LEWISTON – The art work of Michael Ranucci of Auburn will be featured during February in the art gallery at the Central Maine Heart Institute. The showing is sponsored by the Woman’s Hospital Association of Central Maine Medical Center.

While drawing and painting has always been a part of his life, Ranucci’s involvement with art was sparked during art classes in college.

Ranucci said he strives to develop his art through self-study, drawing and painting as well as completing a variety of local art classes and workshops. He has also completed two years of seasonal classes at the New England School of Classical Realism in Hancock, N.H.

After the sale of his business in early 2005, he began producing more paintings and offering commission works in portraits, landscapes, still lifes and old master copies. His style is rooted in traditional representational paintings in oil.

Ranucci has exhibited in shows at the Atrium Gallery, UMLA, Lewiston; the National Art Club Gallery, New York City; and Prouts Neck Country Club. Memberships include the Turner Center for the Arts, Oil Painters of America Associate and Allied Artists of American Associate. He holds monthly drawing sessions for children at his studio. Those interested can visit www.michaelranucci.com.

The Woman’s Hospital Association supports Central Maine Medical Center and its patients by raising money to fund special projects. Anyone interested in membership or the monthly artist showings should call 795-2295.