The Selma Times- Journal

Years ago, a substitute teacher and homemaker found that the hands that made lunches could create art.

Althea Martin was a wife and mother of four school-age children when she began to dabble in art.

When she picks up her paintbrush, Martin says she doesn&8217;t know what will end up on the canvas. Inspiration can come from anything or anywhere, and a lot of it comes from local scenes. One of her favorite spots is the Selma City Marina where she can sit for hours.

Martin said she sometimes feels like she&8217;s tired of it, but once an idea hits her, she&8217;s eager to paint.

The works of the &8220;over-60&8221; artist will be on display at the Selma Art Guild&8217;s Second Weekend showing and reception.

The paintings &8212; watercolors, acrylics and pastels &8212; range from still life flowers and rustic houses to abstracts.

The gallery will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public.

Martin agrees that having others admire her art makes her feel good.

Martin and her husband, Bob, who was a radio announcer, came to Selma in 1961. They raised three daughters, Janet, Melissa and Betsy, and a son, Robert. Bob and Robert are now deceased.

When she found her passion for art, Martin said her husband was so pleased.

Though her health if failing her, Martin doesn&8217;t let that dampen her spirits. The joy her painting has brought her is broadened by the fact that her daughters are artists too.