Diane Parsons and Mary Ross, longtime friends, have a lot in common, but nothing quite so strong as art.

The two long-time tri-town artists complimented one another on the beauty of each other’s paintings on August 4, when they both displayed paintings they had created in the Marion Art Center's annual "Summer Member's Show."

“Mary is my mentor,” Parsons said. “She teaches me and she's inspired me to paint.”

Tri-town artists were the central focus of show - the gallery walls were filled with an array of local artwork, while artists and art admirers reveled in the creativity of the local talent in the area.

Parsons painted a scene of rough waves crashing onto a sandy shore, entitled “Sand & Waves.”

When she's not busy painting, Parsons is also a keen jewelry maker, who uses epoxy in her jewelry. It was while making jewelry that art inspiration hit.

“I thought it would be different to use epoxy for my painting, which is how I got it to look shiny,” Parsons said. “I like the shine.”

She explained that she usually paints more detailed paintings like elephants, but when creating this piece wanted to be more free. “I'm trying to paint more freely and loosely."

Fellow longtime artist Ross displayed a mixed media collage made with textured papers and paint entitled “Autumn.”

Ross has been experimenting with textured papers for the past 30 years, but has been practicing art since the age of 18.

“I went to the Massachusetts College of Art,” Ross said.  “I started out as a painter.”

Liz West, who is on the board of directors at the Marion Art Center, explained that all the art displayed is from artists in the area who are members of the art center. “This show lets all the artists have their work on display for the community,” she explained.

Marion Art Center member Shelly Richins said that the art show showcases all levels of artistry, from amateur to professional artists.

While many pieces were inspired by the scenery of Marion, artist Judy Carver gained the inspiration for her watercolor piece entitled “Haulin’” from somewhere completely different.

“My piece was based from an area in Arizona called the Steampump Ranch,” Carver said. “I was taken by the idea of this truck and the way the light hit it.”

Carver said that she has been interested in art since the fourth grade, but didn't start really getting into it until she retired.

Carver said that she loves the Summer Members Show, and what it offers both artists and other town residents. “It’s great for the whole community."