The "Artists Then and Now" exhibit at the Graceful Arts Gallery this month includes a variety of artists from current Northwestern Oklahoma State University students to those who've been around for quite a while.

Peggy O'Neil was surprised to be interviewed since her crewel embroidery is only a small part of the current exhibit. Other embroidery displayed is by Ashley Fischer. O'Neil was on hand during the First Friday Art Walk in Alva.

With a smile that lights up the room, O'Neil said she's lived in Alva 30 or 40 years. She is self-taught. "I just decided that was something I wanted to learn how to do," she said.

Starting out, she did the more usual embroidery stitches using finer strands of thread. Then she tried crewel work. "I really enjoyed it. It makes a really pretty picture," she said of the technique which uses heavier thread or yarn.

Displayed at the gallery is a rustic fence surrounded by wildflowers. O'Neil said she did that picture when her kids were little. "It's amazing how much I got done then that I can't get done now being retired," she says with a laugh.

Crewelwork is not O'Neil's only interest although it's one of her favorites. She also likes to sew and has tried knitting although that's not her best talent. She's learned she does not like crochet because she makes her stitches so tight she can hardly work them. She enjoys painting, but she doesn't feel she's good at it.

"I've been working on a quilt for my granddaughter for 20 years, and I still haven't gotten it done," O'Neil said. "Each little block is being embroidered, and so it takes a lot of time, a lot of work. My eyesight is not quite as good as it used to be either. Hopefully I will get that done in time for a wedding or whatever."

Throughout the years, embroidery, crewelwork and other art pursuits have given an added dimension to O'Neil's life.