A first-time art exhibit and competition open to the public brings together 50 artists showing 82 pieces of artwork.

Anyone in Hamilton County 16 or older was invited to submit two pieces for the Hamilton County Artists’ Association’s “Community Creates” competition.

An open house to showcase the art and announce winners will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Hamilton County Art Center and The Birdie Gallery, 195 S. Fifth St., Noblesville.

When the organization decided to host the competition, members couldn’t predict its popularity.

“We didn’t know if it was going to be feast or famine,” said artist Diane Breman, 58, Noblesville, an association member who’s co-organizing the exhibit, which runs through Nov. 27.

“When we opened the door, we had people here early,” she said of Saturday’s entry drop-off.

“The people that came in were absolutely thrilled. And we were thrilled with the response and thrilled with the quality of work. . . . It’s fabulous,” she said.

Larry Kasey, 72, Fishers, co-vice president of the 63-member association, said only 1 percent of the submitted work came from professional artists. He said delighted with the response. He said one entrant, Marianne Brinson, Carmel, submitted two large oils, “A Little Night Music” and “Boys in the Band,” which she painted 30 years ago and wanted to show.

Betsy Reason