Last weekend, countless visitors came to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, trekking from the trails into the center for a quick immersion into Carbon County’s art scene.

More than 100 works of art were displayed in the center’s back room during the Carbon County Art League’s 38th Annual Art Exhibit.

The league — a nonprofit consisting of local artists specializing in various mediums — aims to “(inform) and (educate) the public about art and also to encourage the public to appreciate art and support artists through the purchase of their art,” according to its Wix website.

“You can live in big cities, and you can have the opportunity to walk down the street, or catch a bus and go into a museum, or see a local art exhibit. They’re all over the place,” said Carla Binder, chair of the league’s annual exhibit committee. “But when you get out into these areas, it’s not easy for people to go. We open up that opportunity for them to experience that in a small town.”

The show featured work from about 40 artists, ranging from sculptures and wood carvings, to handcrafted jewelry, paintings and photography. Artists from all over the county, not just those in the league, were encouraged to enter their work for display.

“You have people who are just at home doing it (art) in their basement. They think, ‘Oh, it’s not good enough.’ But it is,” Binder said.

Maggie Lukasevich, who practiced art casually for years but didn’t commit to it as a career until recently, used to be one of those people.

“I had this vision that I was going to be an artist,” Lukasevich said.

But part of being an artist is confidence — a skill Lukasevich had yet to acquire. But she took a leap of faith, converting part of her basement into an art studio and becoming a member of the Carbon County Art League.

On Saturday, as Lukasevich stood next to her finished piece, displayed in the backroom of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, she crouched down next to a child enamored by the intricate detail of her papier-mâché creation — a bright orange octopus with marine-themed tattoos on each of its tentacles.

Her piece, titled “Inked,” sold before the show even took place, and placed second in the mixed medium category.

“It’s been a confirmation in spades, but more than anything, just a humbling experience,” Lukasevich said. “I’m just in awe and grateful for the inspiration.”

A few of last weekend’s visitors happened upon the show after finishing an afternoon hike. Others, like Mary Ann Lewellyn, of Lehighton, came specifically for the show.

Lewellyn, who purchased Lukasevich’s octopus when it was still in the early stages of creation, said she bought the piece for her son, George.

“I saw it when it was papier-mâché on her kitchen counter,” she said. “I just said to my husband, ‘you know what, when it’s done, if it’s for sale I want to buy it.’

“It’s far exceeded my expectations.”