“The Courting,” by Marlyn Kramer, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“The Courting,” by Marlyn Kramer, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Thursday Art Group’ takes over Kenai Art Center Rear Gallery

The Thursday Art Group has been meeting in a variety of venues to “paint for pleasure”

This month in the Kenai Art Center’s Rear Gallery the work of the “Thursday Art Group” will be on display.

For more than a decade, the Thursday Art Group has been meeting in a variety of venues to “paint for pleasure,” one of the members, Melinda Hershberger, said Thursday.

The group first came together as a class at Kenai Peninsula College, but Hershberger said they quickly became a community. Each week they meet to catch up, to paint, to eat snacks and to talk about art.

“It’s a group of friends. We’re really close knit,” she said.

The group has met at a variety of locations, including KPC campus, a church basement, a warehouse and just in the last month or so at the Kenai Art Center. On Thursday, the group met in the back gallery — where their own art exhibition already hung on the walls.

Hershberger said the show was largely composed of watercolor work, pulled from as many members as were willing to participate, including some who have never had their work shown before.

Hershberger said the show includes “a little bit of almost every genre of painting within a watercolor scope,” with a variety of different styles and subjects all created by local artists.

“Thursday Art Group” will be available in the Kenai Art Center’s Rear Gallery during their business hours, Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit kenaiartcenter.org.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

“Alstroemeria,” by Melinda Hershberger, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“Alstroemeria,” by Melinda Hershberger, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“There’s Dancing Tonight,” by Juli Sexton, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“There’s Dancing Tonight,” by Juli Sexton, hangs as part of “Thursday Art Group” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

More in Life

Daniel Craig (right), returning as Benoit Blanc, and Josh O'Connor are seen in this still from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," released on Netflix on Dec. 12, 2025. (Promotional photo courtesy Netflix)
On the Screen: ‘Knives Out 3’ truly a film for our times

I often feel the need to watch a film twice. The first… Continue reading

Orange zest and extract bring this literary-inspired treat to life. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Whimsy and magic

This literary-inspired treat is perfect for Christmastime festivities.

File
Minister’s Message: Traditions should be things that support us

Regardless of how you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone.

Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection
In Kenai, circa 1903, this trio was photographed on a well-used trail. Pictured are George S. Mearns, future Kenai postmaster; Kate R. Gompertz, Kenai resident; Hans P. Nielsen, superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Snow-covered trees and peaks are pictured from a frozen pond near the Herbert Glacier trail in Juneau<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Dec. 11<ins>, 2025</ins>. (Chloe Anderson/Peninsula Clarion)
Out of the Office: Breaking the winter cycle

There’s a learning curve to every new season and every new sport.

This 1903 photograph of mostly Kenai residents shows (back, far left) Hans Peter Nielsen, first superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. Nielsen began work at the station in 1899 and resigned at the end of the 1903 season. (Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection)
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Served together on a bed of greens, these pickled eggs and beets make a light but cheerful lunch. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
A wealth of eggs for good health

Pickled along with roasted beets and dill, these eggs have a cheerful hue and bright aroma.

File
Minister’s Message: Good grief

Grief doesn’t take a holiday, but it can offer you something the holidays can’t.

File
Minister’s Message: Lifelong learning is a worthwhile goal

Lifelong learning. That’s a worthwhile goal. Schools have been in session for… Continue reading

Most Read