MARQUETTE – A canvasback decoy and a campfire are symbols of the outdoors, and for one local artist who enjoys the natural landscape, it’s only “natural” he would incorporate those symbols into his works.

The public can see some of those pieces during an exhibit at the SmallWorks Gallery in the Marquette Arts and Culture Center, located in the basement of the Peter White Public Library.

Marquette artist Paul Grant’s work, “Revisiting People and Places” – inspired by various subjects over the last four decades – will be on display through March 1.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was a little kid,” Grant said of his desire to paint. “It allows me to do my own thing.”

Tiina Harris, arts and culture community services manager for the city of Marquette, said Grant’s work is in private collections all over.

The majority of Grant’s work on display in the gallery is watercolor.

Harris said Grant enjoys painting in watercolor because he believes it’s a spontaneous medium and what most challenged him as Grant was learning art in his early years.

“He’s a master,” Harris said.

She noted Grant is an avid angler and hunter, and those passions figure into the intricacy of his work. Other outdoor scenes, such as a barn near Rock and the Little Garlic River north of Marquette, also are focal points of Grant gallery artwork.

What makes Grant’s work appealing?

“I think it’s his style and, you know, the delicate nature of his work,” Harris said.

She said Grant usually specializes in portraits of people, so the pieces on display at the gallery will give the public a new look at his art.

“They’re all things that people haven’t seen,” Harris said.

The MACC also will feature work by Sue Roubal, Marc Himes and Charlice Stewart in the Main Gallery combined show, “Rock, Water, Wood,” which is a tribute to the local environment with pastels, oils and turned bowls. That show also runs through March 1.

There will be an opening reception for the artists from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Refreshments will be available.

For more details, call 228-0472 or email arts-culture@mqtcty.org.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250.