What happens when artists become disenchanted with their paintings? For one artist, it’s an opportunity to re-create a work of art.

Wilmington artist Elizabeth Darrow’s recreated work will be exhibited at the Washington Civic Center Gallery from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10. To kick off the exhibit, the Beaufort County Arts Council will have an opening reception Thursday.

Darrow’s work will likely be recognized by local art lovers: she’s been an active participant in many BCAC events and her piece “Karma,” won the Best in Show award at the 2010 Fine Arts Show. Though it took top prize then, “Karma” is one of the pieces Darrow chose to rework for the coming show.

“This is what I love about Elizabeth’s work,” says Joey Toler, executive director of BCAC. “She’s constantly changing things up and always succeeds in surprising you with her creative process.”

While the exhibit may represent Darrow’s first solo turn in the area, she’s been a mainstay of the Wilmington arts scene for four decades, her flat, two-dimensional child-like paintings a contradiction to the more sophisticated message they convey.

“I’ve been working as an artist for a long time — all my adult life,” Darrow explained. “And I’ve gone through many phases, trying different media to get varied results. But this large, colorful, figurative work resonates with me the most. I think it’s because so many factors come into play that evoke humor, angst, irony and naiveté. It’s engaging work and fun to do.”

Toler recognized that in Darrow’s work when he first met her ten years ago and he eventually cajoled Darrow into entering the Fine Arts Show. The reception her work has received since led Toler to create a spot on the events calendar for the solo show.

“Elizabeth didn’t have to enter her work in juried shows — she didn’t need to do that anymore, she was established,” Toler explained. “But once she did, her work was well-received and she made a few sales, and now she is active in a lot of our art events. In addition to participating in the Fine Arts Show, she is a BCAC member, she always has work in the Members’ Exhibit, and she donates about four pieces to our Little Art Exhibit Fundraiser each year — so I guess you could say it’s worked out well.”

Toler said while it is the role of the BCAC to present work by local artists, he is glad to be able to occasionally bring something new and different for arts patrons to enjoy.

“It’s like when we partner with the School of Art and Design at ECU to present student work — I think it challenges our audience to a certain extent and it challenges some of our local artists, too,” Toler said. “I’m glad Elizabeth will be here for the opening, and I hope our arts community will show up to give her a warm Beaufort County welcome.”

The opening reception for Darrow’s exhibit will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday night. The public is invited to attend. The Washington Civic Center is located at the corner of Gladden and W. Second Street in Washington.