After meeting weekly at the Lafayette Art Studio to work on their figurative paintings and abstracts, a group of artists decided it was time to share their art beyond the walls of the open studio.

When one of the artists, Walnut Creek resident and painter Bobbe Huetter, met Tony Lukaszewfki — owner of the renowned Lafayette art venue The Forge — the idea to have a show was born.

"My impressionist style reminded Tony of his mother's paintings," said Huetter, who studied at California College of Arts and Crafts after World War II and was a classmate of Nathan Olivera, one of the Bay Area figurative painters. After raising seven children, Huetter returned to painting."

Calling themselves "The Significant Seven," the group will feature a variety of media, including watercolor, oil, acrylic figurative and abstract paintings, as well as glass jewelry, ceramics and sculpture at The Forge over Thanksgiving week, Nov. 25-29. The Forge will be closed Thanksgiving Day, but the public can meet the artists at a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 28.

Nancy Robinson of Martinez studied with internationally known painters Arnie Westerman, Christopher Shank, Chris Lawrence and Pat Dews. She said she was also influenced by Bay Area figurative painters. She raised eight children before retiring from her nursing career and starting to paint full-time.

"I like to try new things and see other how other artists think and work," said Robinson,

She said the group of artists supports each other and gives positive feedback needed to do their best work.

Sarah Gross of Lafayette will show her watercolor paintings of antique toys and flowers. Gross had always been inspired by her husband's collection of antique toys such as teddy bears, airplanes and cars, which have been among her favorite subjects to paint.

"I'm particularly interested in the beauty of old toys and they way they were designed," Gross said. Such toys that have been through the "wear and tear" hold much fascination and wonder, she said.

"My husband bought toys at flea markets and paid no attention if a part was missing. He bought it anyway. Now, I'm enjoying the toys as much as he had."

Tudi Wehrman of Walnut Creek will show her jewelry and glass designs. Wehrman has spent nearly 20 years working with glass and won awards from the Northern California Bead Association for several of her creative pendant designs.

A graduate of the California College of the Arts, Wehrman has extended her artistic expression to include clay using the raku technique for glazing and firing her designs.

The show will also highlight acrylic paintings by Jackie Carroll of Orinda, who will also show her decorative stoneware pieces. She started working with clay several years ago with Civic Arts Education before taking up pastels and acrylic painting.

Danville resident Lynn Glenn will feature her abstract paintings in acrylic. Painter Gail Toland will show her florals and impressionist style paintings. Toland has been studying art for 30 years including time spent at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She recently joined the life drawing class at the Lafayette Studio.

"I think it's going to be a wonderful mixture because our styles are different," Glenn said of the art show at The Forge. "Each artist gives you an opportunity to see something unique."