Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, announced its yearly holiday shows, "Winter Wonderland" and "Merry Miniatures." The free shows opened on Nov. 20 and will end on Friday, Dec. 23; they are open for viewing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Each year, the winter shows revolve around different themes that incorporate aspects of the winter months. "Winter Wonderland" features several types of winter scenes made from a variety of mediums such as photography, oil paints, sculptures and mixed media.

"Merry Miniatures" is a collection of smaller pieces for sale that portray a variety of subject matter in oil paints and other mediums. "If people are buying gifts, they don't necessarily want them to all be of winter scenes," said Patricia Keller of LCAA. "(The winter shows) are always very festive; I love seeing how different people interpret the holidays and winter theme." Each 12-by-12-inch piece in the "Merry Miniatures" show is for sale.

LCAA is also selling Christmas banners made by Constantine Kermes, a member of the organization who passed away 25 years ago. Kermes created stylized artwork featuring Amish subjects while he was a member of LCAA and used to give the banners to members of the community. The banners are 18-by-4-inch silkscreen pieces, depicting various holiday scenes and local areas. LCAA is selling the banners at a set price, and all proceeds will benefit the organization directly.

In LCAA's Steinmetz Gallery, featured artist Brenda Blank is displaying paintings that were inspired by locations in Lancaster County and were made from watercolors and other paints. Blank is a self-taught artist that is locally based, and most of the paintings in the collection are for sale.

LCAA will host a membership show in January and a garden show in February. "The garden show always gets a big turnout of people that want a break from winter," said Keller. "When you're in the throes of winter, it's nice to get a breath of fresh air."

Keller also noted that LCAA is always looking for new members who are either professional or amateur artists. "There aren't many places where new and non-professional artists can display their work," said Keller. "As members of LCAA, they can get their work out there and have the accomplishment of working on something that is shared with a lot of people." Members of LCAA also have access to classes and shows year-round.

For more information, visit http://www.lcaaonline.org.