By ANNA BROWN

Those who would like to expand their artistic talent will have a chance later this year when a nationally-recognized artist and art show juror conducts a workshop in Union.

Mary Todd Beam will be the instructor for the workshop hosted by the Union County Arts Council Sept. 14-18 at the Arts Center on 116 East Main St.

Mrs. Beam is a two-time American Water Media Society Gold Medal of Honor winner and the author of two books, “Celebrate Your Creative Self — More Than 25 Exercises to Unleash the Artist Within” and “The Creative Edge — Exercises to Celebrate Your Creative Edge.” A third publication is scheduled for this year. She also has a new video, “An Acrylic Journey; From Trash to Treasure,” produced by Creative Catalyst.”

Paintings by Bill McCall, a Union artist and frame shop and gallery owner, are featured in both books. In “The Creative Edge,” McCall’s painting “Cold Mountain” is featured in the chapter “Sparkling Ice,” which McCall wrote. It details how to capture ice in painting.

McCall, a veteran of many of Mrs. Beam’s workshops, said area artists will enjoy the experience.

“She will be here for a week and then she is going to jury the annual show,” he said. “She did that last year, it was quite successful and she had a full class.”

Students in the workshop will learn painting skills such as threading, layering, under painting, resist and staining. Mrs. Beam attempts to promote the use of experimentation with various materials to broaden a student’s knowledge of available outcomes for clear expression of their ideas. Daily demonstrations will be presented as well as lively discussions of alternative strategies for accomplishing a variety of outcomes.

At the end of the workshop, each student will present his or her portfolio of paintings to the class for sharing and evaluation.

Mrs. Beam, an elected member of the AWS, NWS and OWS, has served as a juror for many national, state and regional exhibits.

The workshop costs $450. A $200 deposit is due at registration. Registration ends July 1. Anyone wanting a registration form may call the arts council at 429-2817.

Mrs. Beam will remain in Union to judge the Union County Arts Council Juried Art Exhibit. The opening reception is on Sept. 20 in USC-Union’s Main Building and lobby.