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Art lovers will want to check out the amazing sketches on display this month at the Franklin County Library by local artist Kelsey Toledo.

The display includes a variety of fictional characters as well as realistic portraits using charcoal, graphite, pastels and color pencils.

“I love getting lost in the world of art,” Toledo said. “I’ve been drawing and doodling since I was a little girl practicing anime and video game sketches.”

Toledo said she learned to draw from her mother, who was an art teacher.

“Of all the art projects I’ve ever done, I’m most fond of the children’s book I wrote and illustrated with my two daughters,” Toledo said.

Her book is a Christian allegory about God’s love titled “Jack-O-Lantern Face” and is written under her pen name, Elane Peridot. It features one of God’s greatest promises — the rainbow.

“Even though this is a story written and illustrated for children, it has a special place in the hearts of many grown-ups, too, including myself,” Toledo said. “I’ll always cherish the handwritten note I received from my grandmother in Alabama, telling me how much she loves this book. I cried when I read that little letter in her cursive handwriting. It meant so much to me.”

Toledo says the greatest things about being an artist and author is getting to share joy with people and spreading the message of God’s love.

Her book is obtainable on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and e-book and is also available at the Franklin County Library. For more information, email Toledo at elaneperidot@gmail.com.

Toledo grew up in Alabama and has enjoyed a quiet life in Franklin County for the past five years with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t busy homeschooling or drawing, she enjoys knitting and crocheting as well as writing stories.

“Tennessee is my dream home. I love it here so much,” Toledo said.

Be sure to stop by the Franklin County Library, located at 105 S. Porter St. in Winchester and view Toledo’s art. The library is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.