SHELBURNE FALLS — The Salmon Falls Gallery has two new exhibits on display showcasing the works of Hawley artist Trina Sears Sternstein and southern Vermont artist Bobbi Angell.

Both artists are inspired by nature, but have taken different approaches to celebrating their love of the land. Angell is a printmaker, scientific illustrator and gardener who works with pen, ink and copper plates, while Sears Sternstein prefers paint.

“I’ve been painting almost my whole life,” Sears Sternstein said. “Ever since I was very little, I’ve been drawing and painting. It’s just what I loved to do.”

Sears Sternstein said she was inspired by the local landscape, its beauty and her fear for its future. Her family has lived in Hawley since the 18th century and she wants to protect its rural charm.

“I often fear for the landscape because of industrialization,” Sears Sternstein said. “This land is beautiful; we shouldn’t ruin it.”

Sears Sternstein said she does not have a favorite piece of artwork on display at the Salmon Falls Gallery. Rather, each piece of art has a different meaning to her, showcases a different scene in her beloved Hawley, and allowed her to experiment with different techniques and textures.

“I’m very interested in texture and lines,” Sears Sternstein said. “Composition is very important to me.”

Also on display is artwork by Angell, who is inspired by her observations of nature as well as her work with scientists from the New York Botanical Garden and other scientific institutions around the world. Her latest collection, “Copper Etchings in Bloom,” features native and tropical plants.

Copper etching allows a natural extension of Angell’s compositional style with an enhanced focus. Designs are etched with acid and hand-printed in small batches. A select few are individually tinted with watercolor.

An opening reception for both exhibits will be held Saturday, May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery, 1 Ashfield St. The exhibits will be on display through the end of June.

For more information, visit salmonfallsgallery.com.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.