NORWAY - Frost Farm Gallery will hold a First Friday reception from 5 to 8 p.m. July 4. The exhibit and sale will feature florals and landscapes in watercolor, oils and pastels, and "Garden Jewelry" sculptures by Jo Northrop Thomas.

The artist grew up in in upstate New York before making a home with her husband in Paris in 1977. Now a Norway summer resident, she spends her winters in Tennessee where she is the art director for the Civic Art League of Chattanooga.

An artist for many years, Thomas has worked primarily in the realist style with oils and is attracted to landscapes. Her floral studies in watercolor began about 20 years ago, with her departure into pastels developing just recently. Her latest venture, "Garden Jewelry," is her attempt at "green" art.

"I enjoy the process of using existing materials and blending or combining them to create a whole new purpose," said Thomas, who donates a percentage of proceeds to the national organization Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Her sculptures and paintings have been featured at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point; the Harris Art Center in Calhoun, Ga; The Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga; the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center in Tunnel Hill, Ga; and The Galleries at Southside, Reflections Gallery and Garden Vignettes, all in Chattanooga.

When not painting or sculpting, Thomas enjoys gardening, gourmet cooking, kayaking with her husband,Gene, and spending time with their two grown sons.

The show and sale will continue at Frost Farm Gallery, 272 Pikes Hill in Norway, through Saturday, July 26. For more information, call the gallery at 743-8041.

First Friday Artwalk exhibits at Frost Farm Gallery are in conjunction with Matolcsy Art Center, Commons Art Collective, Norway Memorial Library, McLaughlin Garden, Painted Mermaid Gallery and My Studio.