Shelia Hawthorne Klotz’s artwork will be on display through Jan. 24 at the Elaine Biondo Gallery Space inside the Monroeville Public Library. Hawthorne Klotz, who resides in the Hampton area, creates artwork including watercolors, acrylics and collages, which she displays in the form of wall art, note cards and jewelry.

“I am happy and excited to show my art at the Monroeville Public Library,” said Hawthorne Klotz, of Blue Hues Art Studio. “The Friends of the Library have a lovely gallery space for exhibits and are so gracious to open their doors to share community talents.”

“The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that has been supporting the library for over sixty years,” said Tara Rotuna, a volunteer who assists with publicity. One of the group’s roles is managing the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space in an effort to bring art to the community.

Hawthorne Klotz shares her passion for creativity by teaching art classes at area art centers. And her work is exhibited at local galleries including Manos Gallery, Latrobe Art Center, Butler Art Center, So Me Studio and North Hills Art Center.

In addition to watercolor and acrylic, Hawthorne Klotz incorporates Gyotaku, a Japanese method of printing fish, into her repertoire. Gyotaku is a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s and was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form itself.

“I discovered Gyotaku and fell in love with the technique and results. The history makes it even more special,” said Hawthorne Klotz. “Sumi ink and washi paper, or rice paper, are readily available online. A variety of fish are available at your local seafood store or grocer. The colors are up to you,” she added.

In addition to managing the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space, The Friends of MPL promote the use of other library resources.

“The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library conduct fundraisers to provide yearly funding for summer reading programs and other contributions toward library needs such as a recent donation for new bookshelves in the Children’s Room,” Rotuna stated.

To see more of Hawthorne Klotz’s work, you can find her on Instagram @bluehuesartbyshelia or at her Etsy shop, BlueHuesArtStudio

Leslie Savisky is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.