MERIDEN — Gallery 53 held an opening reception Saturday for the “Pigments of Your Imagination” exhibit.

“We showcase local talent. There’s a lot of local, very good talent,” said Christine Webster, president of the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden.

Webster said Gallery 53 features a new art exhibition every month. The “Pigments of Your Imagination” exhibit showcases 37 pieces of artwork from local artists, including pastel, watercolor, oil paintings and photography.

Tamsin Gosselin, an art teacher at Thomas Hooker School, submitted an untitled abstract acrylic painting. She created the piece as a way to relieve stress after she found out her aunt had cancer. Gosselin decided to submit her artwork after hearing the theme was “Pigments of Your Imagination.”

“When I heard the title of the showcase, I thought it fit perfectly because it’s abstract,” Gosselin said. “You’re seeing what you see, what is your imagination.”

Samuel Martin watched as several attendees admired his photography, one photograph displayed on canvas and the other on metal. He said it was the first time he ever showcased his work and it was reassuring to get a positive response.

“It’s really great to see galleries in Meriden selling local art and supporting local talent,” said Martin.

Ellie Bender, an instructor of the portrait class at Gallery 53, won Best in Show for her pastel landscape “Into the Woods.” Bender said she usually does portraits, but wanted to try a new medium. She did not expect to win.

“I love it,” Bender said. “I was very surprised. It was a very little insignificant painting but it was fun to do.”

Webster said showcase will run until the end of February. In the future, Gallery 53 would like to incorporate art from younger artists, she said.

“The future is the youth,” Webster said. “We need youth to pursue the value of showcasing art.”