Watercolors by Tracy McCarty will be shown at the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery.

“Beginnings” is a collection of watercolor works that explore the fluid, ever-present influence of water in our lives, its movement, its memory and its meaning.

McCarty is a self-taught artist who created her own technique that allows “water to be water.” In her process, she applies deep pigments to clear “moving” water, lifting and tilting the paper to let the color move with the motion of the water. Her work is a balance of control and complete freedom, letting the water define the space, creating an abstract view of the healing energy of this powerful natural element.

According to the artist, “Through this collection, I invite you to reflect on the role water plays in your own story — where it has been, where it is going, and the transformations it brings,” she said.

“Beginnings” will be on display Monday through April 20 at the Jewish Community Center of Youngtown, 505 Gypsy Lane. An opening reception is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 6.