MIDDLEBORO — True Grit Art Gallery will host an opening reception for “Viewing New England,’’ a solo exhibit of new paintings by Taunton artist Michael Evans, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 8 at the gallery, 38 Center St., Middleboro.

Evans is an award-winning artist whose work is nationally and internationally known. He has studied with Lisa Granata at the Attleboro Arts Museum, Colleen Vandeventer at her studio, Carla Carey at Hunakai Studio School of Fine Arts and several workshops with prominent national artists.

He has served on the Board of Trustees of the Attleboro Arts Museum for 12 years and chairs the museum’s annual fundraising auction. He is also a past member of the board and treasurer of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod. Michael maintains a studio in Pawtucket, R.I. and teaches a variety of art classes at Hunakai Studio, School of Fine Arts in Foxboro.

 “Nature has been an inspiration for me since my youth,’’ he said about his upcoming exhibit. “Growing up on a farm in central New York afforded me the opportunity to explore the fields, pastures, streams, and forests of my childhood home. I continue to be inspired by the environment around me. Whether it is the view along the roadside, the trails in state and national parks or conservation lands, I find scenes of beauty to paint. New England provides a myriad of opportunities to explore nature and our surroundings. My subjects are not always great vistas, but more an exploration of a place: up close and personal."

 The gallery invites the public to meet the artist and enjoy complimentary adult refreshments while socializing with other local art enthusiasts. “Viewing New England’’ will be displayed from opening night through July 29.

Regular gallery hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.