Ivy Markel is only 7, but not only has she participated in her first art show, she already has a commission.

Ivy from Russell, Ky., offered four of her paintings Saturday at the Ironton Artists Association 36th Annual Fall Art Exhibit at Central Christian Church. Ivy is a student of South Point-based artist and instructor Patti del Checcolo, with whom she has studied for about two years. The art lessons were a Christmas present from her grandmother.

Among the works she exhibited was a still life of flowers that she had painted for her mother for Mother’s Day.

“I wanted to give my Mom flowers, but then I decided to paint them,” she said.

Recently the owners of a Lexington, Ky., area bed and breakfast saw some of Ivy’s paintings and have commissioned her to create an original work for their establishment.

There were 48 artists exhibiting this fall — offering 248 works from oils, acrylics, watercolors and photography.

“It is open to anyone who wants to enter,” Pati Payne of the IAA said. “They are from all over the Tri-State.”

This year the organization introduced two categories to the show: beginners and children.

“We want to bring artists along and get kids to enter in,” Payne said. “It has been so exciting to see them see others look at their works.”

And what’s it like to be in her first art show.

“Cool,” Ivy said.