A small, but enthusiastic gathering over the weekend in Hanover showed off some excellent pieces of local art while also celebrating a local legend. Thanks in part to Vince Martonis, town historian, about 40 residents came together for 98-year-old Ethelyn “EZ” Lyman.

Over the years, the Silver Creek resident has painted hundreds of landscapes with many in attendance bringing in works they felt blessed to have in their possessions. “She is the unofficial historian of the town,” said Martonis. “Through her paintings she has preserved things that are long gone such as the footbridge in Silver Creek.”

Her works are on display at the Anderson-Lee Library and some were recently donated to the Hanover Historical Center.

“I started with watercolors first, and I was on watercolors for quite a while and then I changed to oils,” Lyman told reporter Tom Schwendler. “After that, I went to acrylics and I’ve stayed with acrylics. I still do a few watercolors but mostly just acrylics.”

Her scenes include barns and bridges from Chautauqua County and some from Allegany State Park. For those in attendance Saturday, including Lyman, it was a special moment — or a real brush with greatness.