In addition to meeting Whalen, visitors to the opening are invited to participate in a hands-on family-friendly activity.

“Harriet’s Big Adventure” is the title of a new children’s book written by Glenn S. Guiles and illustrated by Raymond J. Whalen of South Colton. This exhibit displays the original watercolor paintings which are reproduced in the book. “Harriet’s Big Adventure” is the sequel to “A Hug for Harriet,” which was displayed by SLC Arts in 2014.

The series follows the adventures of a miniature donkey named Harriet.

Whalen holds an M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and is an alum of St. Lawrence University where he earned his M.Ed. degree.

He is an art educator at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School. Whalen’s primary art mediums are ceramics, painting, and printmaking. He has illustrated several children’s books for local authors and enjoys outdoor activities.

During the exhibit opening, Maria Morrison, program coordinator of Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE), will lead a craft activity. Participants can fold paper to make a red origami barn and color a matching paper donkey to tell their own story about “Harriet’s Big Adventure.”

LIFE trains volunteers to provide one-to-one tutoring to adults who need help with reading, writing, math or English as a New Language.

The exhibit and activity are free and open to the public, and wheelchair accessible. Sales of Whalen’s watercolor paintings benefit the artist and SLC Arts. This exhibit will be on display at the SLC Arts Gallery at the Potsdam Town Hall, 18 Elm St., through March 3.

The Gallery is open during Town Hall business hours, Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. For more information about this exhibit, contact 265-6860, or visit http://slcartscouncil.org/event/whalenopening/.