More than 300 small works of fine art will be on display in a new show for the holiday season at the Rockport Art Association.

The show titled "Masterpieces in Miniature" opens with a public gala reception tomorrow at the downtown art association from 5 to 7 p.m., with music, wine and hors d'oeuvres.

The reception offers the first opportunity to purchase paintings. The exhibition will feature framed works by more than 75 artists in many mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawings and sculpture.

Each artist created four framed 6-by8 inch paintings ranging in price from $250 to $1,000.

"This is an exciting new exhibition for the holiday season," said artist member Donald Mosher, whose work in the show includes a Vermont covered bridge in winter and Gloucester scenes from the Schooner Festival.

The paintings will hang in groups of four for each artist.

"The idea behind this new endeavor is that these make good gifts," said Mosher, the exhibition's chairman. "A piece of art is always a thoughtful gift, and it will be a one-of-a-kind work of art. Even if you don't have a large wall space, these paintings can be hung in almost any place, large or small. This can be a fun way to do your holiday shopping and enjoy some refreshments at the same time."

This is also an opportunity for collectors to add to their collections and benefit the organization.

The Rockport Art Association, founded in 1921, is the nation's oldest continually operating art association.

As a nonprofit organization, it raises money for its exhibitions and educational programs, which are open to the public, from donations and benefits. Artists will donate from 40 percent to 100 percent of their proceeds.

"Art makes an enduring gift, and also has potential to become an investment," said Walter Manninen, a local art collector and member of the association's board of advisors. "The quality of paintings in the exhibition is superb."

Participating artists are Nancy Alimansky, Barbara Aparo, Sharon Bahosh, Oliver Balf, Mildred Bartee, Todd Bonita, Susanne Brailey, John Caggiano, Joanna Calabro, John Calabro, Nancy Caplan, Paul Ciaramitaro, Eva Cincotta, Rudy Colao, David Curtis, Muriel Davis, Anne Demeter, Barbara Donnelly, Bob Duffy, Charles Fields, John Fleming, Renata Fryshara, Remo Gaietto, Vernice Gaietto, Bernie Gerstner, Pam Giarratana, Roberta Gibb, Tom Gill, Judith Goetemann, Lynda Goldberg, Paul Goodnow, Michael Graves.

Charles Gruppe, Susan Guest-McPhail, Elizabeth Harty, Sherrill Hannon, David Hatfield, Larry Howard, Carolyn Jundzilo, Stapleton Kearns, Janet Kierstead, Ken Knowles, Arnold Knauth, Ken Knowles, Barbara Krupp, Richard LaRoche, Carole Loiacono, Nella Lush, Barbara Lussier, David Lussier, Julia Marino, Christine Mosher, Donald Mosher, Charles Movalli, Ramona Murray, T.M. Nicholas, Tom Nicholas, Monique Parry, Ron Parry, Christine Pitman, Dennis Poirier, Marlene Putnam, Dorothy Ramsey, Dale Ratcliff, Nicholas Read, Judi Rotenberg, Betty Lou Schlemm, Linda Sinacola, Caleb Stone, Don Stone, Ron Straka, Tom Sutherland, Marilyn Swift, Kathryn Tuck, Bruce Turner, David Tutwiler, Liné Tutwiler, Helen Van Tempera, Chipp Davis Wells, Suzanne White and Wally Whittler.

Fall hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, from noon until 5 p.m. "Masterpieces in Miniature" will be displayed until Dec. 31. The art association is located at 12 Main St. in Rockport. For more information, call 978-546-6604. To view pieces, visit www.rockportartassn.org.

Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3445 or at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.