LONG BEACH — The Northwest Artist Guild, a group of artists who have joined together to promote their art on the Long Beach Peninsula, is holding an open house at the Picture Attic, located at 711 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on May 13 where you can meet the artists.

Starting as a small group of artistic souls The Picture Attic painters had been painting together and had presented two shows in private homes with much success. The group decided to formalize and become the Northwest Artist Guild, with the idea of promoting art on the peninsula and sharing with like-minded artists. Originally consisting of a group of eight, the guild has become 16 members strong and is currently showing work at several different venues in a year’s time.

Recently the guild decided to share their work on a more permanent basis and have reconfigured the Picture Attic space to include original art and prints as well as cards from their work. During the fall of the year The Cove restaurant at the Peninsula Gold Course was the host for the group for an entire month. Other shows throughout the year include The Old Train Depot in Long Beach. Publicity is usually out a month or so before the occasion.

Members of the guild include: Kent Toepfer, Collage and acrylics; Betsy Toepfer, watercolors; Betty Lu Krause, acrylics; Joan Taplin, watercolor and oil; Maxine Brown, watercolor; Stan Riedesel, watercolor; Kathyrn Murdock, watercolor; Annie Unwin, watercolor and pastel; Patsy Chapel, watercolor; Al Betters, acrylic; Jean Nitzel, watercolor; Susan McCloud, acrylic and watercolor; Wes Moenhke, watercolor; Sharon Strong, Collage and watercolor; Judy Leonard, acrylic and watercolor; Cindy Keyes, acrylic and watercolor.

The group meets once a month for planning and a “fun in art” segment presented by individual members. Some of the subjects have been, perspective, shading, watercolor pencils, industrial color, watercolor and acrylic paints. Future plans include plein art painting and workshops.

The group’s mission statement is “Within a supportive environment that encourages the creative process, the Northwest Artists Guild provides opportunities for artists to build and share their knowledge and skills, and to exhibit their work on the Pacific Northwest Coast.”

New members or those with an interest are welcome. Call 642-4770 for more information or visit their website at northwestartistguild.weebly.com/.