By Marietta Smith

Rail Walk Studios & Gallery is hosting a reception for “When Thoughts Become Art,” an exhibit of oil paintings by artist June Battle. The reception will be held Friday, April 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, located 409-413 N. Lee St.

The exhibit will be available for view through April 29. Gallery and studios are open to the public Thursdays – Saturdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. The gallery and reception are free and open to the public.

June Battle has been enjoying art and painting all her adult life. She got serious about it and began studying art in the 1980s. She studied at University of Alabama, Birmingham as well as Sanford University in Birmingham. In addition she has studied under accomplished artists in the greater Birmingham area. June prefers to paint with oils but has also used acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink and various other mediums in her career. A member of the Hoover, Vestavia and Shelby County Art Associations near Birmingham, June was actively involved in all three groups.

An avid reader, June’s paintings are often inspired by poems and books. In addition, during her studies at UAB and Sanford, she learned about the Old Masters and often created paintings that were inspired by them. She loves the beach and often paints scenes that include the seashore. Some of her favorite paintings include paintings of and for her grandchildren and children.

In her working career, June worked for Baptist Medical Center/Montclair, Birmingham as a director in several different departments of the hospital. There she oversaw a number of employees and enjoyed working with the hospital and helping patients have the best hospital experience possible. She had a very successful career but retired early to have the opportunity to enjoy her grandchildren in Salisbury.

Several years ago, June started spending more time with her son-in-law and daughter, John and Jayne Helms. She got involved with Rail Walk and now spends many happy hours in her studio there, painting and also learning from her fellow artists. She finds Rail Walk to be a very happy and inviting location to continue to explore and enjoy creating art.

June invites the public to see her art show and the opening reception on Friday, April 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rail Walk Studios & Gallery is home to the studios of eight Salisbury artists. For more information call 704-469-2781 or visit www.railwalkgallery.com