Everything from hand-worked jewelry, portraits, paintings, wood carvings and a demonstration of watercolors highlighted the day at the Slidell Art at the Market presented by the Slidell Art League.

The new artists’ venue was the first and will be held the first Saturday of each month on Erlanger at Third and Fourth streets.

One artist present included JoAnn Wheeler, who creates beaded masks as well as gyotaku, or Japanese fish rubbings. Wheeler said the method has been used to preserve records of fisherman’s catches in Japan. Each of her creations follows the original art form, although she enhances the rubbings with watercolor and fine pen detail. She also paints other subjects, including local seafood and local scenes in mixed media.

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Portrait artist Michael Reed has examples of his work, including a portrait of Kayden Dugas. Dugas was next to his portrait with his mother, Melissa Micelli.

Heading up the event was Don Edwards, president of the Slidell Art League, with a demonstration of a watercolor titled “Coahuila.” Watercolor is often called one of the most difficult art mediums. Edwards said that painting in watercolor is “like life — you need to think about what you’re doing, because once the color is put on the paper, you can’t erase it.”

Lifelike fish, hummingbirds and other wild life were on display as part of hand carved wildlife wood artifacts by Pat Kelly of Kelly’s Kreations. The intricate detailed scales of the fish gave a life-like feel and look to the carvings.

Other artists on hand for the event also had varied and interesting artworks available for purchase.

For more information on how to become part of next month’s show, call the Slidell Art League at 847-9458 or visit www.slidellartleague.info.