For those looking to extend their Independence Day celebrations into the weekend, local artist Yan Sun’s annual art exhibition “America the Beautiful” opens Friday evening during July’s First Friday Art Walk.

This year, Sun, a professor of fine art at Muskingum University, is showcasing his newest collection “American West,” a series of paintings depicting western nature and Native American culture.

While spending his breaks from teaching in Montana, Sun had the chance to meet Native Americans living nearby and learned about their religion and traditions.

Jessica Johnston

Sun said he is fascinated with the west and wants to share his experiences with his students and his art museum visitors.

In the future, Sun plans to spend more time in the west learning about the Native American heritage to tell new stories through his paintings.

Sun’s art museum is located in downtown Zanesville at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street.

The museum is open to the public until 8 p.m. during the art walk and by appointment at all other times.