ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Ohio University Eastern Art Gallery will feature an exhibition of paintings by Monica Mixer beginning on Monday, with an opening reception at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the gallery.

The exhibition will feature the “Explorations” paintings collection by Monica Mixer.

“This exhibit means freedom,” the artist said. “Freedom to explore various color palettes and compositions. Freedom to create without expectations. Freedom to make a mess on a canvas and then reel it in, just because that is fun to do.”

Mixer considers herself to be an abstract artist.

“This body of work is an expression of where I am as an artist. I create intuitively. What is shown on the canvas is a direct reflection of my mood at that time of creating each piece. I’m easily inspired. I don’t approach a canvas with a plan in mind. I don’t plan out my colors or composition. I look at my supplies and grab whatever color, medium or mark making tool is calling out to me in that moment. Often, I can get lost in the process and need to step away to gain some perspective on where I want the piece to go. Sometimes, I leave the piece alone for weeks. It just depends on my mood,” she said.

Mixer resides in St. Clairsville. She received a bachelor’s degree in integrative arts from Penn State University. She hopes the exhibit will not only entertain visitors but inspire others to pick up a paintbrush and create freely.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 21. The Ohio University Eastern Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.