Jo Baker’s studio in her Newry farm house is filled with the aroma of art supplies and where dozens of works in watercolors and pastels line the walls and shelves. For 40 years her work has been a Bethel favorite, especially her scenes of the ski resorts. An exhibit of her work will open with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the Owen Gallery, Gould Academy. The exhibit will remain open for the Bethel Art Fair from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

BETHEL — Jo Baker has spent thousands of brush strokes capturing the essence of the mountains surrounding her Newry farmhouse. Her images of ski trails on forested hills are a favorite for most. It is for the deep impact of her work on many people that Baker was chosen by the Mahoosuc Arts Council as the Bethel Art Fair artist of honor. Her painting of a skier in a blizzard is the featured poster art for the fair.

An exhibit of her work will open with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the Owen Gallery, Gould Academy. The exhibit will remain open for the Bethel Art Fair from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

Baker has spent the past 40 years studying art, judging art competitions and developing her own technique in watercolors, oils and pastels. She began her journey in the arts in her 50s when she began taking pen-and-ink classes. She went on to study fine art which included still life and plein air work in both Maine and Florida. She became a founding member of the Western Maine Art Group, the Norway Arts Festival and the Bethel Art Fair.

For more information, call 207-824-3575, email info@mahoosucarts.org or visit www.mahoosucarts.org.