When the cold air begins to push on out, making way for flip-flops and tank tops, the Attic Gallery hosts a themed art show with pieces created by artists during the dreary winter months.

“We find people get into a gray zone in their brain during the cold weather,” said Attic Gallery owner, Lesley Silver, “and this show gets artists stimulated right after Christmas and gives them something to do to get their juices going.”

The theme that Silver came up with for this year’s show is Not Far From Home.

“The world is a big place,” Silver said, “but these artists have found amazing subjects not far from home in paintings, drawings and photographs.”

For Ann Campbell, who is a mixed media artist, she said she has created a collage using an old key and a Victorian-style watch for the show, which is scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Campbell said this year’s theme has been a little easier because “home” speaks to everyone.

“It’s near and dear to your heart,” she said.

Campbell will be among the 25 artists featured in the Attic Gallery showing.

“I guess I have been doing the theme show for four or five years,” Campbell said, “and am honored that Lesley includes me each year.”

Campbell agrees with Silver that having a theme helps motivate her when the weather doesn’t.

“With dreary cold weather, I don’t feel motivated to create,” she said, “but with a theme it keeps me going and gives me something to work towards.”

Artist Elaine Goodman said she has been participating in Attic Gallery shows since the gallery opened at 1406 Washington St.

“I think I have been with Lesley since she started,” said Goodman and added, “what I like about the theme show is it makes me think outside the box so you don’t repeat things over and over. Its nice to get stretched.”

Goodman, of Columbus, said she has submitted two entries for the show, with one of them focusing on dogs, fish and birds.

“Lesley is extremely lenient in the interpretation of the theme,” Goodman said, “and I always like to throw in dogs because dog lovers love this and it sells.”

Both Campbell and Goodman said the theme shows were fun and Campbell said she especially enjoyed seeing how the other artists interpret the theme.

Other artist participating in the show include Sam Beibers, Lane Berg, Vidal Blankenstein, Rhonda Blasingame, Jean Blue, Rob Cooper, Wendy Eddleman, Paul Fayard, Kathy Gergo, Elayne Goodman, Linda Hall, Cathy Hegman, Randy Jolly, Poor Julia, Ron Lindsey, Keith Matthews, George Ann McCullough, Jared Partridge, Julian Rankin, Silver, Earl Simmons, James Smithhart, Bryce Speed, Jamie Tate and  Wyatt Waters.

The Not Far From Home show will be held above the Attic Gallery in the loft apartment where Silver and her husband, Daniel Boone, live.

For more information, call 601-638-9221 or visit atticgallery.net.

If you go

Not Far From Home is the theme of the art show scheduled for the Attic Gallery, 1101 Washington St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The event is free and will showcase works by 25 local and regional artists. For more information, call 601-638-9221or visit atticgallery.net.