Brenton Dumas, executive director of Foothills Art Society, said the organization is proud to present Gail Bessette’s first exhibit in 12 years at the North Star Gallery on Pearl in Malone. (Provided photo — Trevor Buchanan/Malone Telegram)

MALONE — Foothills Art Society and The North Star Gallery on Pearl continue their mission of promoting the arts in the community, fostering creativity and supporting local artists with yesterday’s opening of the Gail Bessette exhibit, according to a press release from the organization. The exhibit opened Friday at the gallery on Pearl Street and will run through July 24.

Foothills promises a lineup of musical events and art shows for audiences of all ages throughout the summer, the release stated.

In June, the spotlight will be on Bessette, known for her versatility and mastery across various artistic media. Her exhibition will be a testament to her artistic journey, allowing visitors to appreciate her unique style and artistic vision, according to the release.

According to gailbessette.com, Bessette, a graduate of St. Lawrence and Clarkson universities, began her career in the Adirondacks as a landscape painter and later expanded her creations to more abstract paintings in various mediums, including encaustics and oil mixed with cold wax.

Foothills executive director Brenton Dumas said the North Star Gallery on Pearl is proud to host Bessette’s first exhibit in 12 years.

“This is actually her first exhibit in 12 years,” Dumas told the Telegram Thursday. “We’re really excited. We’re excited to display and showcase her work. It’s very much an honor.”

He added that Foothills is working on being able to sell works online, which would make it possible for people outside the area to support Bessette and Foothills. They hope to have that capability in roughly a week.

Bessette has exhibited her work in exhibitions around the country and currently lives in Sedona, Arizona, but spends her summers in the North Country.

A special performance by harpist Martha Gallagher will kick off the show Friday.

“Attendees can expect to be enchanted by her captivating artistry,” the release stated.

According to foothillsartsociety.com, Gallagher is a singer/songwriter, harpist, performing, recording, and teaching artist. From small house concerts to theaters, from churches to stage performances with six-time Grammy winners The Chieftains, Martha has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years with her songs, stories, and in-the-moment inspirations.

With a joyful and engaging stage presence, she shares music that is a captivating mix of styles, from jazz standards to contemporary folk, from traditional Celtic to Blues to contemplative and more, the website reads.

The Foothills Art Society’s golf tournament, Fore the Arts, happening on June 28, is one of the organization’s major fundraisers. The event will feature a dinner, live and silent auctions, and will provide an opportunity for people to support upcoming events and local artists.

Dumas said the organization is making good progress in its first full year in the Pearl Street building.

“We’ve been getting a lot of traffic, which is good,” Dumas told the Telegram.

Organizers said these events not only allow community members to engage with the arts but also serve as avenues for supporting and nurturing the creative endeavors of local artists. Updated details can be found at foothillsartsociety.com.