The Pembroke Library is currently offering a series of free art classes Tuesday through Thursday at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Made possible by a $2,000 grant through Arts on the Coast, the classes have been a success and have drawn many from the community to participate, according to library manager Paul Weinberger.

"I would like to see it continue year round," he said. "Maybe if it keeps building."

Tuesday is dedicated to oil and acrylic paints, Wednesday and Saturday to children's drawing, and Thursday to watercolor painting.

Each class is taught by local artists, including Carol Duggar and Carolyn Morgan, who teach oils, June Marie who teaches children's drawing and Essie Deloach and Marie Smith who teach watercolor.

People from all age groups and experience levels are welcome and will be instructed in such areas as composition, color, lighting, supplies and technique.

Sarasota, Fla. resident Gary Schroeder said he and his wife came to visit their children and grandchildren in Pembroke for a few weeks, saw the classes advertised and said "why not?" He signed up for both oils/acrylics and watercolor.

"I've always wanted to learn," he said. "It's interesting and a lot of fun."

Morgan told one oils and acrylics class to not worry about messing up when sketching the initial painting layout.

"You learn from your mistakes," she said. "It doesn't have to be perfect. Just have fun with it."

Morgan said the series of six classes takes the art student from beginning the process to complete project and teaches basic fundamentals which will stay with the student long after the class is done.

"It's to get used to the elements of art and the process involved," she said. "It's so much fun and something you can do for the rest of your life. Art is endless."

Smith, a self-proclaimed art "dabbler" said the watercolor class seemed to be excited to be there, and that with painting the artist is always learning and developing.

"I'm pleased with the enthusiasm everyone is showing," she said.