A small, angry bird, wildfires and peaceful beaches are among the subjects of the paintings that now line the walls of the library’s meeting room.  

Now through January 3, the library is hosting an art show put on by the Bourne-Wareham Art Association. Thirty-five works by 13 artists line the walls.

All the works are for sale, and 20 percent of the proceeds go to support the library. 

The association meets monthly in the spring and fall. After some brief association business, an artist might share their technique, or sometimes the members bring works-in-progress to discuss.

“I enjoy the meetings,” said Patricia White, the association’s president. “Sometimes we share our art, which is always exciting.”

Tim Foley, a member who co-chaired the show, said that the group often shares ideas.

The group also meets up for other activities from time to time. Charlene Mackiewicz, a member who co-chaired the show, led a plein air painting session during the summer. Plein air painting is painting outside.

“That’s great because we get to learn and see what other artists are doing,” White said.

The association also gives out a scholarship each year to a graduating senior from an area high school who plans to pursue the arts.

“The students come in with their portfolio and get a chance to talk about their work, maybe for the first time,” White said. 

Kate Furler, an artist who lives in Swifts Beach, had two of her watercolors on display in the show: One of a ferocious-looking puffed-up robin, and another of a heron standing gracefully in the water. The painting of the heron, she said, is based on a photograph she took in the neighborhood.

“Swifts Beach is full of artists,” Furler said, adding that there are four or five on her block alone. Once a science teacher, Furler attended art school after retirement and went on to teach art in Ireland for ten years. Now, she teaches watercolor classes at the Bourne Senior Center. 

She’s not the only artist who painted scenes from Wareham — one of Foley’s works is of a boat pulled ashore at Swifts Neck.

The show will be on display through January 3, and is free and open to all during regular library hours. The Wareham Free Library is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested in joining the association can check out “The Official Bourne-Wareham Art Association Page” on Facebook or email Foley at timfoley387@gmail.com.