On Saturday, area residents got to see never before shown paintings from a local artist, who refused to let adversity prevent him from doing what he loved.

Fred Leath lived his entire life in Cedar Bluff.

He was already painting, when at the age of 19, he lost his right arm in an accident at Goodyear.

At that time, according to his niece Sheila Marie Leath Green, something remarkable happened.

He started painting with his left hand and she says those works were even better than what he had done with his right hand.

Saturday’s exhibit at the Cherokee County Library included watercolors, oils and pen and ink.

Many of Fred Leath’s works focused on nature and the beauty of Cherokee County.

Green says that although her uncle passed away five years ago, she is thankful that his work lives on.

In fact, she has more than 25 or so other paintings that have yet to be matted and shown.

So we could see another art show in the not-too-distant future.

Saturday’s exhibit, which was sponsored by the Cherokee County Public Library & the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, also featured works by the students of Cloud Farrow, who teaches art classes at the library.