Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Stephen Isley presents Rob Akey


Whitefish artist Rob Akey, will exhibit new and recent works at Stephen Isley Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery beginning Thursday, October 1st during the Whitefish Gallery Nights 6PM - 9PM. Akey will be showing plein air work from the Mission and Flathead Valleys and previewing work from a new series focusing on Native American subjects.

Akey teaches painting at Flathead Valley Community College, was voted the Flathead's Favorite Artist for 2008 and is a 2009 recipient of the Artist-Wilderness-Connection residency in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

October - Ruth Lane - The Purple Pomegranate


The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Kalispell fiber artist Ruth Lane during the month of October. When Ruth discovered felting, she finally found the creative outlet for which she had been searching. As a self taught fiber artist, the versatility of fiber allows Ruth to “play” with a wide variety of materials including wool, silk, fabrics, yarns and threads. Creating one of a kind fiber art pieces to share with the world fulfills her creative passion.

One technique that Ruth especially enjoys is the ancient technique of felt making. Traditionally to make felt, raw or dyed wool was dampened with soapy water and agitated (usually by stomping or rolling) to “felt” the wool. She uses this traditional method of wet felting as well as dry felting with needles, either by hand or machine. Ruth then embellishes the felt with free motion machine embroidery, hand stitching and other techniques to develop a unique design.

As Ruth continues her journey into fiber art, she is learning to look at the world more clearly and closely. She is inspired by the beauty of the natural world, be it an “ordinary” piece of grass, a tiny bit of lichen or the gorgeous Montana landscapes. When you look at her work, Ruth wants you to be drawn into the layers and details of the rich, textural surface and to “feel” the joy of its creation.

Meet Ruth during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, October 1st, 2009 from 6-9 PM. Ruth’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of October.