BLACKFOOT — The Presto Preservation Association and the Bingham Arts Council are pleased to announce a retrospective of works by Southeast Idaho native “Aunt” Mabel Bennett Hutchinson and current paintings of “nephew” Brent Cotton at The Candy Jar Gallery in Blackfoot, now through March 26.

Mabel (1903 — 1999) was born in a cabin along the Blackfoot River near Firth. She grew up in a large farming family whose working livelihoods are captured in the watercolors she created. She moved to Southern California at the age of 24 with her husband, Milon Hutchinson, where they immersed themselves in the flourishing art world of their adopted home.

Mabel created sketches and paintings for 20 years, but is most well known for her wood sculptures, initially crafted from the cast-off pieces from Milon’s cabinet shop. Her wooden doors, totems and other creations are still in high demand. An early piece of this craft is included in the exhibit.

Known as “Aunt” Mabel by her extended family, she and Milon never forgot their pioneer roots and were regular visitors to rural Southeast Idaho throughout their lives. Mabel returned to Firth in her last years. Her ashes are interred in a pioneer cemetery a short distance from her birthplace.

Works by professional artist, Brent Cotton, also born and raised in the same farming family, now residing in Stevensville, Montana, will also be featured in the exhibit.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 102 N. Main in Blackfoot.