Four local women are being celebrated by the Steinbach Arts Council.

The Arts Council this week held opening ceremonies for Women In Art. The exhibit showcases the works of Erika Doerksen, Eunji Jung, Angie Gauthier and Susie Penner.

"When we have one artist who has a debut with the Arts Centre with their first exhibit, we're excited," says Chief Creative Officer Cindi Rempel Patrick. "These are women that have never done a public exhibit."

"Women In Art" showcases the work of four local women. (Photo credit: Steinbach Arts Council)Rempel Patrick refers to them as emerging artists and adds she is thrilled to see them launch their art careers.

For Susie Penner, she says she got into painting as a kid. And then as a teenager, she would often be grounded and would then lock her bedroom door and paint the lyrics of Beatles songs on her wall.

"I guess moving out on my own, I realized that maybe painting on the walls wasn't the best thing to do," she admits. "And so I just got into canvases and they've been getting bigger and bigger."

Today, she considers herself an abstract painter.

Penner says having her art on display is both exciting and nerve-wracking. But she says it is a great coping mechanism in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"You feel really exposed," she says. "But also at the same time, I know that my paintings are part of me and I just want to be open about that."

Penner says her favourite piece is something called, Phases, which is a painting of the different phases of the moon.

"I'm really excited about it," she says. "I guess because I've spent so much time on it, it must have fifty layers of paint on it. So it's kind of like my baby."

Penner refers to this as an amazing opportunity, a great stepping stone and a neat way to meet other artists.

"They are very supportive," she says. "It's pretty amazing to live in such a creative community."

For someone on the fence about having their art displayed, Penner says go for it, and don't let fear hold you back.

Women In Art is on display until February 22nd.