Local artist Linda Wright shows some of her acrylic paintings. Wright’s work is on display at the Fire Hall Gallery in Charles Town through the end of January. Toni Milbourne

CHARLES TOWN — Linda Wright says she has been “playing with paint” for about 25 years. Her “playing” has produced beautiful acrylic paintings, some of which are now on display at the Fire Hall Gallery inside the Charles Town Visitor’s Center on North George Street.

According to Wright, she came to Jefferson County in 2001. At that time, she painted murals in some of the new homes being built in the county.

In addition, Wright has painted murals in many homes and businesses in the area.

While painting is a passion, Wright spent 18 years employed as an Emergency Medical Technician at Charles Town Races, only choosing to retire after the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Currently, she serves as a volunteer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Reserves and is an inactive member of Citizens Fire Company.

“I let things go as far as painting as life crept up on me,” Wright said this week. “I took a break from painting, but now it’s time to build a business with it.”

The show at the Fire Hall Gallery is the first step toward getting her artwork out to the general public.

“I never thought I’d be good enough to sell anything,” Wright laughed, adding that she has most recently been commissioned to paint wedding invitations, something she is excited to do.

In addition to the pieces hanging in the show, Wright also has several pieces hanging at Inkwell’s Tavern in Charles Town. Missy Lord, owner of the tavern and an artist as well, offers space for artists to hang their work, for exposure and for sale.

Wright has entered some of her paintings in the Jefferson County Fair where she has been the recipient of many ribbons. She shared examples of miniatures — 2“x 2” paintings — that were award-winners this past year at the fair. The paintings, created with fine details, are reflections of how Wright sees her art.

“I might look at a card or something to get an idea,” she explained about how she paints. “But then I do my own thing.”

“I change it to be ‘me’ rather than to just copy someone else,” she went on.

Wright shared that her biggest supporter has been her husband of 48 years, Danny. The couple has raised four children together, and now have three grandchildren.

“I have two crazy dogs, a beautiful grey horse and I raise canaries that sing to me while I paint,” Wright said.

She hopes to grow her business, named ButterCup Lane, through which she can showcase her talents and offer her paintings to her fellow art lovers. She currently is expanding her social media presence via her Facebook page, ButterCup Lane, as well as showing in the gallery. In addition to Inkwell’s Tavern, Wright plans to seek out other venues, which allow artists to showcase their wares.

For those interested in viewing Wright’s paintings, the gallery showing will remain in place through the end of January.

To contact Wright, email her at lindasbuttercup@hotmail.com or visit her Facebook page.