NILES — Hal Mayer of Niles will be featured at a “Meet the Artist” event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at Shelf Life Community Bookstore, 223 N. Fourth St. in Niles.

Mayer’s work features both colorful canvases and intricate wood burnings. His subject matter includes views of Lake Michigan, wildlife such as wolves and eagles and scenes unique to the Michiana area.

Mayer spent 40 years in the graphic arts field with nearly two decades of design work in Las Vegas. He and his wife, Barb, returned to Michigan in 2015 after his retirement.

“I found the challenge of work in graphic arts to be an ideal way to not only hone my technical skills, but also give me the freedom to experiment with color,” Mayer said.

According to Mayer, his current interest is focused on nature.

“I love the outdoors, so painting landscapes and seascapes comes naturally,” Mayer said. “I enjoy taking my visions of the world around me and bringing them to life in oils and acrylics or on wood.”

Many of Mayer’s works are now on display at Shelf Life and can be purchased during store hours. His work will also be for sale during the April 19 event.

There is no charge for “Meet the Artist” with Hal Mayer. Complimentary food and drink will be provided by Shelf Life volunteers.

Shelf Life is a volunteer-run book store that features new and used books in all fiction and non-fiction categories. Proceeds benefit the Niles District Library and Main Street events such as the Niles Hunter Ice Festival. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday. More information is available on Facebook at Shelf Life ­— Community Bookstore.