Art enthusiasts celebrated the 50th anniversary of Capital Arts with food, wine and an art exhibit of 28 area artists Sunday.
The anniversary coincided with the organization's "Give the Gift of Art" exhibit, which featured area artists wares for sale during the holidays.
The public was able to mingle with the artists and ask questions about their art.
"We're bringing awareness to the community as well," Executive Director Leann Porrello said. "Even though we've been here since 2009, and been here 50 years in Jefferson City, a lot of people don't know we're here still. We hear that all the time."
Capital Arts formed in 1967, but didn't have its current gallery at 1203 Missouri Blvd. until 2009. The organization works in conjunction with the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and gets funding from the Missouri Arts Council, as well as memberships and fundraisers.
In recent years, Capital Arts has expanded its mission from supporting visual arts to all arts, including music, theater and literary arts, Capital Arts board president Holly Nunn said.
"Our goal is to always encourage and promote artists in the community and bring exposure (to it), as well as the artists," Porrello said. "We always feel there wouldn't be a gallery if there weren't any artists. So, really, the artists are the heart of this organization, because they're the ones who allow us to have a beautiful building to display their works."
One of the artists attending Sunday was Janis Burgin, owner of JB Art Studio. She studied under Robert Norman Ross, an American painter and host of "The Joy of Painting," an instructional television program still aired in reruns on PBS.
Burgin gave a short presentation on how she creates artistic jewelry from various types and colors of melted glass that she fires in a kiln at more than 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
For her, the love of art is about constantly learning and teaching.
"I love all art," said Burgin, who is president of the Jefferson City Art Club. "I love learning new things all the time, then I like to share them with other people," she said. "That's my favorite thing to do."
The gallery is the only local art organization open seven days a week. It is open from Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Entrance is free and there's always a running art exhibit.
The organization's next reception will be held from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 10, and will feature more art as gift ideas for the holidays.
Capital Arts can be found online at www.capitalarts.org.