Even before the first snowflake has fallen and before the first holiday turkey is carved, Ohio University Southern will become a winter and holiday wonderland Saturday evening.

From 7-9 p.m., "Winter Perspectives: A Collaborative Showing by Regional Artists" will open to the public at Ohio University Southern. Admission is free.

All three buildings of the university will have work on display, and all three will have live music and food, said local artist Pati Payne. Nineteen works will be in the Collins building, 18 will be in the Riffe Center and 40 will be in the Dingus building.

"Rather than having people stand in one spot, we thought it would be better to have people travel around and see the whole show," Payne said.

The only admission requirement for the artists was that they be members of either Ironton Artists Association, of which Payne is a founder, or other associations in the Tri-State. This show is slightly different than others because there will be no ribbons or judging. However, the artists will get to sell their works to interested buyers, and all profits will go to the individual artists.

Not only will the artists have the chance to sell their works, but they will also have the chance to branch out, Payne said.

"They can see what other artists in the Tri-State are doing when they may only get to see the work of people in their clubs," she said. "This is a great chance for everyone to meet each other."

The exhibit features mostly oil and watercolor paintings, but several entries feature mixed media and photography, Payne said. One artist brought in stained glass, and another did a large design on silk. The show's art consists of fall and winter and Thanksgiving and Christmas themes. The display will remain at the university until Jan. 17, 2004.

While one display is wide open for the public to attend, one is now closed. The Lawrence County Historical Museum's Christmas Victorian Tea has sold out even after the museum offered it for a second day this year.

From 2-4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the museum will be turn into a Victorian holiday social with a fashion show featuring party dresses over the decades.

"During the last few years, we've had overflow on just one day. Now we've moved to two, and we're still filled up," said Naomi Deer, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society. "It's become more and more popular."

Ann Evans, who has helped the historical society with this year's Christmas tea, said 79 people have registered for both days.

"It's always been well-received," she said. "The museum is beautifully decorated and very festive. The ladies always enjoy the nice atmosphere."