BRANDON — The Brandon Artists Guild (The BAG) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of themed exhibits honoring our planet. The series will run from March through October, with each show lasting two months. The first exhibit, “Art of the Earth,” opens March 1 and runs through April 30. The public is invited to the opening reception Friday, March 1, from 5-7 p.m.
The exhibit series represents a departure for the 20-year-old Artists Guild.  
“DANCING IN THE Forest” by Karen Deets; Stained Glass
“Rather than having our traditional single-artist exhibits, we decided to invite all our exhibiting members to contribute to four group shows based on a single theme,” said artist Judith Reilly. “And what better subject than the Earth, where we draw our inspiration from?” 
This year is also the Chinese Year of the Pig, which ties into the BAG’s history. In 2003, the Guild’s first public art fundraiser, “The Really Really Pig Show,” caught the public’s attention and put the young Brandon Artists Guild on the road to its current success.  “We owe a lot to the pigs,” said Reilly.
“TECTONIC PLATE” BY Deborah Goodwin; Earthenware
The Year of the Pig also recognizes nature’s elements, Earth, Wood, Water and Fire.  The BAG will devote its four exhibits to these elements. The “Art of the Earth” exhibit will include pottery by guest artist Amanda Ann Palmer.
Following “Art of the Earth” will be “Art of Wood” from May 3-June 25, “Art of Water” from June 28-Aug. 27, and “Art of Fire” from Aug. 30-Oct. 29.
The BAG, at 7 Center Street in Brandon, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info call (802) 247-4956.