Watercolor art exhibit, free admission

The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now presenting its Fall Art Exhibit showcasing 20 watercolor paintings by Ruth Benjamin, a San Carlos resident.

The exhibit, ending Dec. 30, features paintings of birds, animals and landscapes, as well as paintings that express Benjamin’s psyche and imagination, revealing her views on the complexities of modern life.

The 80-year-old Benjamin is a retired teacher of children and adults with special needs. She began painting in earnest following her retirement from education. Over the years, she has studied with long time La Mesa teacher Takashi Igitchi, known for Sumi-e paintings that use ink and watercolor, and noted artist and teacher Lucy Wang, who has a studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. Ruth and husband Ed spend their leisure time enjoying the activities, including socialization, lectures and exercise classes, held at the College Avenue Senior Center.

Admission to the Herrick Community Health Care Library is free. The Fall Art Exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 825-5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.