Thanks to a Christmas gift from her daughter nearly a decade ago, Mary Oleksy has found a calling as an award-winning artist.

Oleksy, or "Mary O" as she's known in the art world, was given the gift in the form of a certificate for classes at the Hobart Arts League.

"I signed up, and I haven't finished," Oleksy said.

Oleksy's medium is oil on canvas. Her work has been seen around the region in exhibits and fairs, as well as many family homes.

This month marks her grandest showcase yet -- the works of Mary O are on display at Pier 74 Pizza Grill in Cedar Lake.

"It is a wonderful thing for me; I was so glad to see my pictures up," Oleksy said.

"People who know me have seen them and said they didn't know I paint."

Having an "Artist of the Month" was a project cooked up by Ryan Spencer, owner and head chef of Pier 74 (with help from his family members in the business).

"We feel our food is art, and we try to continue that with putting art on our walls," Spencer said.

Spencer attempts to find local artists to highlight each month, in various mediums. The project, which began in June, has included black and white and color photography, as well as mixed media.

"We have a lot of fun with it," Spencer said.

"And Mary O's stuff is just great. Her oil paintings -- it's so classic. We've had great response. It appeals to the young and old."

Oleksy was born and reared in Chicago where she attended the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Now retired, Oleksy continues to paint at the Hobart Arts League but hopes to complete more projects at her Cedar Lake home.

The pieces on display at Pier 74 include subjects of natural inspiration, beauty, dance, music -- and life.

Oleksy is currently working on a painting of a local jazz bassist as he performs on stage.

"I enjoy watching him, and that inspires me to do a nice job in capturing his abilities and his appearance," she said.

"At this time, I really enjoy painting figures and people."