After a process that took around a year, the Swampscott Arts Association (SAA) celebrated the opening of a new exhibition space inside of Clarke Elementary School with a reception Tuesday.

Members gathered to admire, analyze and discuss one another’s artwork, which currently hangs on the first-floor hallway walls

Paintings, photographs and clay sculptures are among the many types of art on display. The exhibition will run through November 18.

“Finally, this feels very good,” said SAA Co-President Larry Dunn. “Ruth pushed and pushed, and it finally came to fruition.”

Dunn said the exhibition would not have been possible without the vision and persistence of the late Ruth Rooks, an SAA member and former president. The exhibition was dedicated to her memory.

Another member, Ron Harrison, known for his maritime-themed paintings, helped bring the exhibition space to life. Harrison donated an art-hanging system, which the Department of Public Works (DPW) helped install.

“This is the first SAA exhibition at the Clarke School and it won’t be the last,” said Dunn.

A second exhibition open to all Swampscott residents is set for January. The Clarke School offers the group enough space to display as many pieces as possible.

“Artists like to have their work exhibited,” said Dunn. “The nice thing about the SAA is that anybody who paints, wants to paint or wants their work exhibited, we accept. There is no jurying. If you have a picture you want hung, we’ll hang it.”

Dunn said children attending other Recreation Department programs at Clarke School might see the artwork on the walls and feel inspired to create something themselves.

“It shows another side of the town to people,” said Dunn.

In addition to seeing their own work on display, SAA members have an opportunity to meet and connect with others who share their passion for art.

“If you’re just painting by yourself, you’re never getting a chance to talk to other artists,” said Co-President Lola Chaisson. “Yes, I have a husband, do I ask him about my paintings? No. Do I want input from people whose opinion I value? Yes.”

Chaisson joked that while her husband’s opinions are great on most topics, artwork is not one of them.

“The camaraderie of gatherings like this when we get to see each other means a lot,” said Dunn. “Especially as people age, they need to be around their peers, talk and socialize.”

Artists and guests mingled throughout the space, chatting about the artwork while enjoying a spread of hors d’oeuvres.