Dolly Rollins picked up her first palette in the 1960s and never let it go dry. Her works have been shown in countless galleries over the years. Recently, “Aymara Women Peru,” was selected to be part of the 74th Annual International Open Exhibition in Tacoma, Wash.

Rollins is one of 62 artists from 18 states and three countries selected for the show by Juror Donna Zagotta. She is also the only artist from Maine in the show, according to Jolene Sanborn, co-chairman of the event.

“We give the juror images to use that have no names or titles attached to them. The paintings are then judged based solely on their merit, not the prior reputation of the artist. Donna had 487 images to judge for our exhibition and I will tell you, the competition was some of the most amazing work I have ever seen,” Sanborn said. “The list of artists that entered the show reads like the 'Who's Who of Watercolor.' Dolly and those around her should be very proud of her accomplishment ... truly amazing!”

On April 26 the artists' reception, and an awards ceremony, will be held at the American Art Company. The exhibit itself runs from April 19 through June 6.

Rollins was in Peru while her daughter was earning her master's degree in water quality there.

“She was there learning how the indigenous people conserve water. The people there were very interesting and the costumes were fabulous. I speak the language and was able to communicate with them,” Rollins said. “The Aymara women in the painting were in the high mountains of Peru. They make a living posing for pictures for tourists. They are mostly farmers there and llamas and sheep are their beasts of burden and food.”

Last month, Rollins had two pieces in “Nude Night,” the largest nude art show in North America, held in Tampa, Fla.

The Sunshine State, or more specifically, paintings of people relaxing in public parks there, are the subjects of her current work.

Rollins' gallery, Dolly Rollins Fine Art, is located on Barters Island Road in Boothbay.