Jim Smyth’s life drawings and paintings are among the works on display beginning Sunday.

A new art exhibit, the “Main Street Holiday Collection,” is scheduled to open Sunday at Main Street Cafe & Books in downtown Los Altos.

“It will feature paintings and fine art from many prominent local artists,” said coordinator Will Maller.

Maller announced that Jim Smyth would join the group of prominent artist/teachers whose works are showcased in the collection. Smyth, known for his life drawings and paintings, as well as colorful still lifes, is currently an instructor at the California Academy of Painters in the Palo Alto Art Center. His work can be seen at the Parkside Gallery in Carmel.

Smyth began his training, after his discharge from the U.S. Air Force in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Academy of Fine Art, Florence, Italy, in 1965. He studied in Switzerland and in Paris, where he drew at several studios, including La Grande Chaumière.

George Rivera, executive director of the Triton Museum, Brigitte Curt of the California Academy of Painters and Lynne Urband, past president of the Los Altos Art Club, will exhibit their works along with other local artists with regional and national reputations. Many are instructors at local schools.

Main Street Cafe & Books is located at 134 Main St., Los Altos, and is open daily.

For more information, call Maller, 941-1654, or e-mail will81a@aol.com.Town Crier Report