Leroy Baxter

UNC Asheville's Blower's Gallery will host an exhibition of 18 pieces of original art by Asheville native and mixed-media folk artist Leroy Baxter. The exhibition will run through August 1 and is free and open to the public.

Baxter combines cut-out shapes, glitter, foil and paint to create a style of art all his own. Working with everyday objects such as cardboard and plywood, Baxter attaches drawings and sketches of flowers, hearts and other shapes. His latest works incorporate stickers and glitter into the designs.

Baxter, 81, began making his art a few years ago between jobs as a handyman. Originally he gave away his pieces but began selling them after interest in his work grew around Asheville and the local art scene.

Blowers Gallery, located on the main floor of UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library, is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 828/251-6546.