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The Cotton Street Gallery will host needlepoint artist Leanna Lesley with an opening night wine and cheese reception with the artist on Friday, March 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Lesley honors American jazz and blues musicians in stunning freehand needlepoint portraiture. The gallery will host Lesley’s “Shaken by the Roots: Portraits in Needlepoint” during the month of March.

“I look forward to meeting a bunch of new people and seeing the space filled with people viewing my work. My grandmother taught me how to needlepoint when I was 8 years old because she wanted me to sit still and be quiet. I’ve been doing needlepoint ever since mostly for fun and started doing it as an art form in 2000,” Lesley said.

This will be her first opportunity to showcase her work in Andalusia.

“I’m very excited to be in Andalusia and love this little town. This will be a great experience for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Lesley’s works as well as pieces by Jessica Eiland, Sister Schubert, and more will be on hand at the reception.

“This is an exhibition of Leanna Lesley’s work in needlepoint. She is from Birmingham and is close friends with an Andalusia native. We are excited to have her as our second installation of the year for artists who work in fiber. We look forward to having the public come out and join us Friday night as we welcome Leanna and her work to Andalusia,” Cotton Street Gallery Founder Sue Wiggins said.

The gallery’s hours for March will be Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. In addition, the gallery will present “Needlepoint Lessons with Jessica Eiland” on Saturday, March 2, and Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to noon each day. The cost is $20 per person and needlepoint kits will be provided.

Cotton Street Gallery is located at 104 North Cotton Street in Andalusia. For more information visit cottonstreetgallery.com or call 334-504-8824.