According to Publicity Director Jan Huthoefer, the theme was decided after learning that both of the featured artists, Mary Jo Burns and Patricia McAloon draw most of their inspiration from western scenery.

The new exhibit begins April 28 and continues until May 31.

Meet the artists.

71-year-old Hereford, Ariz., resident and featured artist Patricia McAloon has been part of the gallery for nearly 20 years.

Her mediums of choice vary from oil painting to sewing, but McAloon has recently taken an interest in decorating rocks with ceramic paints that she was looking to discard.

Her first rendezvous with art took place at a young age when McAloon was encouraged to enter a scholarship competition by submitting a cartoon to the Minneapolis School of Art.

Her casual entry landed her a small scholarship that jumpstarted her artistic career.

McAloon landed herself in Arizona and, by chance, crossed paths with the Tombstone Art Gallery. She immediately knew that she wanted to be a part of it.
She and her daughter began to enter their pictures, and their artistic common grounds transitioned into a form of friendly competition.

"The two of us went to the gallery together to encourage each other," said McAloon. "The funny part was she was better than me at the time!"

The artist, although coping with medical setbacks such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, will not let anything deter her from her art.

"I won't give up," said McAloon. " I like to challenge myself."

When seeking inspiration for her work, McAloon will observe even the smallest things.

"I can be gardening and notice something different, then run to my truck to make a sketch."

She will often keep a series of different sketches before compiling them together to make her final work of art.

McAloon's words of wisdom to aspiring artists are to keep doing what they are doing so long as they enjoy it.

"There are unlimited things out there, you just have to try," she said.

Also featured in May's "Looking West" exhibit is Tombstone resident Mary Jo Burns.

This self-taught artist first mastered her preferred technique of painting with a palette knife in junior high school when her teacher showed her how to mix and paint with the unique tool.

"Through the years, I have just been painting along," said Burns. However, she did take a sabbatical from work for about 17 years.

"Landscapes are what I do," said Burns, "That is what this show is going to have in it."

From winter landscapes to mountains and deserts, Burns enjoys painting outdoor scenes, though usually produces indoors.

"I have painted outdoors, but the light is very difficult so I take photos," said Burns who uses many of her pictures of travels as inspiration.

The photos also make capturing light and shadow easier.

The show will be at the Tombstone Art Gallery, located at the corner of Fourth and Allen streets.

Also available for viewing and purchase is the work of more than 36 artists and 30 crafter members from the surrounding area.

Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Free admission. Call 457-2380 for more information.