AUBURN – In partnership with L/A Arts, Gritty’s has arranged a monthly display of artwork in its corner window at the north end of Main Street.

“We have a window that just looks in on a blank wall, so we thought some art would look good there,” said Thomas Wilson, marketing director for Gritty’s.

“L/A Arts was a natural fit. They came up with the Art & Ale idea, and we think it’s going to be a really great display area for local artwork,” he said.

The first display of work – by local photographer Nancy Preble – will go up Wednesday, March 15, through the Art & Ale program, and will remain in the window at Gritty’s for about a month.

A lifelong resident of the Twin Cities, Preble is a self-taught photographer and has enjoyed the art form as a hobby for many years.

She has won much recognition and several awards for her work, including a Maine State Web site’s 2nd place for her image, “Winter Wonderland,” in 2002. She was chosen to participate in the University of Southern Maine, Lewiston-Auburn College Artist 2003 Exhibition, as well as the Fryeburg Fair 2003, 2004 and 2005, and the Cumberland Fair 2004 and 2005. Prebles has also had a photograph published in a book compiled by the International Library of Photography in 2005 and, most recently, was chosen to participate in the 2006 Turner Center Art Exhibit.

“I keep my camera with me at all times,” said Preble. “When I come across a scene that catches my eye, I take a photo. It’s pretty spontaneous; I like it that way.”

“We are thrilled to be able to have this new resource for local artists. It is just another example where business and the arts can easily come together to promote and give opportunities,” said L/A Arts Marketing Director Cheri Donahue.

For more information , go online to www.laarts.org, or call L/A Arts at 782-7228.