SAXONBURG — The Saxonburg Area Artists Co-Op presents original art from the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild in an exhibit starting Saturday at the gallery at 215 W. Main St. in the back.

A reception is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday for guests to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

Featured will be handcrafted jewelry, small sculptures and other objects made of the colorful, malleable plastic with claylike properties.

Polymer clay is a sculptable material which contains a base of PVC and one or more of several kinds of plasticizers. Pigments are added for varying effects. It is only called “clay” because its texture and working properties resemble those of mineral clay.

The history of polymer clay as an art medium is relatively new, only a few decades old. This newness means that there is a great deal of innovation by users of polymer clay.

Some of the uses and techniques include sculpting, creating beads and jewelry, and covering items made from materials such as glass, metal, cardboard, terra cotta and some plastics.

Polymer clay can be used to mimic many natural materials such as jade, turquoise, marble, granite, metal, ivory, wood and leather.

Members of the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild participating in this show in Saxonburg include Barbara Kaczor, Laura Tabakman, Denise Graham, Deanna Miller, Marcy Morton, Irene Hill, Bonnie Hagyari, Rebecca Watkins, Leslie Polinko and Carol Shelton.

<B>WHO: </B>Saxonburg Area Artists Co-Op<B>WHAT: </B>Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild exhibit<B>WHEN: </B>Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, then exhibit continues through March 28. Gallery hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, plus other times by appointment.<B>WHERE: </B>SAAC, 215 W. Main St., Rear, Saxonburg<B>ADMISSION:</B> Free<B>INFORMATION: </B>412-260-5779 or 412-849-4648