Artists often gain inspiration from the views that are part of their daily life, using their personal perspective and talents to capture what they see and share it. A group of painters and photographers recently responded to an invitation to include their creative efforts in the August exhibit at the Martinsburg Library, titled “Scenes from Berkeley County.”

Sponsored by the Berkeley Arts Council, the artwork includes pastoral studies, depictions of historic structures, city street scenes, and closeup portrayals of nature. The agricultural aspect of their surroundings inspired Kat Cimaglio, who painted “Breakfast Meeting” and Edwin John Symonds who offers “Black Angus.” Treasures from the past are preserved in Mary Jo Bennett’s “Harlan Mills Spring House” photo; Pat Kinzie’s “Old Barn” and Jane Horst’s watercolor titled “Summer Spring House.”

Martinsburg’s architecture was painted by Leia Wood (“Hartwood Manor” and “Martin Street”) and photographed by Mary Jo Bennett (“Poorhouse Farm Reflections”) and by Rip Smith (“Boydville Mansion” and “Garden Gate, Boydville”.  Nature studies also absorbed Jane Horst (”Firefly Field”), Pat Kinzie (“Iris in a Fence Row”) and Edwin John Symonds (“A Berkeley Stream”).

The exhibit will be on view in the area adjacent to the circulation desk on the main level of the library at King and Queen streets through August 29. The exhibit was coordinated by Miriam Saunders for the Berkeley Arts Council. For information about other Arts Council activities, visit www.berkeleyartswv.org.