On Oct. 23, Wesley United Methodist Church hosted an art exhibition that put the talent of its members on display. 

The church at 462 Main St. was open to visitors from 5 to 7 p.m., and art was displayed both on the pews throughout and on tables set up around the perimeter of the church.

A variety of work by artists such Navy veteran Herby Thompson and 17-year-old Cody Salvesen, a junior at Rising Tide High School, was showcased in what Pastor Ginny Doran said would ideally be the first of many church art shows.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” she said. “Some stuff is just to look at, some stuff is for sale.” 

Doran noted that a percentage of the sales would help support the church. 

Thompson, whose colored pencil art was prominently on display in the front row of the church pews, said much of his work was inspired by the church. A series of his pieces featured the church during the different seasons. 

Art is a passion for Thompson — one he said he’d been doing “since I was a little boy.”

A good amount of work created by young church members was also on display. Katy Anzora, 13, brought in a collection of drawings that took her anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours to complete. Anzora said this was her first art show outside of school.

Salvesen, a Marion resident, said he had been creating art since he was in kindergarten. It wasn’t his first time participating in an art show, he said — like Thompson, Salvesen’s work has been featured at Gallery X in New Bedford.

Other local artists and photographers also displayed their work.

Church member Ruth Saunders, who helped with the art show, said it was nice to see people enjoying the work and “appreciating all the different types of talent” people in the Wesley church community have.