Four Gulfport women have made friendship a fine art, and the fruits of their creativity and camaraderie are on display in a new exhibit at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Harrison County Campus Fine Art Gallery.

“Friends Forever: Sharing Art Together,” featuring works by Mary Anne Barkley Hewes, Meridith Golden Hiatt, Mary Beth Barnett and Patti Sneed, will be on display Oct. 19 through Nov. 20. The exhibit celebrates not only the artists’ individual talents but also the lifelong friendships and shared experiences that inspire their creativity.

Hewes, primarily a watercolorist, finds joy in the unpredictable nature of her medium.

“It is such an enjoyable experience for me,” Hewes said. “As I watch the paint and water being absorbed by the paper, I always wonder what it will turn out to be.”

Hewes has been friends with Barnett and Sneed since childhood and neighbors with Hiatt for more than 40 years.

“These ladies are so dear to my heart and are such talented artists,” she said. “Painting with them is a delightful learning process and oh so much fun.”

Hiatt, who comes from a family of artists, considers artistic expression part of her heritage.

“My passion is painting all the beauty that surrounds us, nature and the glorious variety of shapes and colors it offers to the attentive eye,” Hiatt said.

She and Hewes have painted together for 35 years, drawing inspiration from their shared appreciation of the natural world.

“Our works complement each other’s because we are both passionate about nature,” Hiatt said. “Painting together is inspirational and fun. Showing our work together sparks camaraderie.”

Barnett discovered her passion for painting in her 50s after her youngest child left home. She developed a love for color and for capturing the essence of local scenes and animals. She credits her fellow artists with encouraging her creative growth.

“Their use of color, freedom of form, choice of subject matter, and enthusiasm for life inspires me and motivates me,” Barnett said.

For Sneed, Barnett’s sister, art has been a lifelong pursuit, from creating posters for school projects to painting Christmas cards and sketching personalized stationery.

“Making posters for high-school projects with markers, decorating Christmas cards with watercolors, and sketching note cards for stationery, it’s a great escape,” Sneed said.

She especially values the encouragement and generosity the four artists share.

“These women are not only very talented, but also generous,” Sneed said. “They share and support one another in many ways, their ideas, workshops and gatherings, and most importantly, their suggestions.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public. A reception honoring the artists will be held Friday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the gallery.

The Fine Art Gallery is in Building D on MGCCC’s Harrison County Campus, 2226 Switzer Road in Gulfport. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact gallery director Cecily Cummings at 228-897-3909 or cecily.cummings@mgccc.edu.