In recent renovations to the Los Ba&#241;os library, members of the Friends of the Library have implemented a program to feature local artists and their work in a rotational series throughout the year.</p><p>Accompanying the freshly painted walls sits the second series of resident artwork by Elna Pedersen. Four of her canvas paintings will be on display at the library, along with her hand-thrown pottery bowls, for the next six weeks.</p><p>Pedersen's collection is displayed, sans ranking, but she likes it that way.</p><p>"There are no favorites in art," she said.</p><p>The four she selected to display were the ones that would fit in the space allotted to the artist.</p><p>Three of the four are of motorcyclists and "bikers," while the fourth is of an "electric cactus," she said.</p><p>"They were what I was doing at the time," Pedersen said of the 1980s and early 2000s pieces.</p><p>Right now she working on jungles, she said.</p><p>Pedersen said when she paints it's usually onto a canvas, but she has murals around town that she's proud of, as well. She's done some tile artwork, also. One such piece is at Merced College Los Ba&#241;os Campus.</p><p>Pedersen is also a cartoonist for the Enterprise.</p><p>"I've been into art all my life. It's all I ever did," she said. "I'm not saying that's a smart choice.</p><p>"That's just a joke, though, because it was a good choice. I'm happy," she said.</p><p>The pottery bowls of Pedersen's that are on display are part of a kaleidoscope and dancing lizards series. And the amount of color the bowls possess is what Pedersen said makes the hobby most fun to work on. </p><p>She said her inspiration for the pottery--color choices, series, design, the hobby itself--comes from humility.</p><p>"Bowls are humble," she said. "We all need a little humbleness in our lives."</p><p>Pedersen said she thinks hosting local artwork at the library is a benefit for both the Merced County branch and the community members who visit the facility.</p><p>"It's wonderful. Anything that displays art, anybody who puts work in here, anyone in the community that takes the time to see it, it's wonderful," she said.</p><p>And it's important the library continues the project, as it's the only place in town art is exhibited on a regular basis that Pedersen knows of, she said.</p><p>"I'm appreciative of library doing this," she said. "I'm grateful for everyone involved. And I'm so impressed with the library. I haven't been in here for years and it just looks so good in here."</p><p>Pedersen said there's one thing she'd tell aspiring artists in their journey into artistic adulthood: "Don't get used to eating regularly."</p><p>Patti Ryan, a member of Friends of the Library, said members have received numerous compliments on the project and the displays inside the library.</p><p>"It brings people in and they become more aware of art in the community," Ryan said.</p><p>Sandra Juarez, the previous artist featured at the library, also described how much good feedback she hears about the artwork.</p><p>Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com