CUMMING — Forsyth County is full of artists, though that may not be common knowledge. One group is trying to change that.

Starting today, the Sawnee Artists Association is holding its 14th annual Members Show & Sale at the Brannon-Heard House in downtown Cumming.

The art show is free, open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays through April 4. It offers an opportunity for the community to check out and buy works from local artists.

“I think we have approximately 120 pieces of artwork in the exhibit, that’s 2D and 3D,” said Kris Straukas, the association’s president.

There will be a “Lunch and Learn” program each weekday starting at 11:30 a.m., where visitors can hear about art in the community. Lunches can be brought from home or bought for $5.

“Each day it’s going to be a different speaker, whether it’s the history with the historic society or the future with the new courthouse,” Straukas said.

She added that there’s also a new gift shop that’s open daily and the event will give artists a chance to sell some of their pieces, as well as provide educational opportunities for those looking to get into art.

“We’re going to have artist demonstrations throughout the whole week and that’ll be hands-on … where artists are working in their medium,” Straukas said.

The event kicks off tonight.

“Friday, on our grand opening, we’re having what they call the ‘Plein Air Paint Out,’ that’s painting outdoors,” Straukas said. “We’re welcoming any local artist that wants to paint outdoors, weather permitting.”

The final day of the event, April 4, will feature a performance by the Forsyth County Youth Orchestra and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Straukas said that parents would need to bring their own camera for photos with the Easter Bunny.

More details can be found online at www.sawneeart.org.