The Edmonds Arts Commission is presenting an exhibit of paintings by Anita West through Dec. 14. Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The Edmonds Library is located at 650 Main St.

Since 2004, West has spent much of her time traveling in the Arabian Gulf region, making and teaching art. In the Middle East, she was introduced to a world filled with pattern and found decorative patterns on the domes of mosques, on walls, floors, sidewalk–and drawn with henna on women’s hands and feet.

She was also introduced to camels – nature’s weird combination of the pedestrian and the regal that look simultaneously goofy and supremely self-confident. She felt compelled to draw them and when she did, they were covered with pattern; pattern which extended into other drawings. West chose pen and ink for many of the desert pieces because of ink’s ability to echo the intricacy of Gulf henna designs

A Seattle artist and art educator, West has taught art to students of all ages and skill levels. She has worked as a visiting artist in the Everett School District and in after-school programs at schools from Seattle to Mukilteo. While in Kuwait, West not only taught but also developed and revised the art curriculum and served as head of the art department.

West’s paintings have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and cultural centers in the United States and abroad. She has exhibited at the Dar El Cid in Jabriya, Kuwait, and the Jakobstad Museum in Pietarsaari, Finland, and in Washington with the Auburn, Lynnwood and Edmonds Arts Commissions. Her work is in private and public collections, including King County Arts Commission and the City of Sinait, The Philippines.