The Niles District Library is hosting its first Legacy Show, organized by Joel Camp. The exhibit began June 1 and will remain open to the public until July 25.

The Legacy Show features artworks composed of various media created by deceased Niles artists. Visitors will see pastel, mixed media, watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings.

“A few years ago I was hired to take inventory of the library artwork,” Camp said. “I noticed how amazing the paintings were and I wanted to showcase them.”

Last year, Camp proposed his idea to the library director, who then took his idea to a board meeting. His plan was approved and he began tracking down the paintings of local artists who have passed away.

“I just acquired as many paintings as I could,” Camp said. “ I didn’t realize how hard it would be to organize.”

When Camp was 12 years old, his mother wished for him to take art lessons from Alfred Pfister, a master watercolor painter. Pfister immediately denied her request, stating that her son was only a child.

Camp’s mother was not discouraged. She gathered up some of his art samples and took her son to Pfister’s front door to ask him in person and show him why her son deserves to be his student. Pfister changed his mind and taught Camp for two years.

“In the years that I studied with him, I learned so many amazing things,” Camp said.

Pfister is one of the artists featured in the Legacy Show. During his life, he was hired by Niles residents to paint portraits of their deceased family members. While it was still in business, Frankie’s displayed some of Pfister’s works in the restaurant. His paintings can also be seen in Lakeland Hospital, hanging in various rooms.

Another artist included in the exhibit is John Stowe, a relative of Harriet Beecher Stowe who wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” He has five oil paintings in the show.

Valerie Hyde, wife of Victor “Mr. Music” Hyde, is also featured in the Legacy Show. Her mother-in-law, Margaret Hyde, taught her how to paint using acrylics and watercolors. Soon, Valerie’s artistic talents surpassed those of her teacher.

“Valerie was a very gifted artist,” Camp said. “Her and Pfister were probably the best painters from Niles.”

A total of seven artists and 38 paintings are on display in the Niles District Library as a part of the first Legacy Show exhibit.

“Although I plan on doing this again next year, it is a once in a lifetime experience,” Camp said. “No two shows will be the same.”