The Lyons Share Gallery, 330 De La Mare Ave. in Fairhope, will feature the paintings of Holly Irwin, Sept. 7, during First Friday ArtWalk.

From an early age, Irwin knew she wanted to be an artist. She credits her mother — a painter, illustrator and potter — with inspiring and encouraging her to pursue her artistic dreams. Irwin comments that she has always felt most at home in the art studio.

“I loved everything about it — the long tables, the paint-encrusted easels, the broken pieces of charcoal and pastels in old wooden boxes, and the excitement and possibilities of a blank canvas,” she said.

At age 12, Irwin began formal art lessons at the Carnegie Institute and in 11th grade received an art scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University. In her early 20s she moved to Atlanta, had the opportunity to pursue a business degree, and worked in marketing for a large corporation for almost 20 years.

After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and dealing with the pain of the disease for six years, Irwin made the difficult decision to leave corporate life.

“What seemed like a health crisis eight years ago, turned out to be a wonderful opportunity which opened up a new life for me,” she said.