The artist is Upper St. Clair resident Ned Garnhart. A graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, Ned is retired art department chairman for Bethel Park Schools.

Ned's new exhibit features diversity in art bringing with it plenty of smiles. Most pieces include at least one key somewhere on the canvas. Each painting or creative artwork also provides a short message relating to keys and to each one's theme.

Take a few minutes to find the hidden keys on Butterflies or read about how the daffodils ate the keys on Daffodils on Lavender and how God is the "key" to reassurance and all good things in God is Life. And be sure not to miss Snapplepedia featuring amazing facts printed inside Snapple beverage bottle caps. The message here is that knowledge is of "key" importance in our world.

"One of my daughters-in-law even questioned my plans for the growing accumulation of keys as she helped clean my studio a few years back," Ned said. "She could have been suggesting I toss them."

The "keys" art collection just recently came together for this exhibit. One painting led to another and final touches were added only a day before the exhibit was hung.

Students from all around the South Hills know Ned Garnhart through his art classes and caricature drawings at local proms, bar mitzvahs and other private and community events. He also offers individual art lessons in painting, drawing, pastels and calligraphy to anyone having a wish to learn.

"I teach a painting and drawing student who I called Lil' Dude when he started with me as a second grader," continued Ned. "He's now in the seventh grade, currently creates illustrations for children's books and still comes for art lessons. To me he'll always be Lil' Dude.

"One of the most enjoyable classes I've ever taught has been for adults. For six years men and women joined my class, 'I Wish I Could Draw'."

The "key" exhibit will be featured at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library through July 31. All ages are welcomed to meet the artist from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26.

When this exhibit ends, Ned won't be ready to discard his bunches of keys. He's looking for a few large, old keys or some in unusual shapes, so he must have something else up his sleeve.

Before discarding any old keys, Ned would appreciate a call at 412-835-7640.

http://mysite.verizon.net/nedart/