems ready to leap from her stand,” said Mimi Seibel, arts council member.

Works of county commissioner Gary Pichon can also be found at the show, which include examples of handmade furniture and accessories.

Seibel described the landscape paintings of Phil Thomas to seem very much like real life.

“(Thomas) displayed four of his peaceful, country landscapes that make you want to just walk into them,” she said.

The show is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the arts center at (706) 216-2787.