It's no big surprise that Vicki Sawyer grew up with a family that loved nature or that it rubbed off on the Tennessee-based artist, who frequently paints portraits of animals and surrounding aspects of the wilderness. Her acrylic works are realistic, yet somewhat unnatural in appearance. Having worked closely with painting birds, Sawyer deviates by painting on accessories like hats and masks to her feathered and/or furry subjects. Her latest exhibit at Lark & Key features paintings like these, in addition to others — some of which include a sheep with an assortment of birds nesting in its fur and a child clothed in vines with a bird sitting on his shoulders. It's all just too cute to be true. With pottery by Paula Smith.

Anita Overcash

Price: Free admission