Stephanie Barrett-Pointer & Mimi Werner: Flowers, Birds & Buddha

 "I lose myself in time spent at the easel.  Sometimes I am thinking/meditating spiritually and I don't even know it.  The intricacies of flowers are a mystical wonder.  Most of the flowers I paint are from my garden.  Their beauty is so fleeting, I wait patiently or impatiently all year for the lilacs and peonies.  Anxiously I poke around under the dead leaves of last year looking for the first signs of spring snowdrops, muscari, crocus, mini jonquils.  It's heaven to gather a big enough bundle to take to the house.  Within the settings of the paintings are placed personal objects: a blue platter my mom brought me from Portugal, a shell from Zihuatenejo, Mexico, grandmother's burgandy crystal goblet, a glowing candle, a fleeting butterfly, a jar of Tiger Balm.  Flowers don't last long and luckily I can us the tools of camera and sketches for reference,

The Flora paintings began during a "Lucky Thirteen" group mail art project.  One of the subjects for the group was Botanicals.  That was so enjoyable I decided to make more and expand them into the encaustic realm.  They are lovely, lyrical little pieces and I play to do more."

Stephanie Barrett-Pointer

Join us for a colorful exhibit of acrylics & encaustics by Stephanie Barrett-Pointer and ceramics by Mimi Werner.  Thursday, August 2nd, 6-9PM during Whitefish Gallery Nights.  Fine art, live music by cellist, Lee Zimmerman and light refreshments.  For more information, call 406-863-ARTS.

 

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO - August 2 features Charity Flowers

Stumptown Art Studio is pleased to feature the work of artist Charity Flowers with an opening reception on Thursday, August 2 from 6-9 p.m.  The exhibit, Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe is on display at the community art center through September 3.

Charity Flowers began her studies in art at Flathead Valley Community College where she explored a variety of art forms before deciding to focus on sculpture.  She received her bachelor of fine arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.



Time to Go, 36"x36" mixed media painting by Charity Flowers



Flowers incorporates different media in her painting and sculptural work, including welding, ceramics and collage.  She explains that the use of many techniques gives her the freedom to use the materials needed to express an idea. 

The mother of two children says her current body of work, "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe is an expression of the adventure of childhood play and how it evolves as people grow into adulthood, and playtime is lost indefinitely."

"The adventures we have as children help to construct our identities and our awareness of our place in the world around us," she says.   The artist believes the unstructured playtime she experienced in her own childhood helped her develop creativity and freethinking skills.

Stumptown Art Studio was founded in 1995 as a non-profit community art center where people of all ages would be able to "...express their inherent creative nature and learn about the world of art..."   Classes and workshops, outreach and field trips, exhibits, an artists' co-operative, community events, retail art supplies and paint-you-own pottery, glass fusing and mosaic-making are all part of the many opportunities through the art studio.  Currently, a community mosaic mural, Windows On Whitefish or WOW, is the latest project that has been launched by Stumptown Art Studio.

Open hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m.

STEPHEN ISLEY JEWELRY PRESENTS Sculptor Kelsey Schmid-Sommer

at the August 2^nd First Thursdays Gallery Nights from 6:00PM until 9:00PM in Whitefish.   Kelsey lives and sculpts in Whitefish, Montana.  After graduating with a BFA in sculpture from the University of Montana in 1999, Kelsey continues to sculpt wood and focus primarily on bird imagery.  Her passion for art comes from wanting to recreate the jovial nature she sees in animals.  She has a full working wood shop and sculpts with recycled or found wood from the surrounding Flathead Valley.  Recently, Kelsey has been working with a local bronze foundry and is excited to show the birds in a different medium.  The bronze and wood sculptures can be found in Stephen Isley Jewelry Gallery in Whitefish through August.   

Going To The Sun Presents Montana Artist Frank Hagel

Going To The Sun Gallery is honored to present Montana Artist Frank Hagel for Gallery nights on July 5, 2012.

GROUT-A-THON - July 5 at Stumptown Art Studio

Join artistic director Deb Stika at Stumptown Art Studio for a hands-on community "Grout-a-Thon" to get the first WOW (Windows On Whitefish) mosaic mural window done.  Following the completion of the grouting of the first of the four windows, it will be installed around the corner of Stumptown Art Studio on the south side of the Latitude 48 building where the empty frame awaits the artwork.

In January of 2012 Stumptown Art Studio launched the WOW public art project with community classes and mosaic sessions.  With the participation of the public, the first mosaic window, which

depicts the spring season is nearly finished.  The July 5 gallery night evening will introduce the rest of the community and its visitors to the mural project.  Deb Stika and her assistants will guide public participation in the grouting process.  Aprons and disposable gloves will be provided for this hands-on activity.

With these murals, Stumptown Art Studio hopes to inspire every person, business and visitor to the area by creating a lasting work of public art.  Since 1995 the non-profit community art center has been enriching lives by providing windows of opportunity and creative experiences for people of all ages.  Sponsorships and donations for the WOW project are currently being accepted and the next step for the art center is to create a permanent endowment.

For more details and information on the many art activities at Stumptown Art Studio please stop by 145 Central Avenue in Whitefish, Montana, call (406)862-5929 or check the web site at http://www.stumptownartstudio.org/

Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.  Come in anytime during those hours to paint-your-own pottery, mosaic-making and glass fusing.  A variety of classes and workshops for all ages are held on an ongoing basis.
(Pictured are three panels of the 12 panels that in entirety, create the artwork for the spring window.  Notice the BNSF train at the top image).

Peter Moore-Documented Presence at The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery

Please join us Thursday, July 5th, 6-9PM for an exhibit of "Documented Presence" by Polebridge artist and U.S. Presidential candidate, Peter Moore.  Fine art, live music by Suzanne Warmanen and Jay DiPaola, "political discourse" and light refreshments.  For more information please call 406-863-ARTS.  And find us on Facebook!!

"The genesis of this show is in the fact that the majority of my neighbors in the North Fork do not have phones.  What we've always done is hang a notepad & pencil next to our doors, so when someone stops by they can leave a message.  Like..."I stoppt by-where are you?"  Six years ago I added a new dimension by mounting a throw-a-way 35mm camera above my notepad with a sign that asks..."Please document your presence."  Over the years I have gathered hundreds of 'self-portrait' photos on or near my front porch.  These are a small selection of those documents.  The dates in the titles are the year the photo was taken.  All paintings done in 2011-12.  Hope you enjoy!  Portrait commissions encouraged!!"
Peter Moore

July's Artist of the Month: Brandon Wiese

For the month of July, The Gallerie at Piney Creek will be featuring the works of Brandon Wiese.  Brandon makes his home in Bigfork where he not only paints, but also carves stone for a variety of in home uses such as sinks and fireplace mantles. 

Of his paintings Brandon says, "My goals consist mainly in trying to create a piece that captures a moment of my life in a humble organization of lifeless materials; all to tempt the viewer's senses into believing and feeling my observations of a solitary and unique moment of time. With each piece I form a relationship that at a certain point, shifts slightly from creator to observer. Methods practiced relentlessly, fall arbitrarily to the side and I find myself almost waking up, realizing the painting has been dictating my actions.
I am forever grateful to God for the amazing Beauty that he allows me to see. I hope to create nothing but honor for him and all the people who have encouraged me in my life."

Come join us in The Gallerie during July's Gallery Night to see Brandon's pieces and enjoy some light refreshments!

Kris Kramer - July - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish jewelry artist, Kris Kramer during the month of July. Kris makes wearable and collectible minuscule, silver sculptures out of metal clay.  Most of her pieces can be worn as jewelry.  She loves silver down to the molecular level and believes it has qualities of being alive: it prefers that change be incremental; it reflects light; it is fragile and strong at once. 

Kris blends fashionable style into pieces enjoyed by those who want to be a little different.  She embellishes each piece with a virgin shine, an elegant satin, and a patina dark inlay.  Her goal is that her creations evoke a conscious or subconscious reaction—a reminiscence of ancient value along with something forwardly progressive and exciting.   Solo pendants, necklaces, earrings, charms for bracelets (aka tiny pendants), animal-totem, and miniature spoons will be on display throughout the month.

Kris is a certified precious metal clay artisan by the PMC Guild and RioGrande and sole proprietor of The Silver Pendant.  She sculpts daily in her studio on the north side of Whitefish.  Her wish is that each piece creates a pause, like at the end of a pendulum swing, in hopes that an observer might stop to reflect and grasp otherworldly significance.

Meet Kris during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, July 5th, 2011 from 6-9 PM. Kris’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of July. 

Whitefish Goldsmiths 

Whitefish Goldsmiths is excited to present original photography by local artist Jason Barnes.  Jason Barnes grew up in California in close proximity to great natural beauties like Yosemite National Park and California's beaches and cliffs.  He has always had a love of architecture and nature, and his photographs reflect this in images from ornate landmarks in Prague to the simplicity of ladybugs.  Montana images, from rusted tractors to the magnificence of Glacier National Park, are some of his favorite subjects.
Jason's specialty is photographing in HDR, high density resolution, which creates amazingly true-life details and color.  You can find Jason through his website, BigJayPhotography.com along with a sampling of his portfolio. 
 

STEPHEN ISLEY JEWELRY PROUDLY PRESENTS LINDA KATSUDA

Stephen Isley is pleased to present the work of Linda Katsuda, this Thursday June 7th for Gallery Night from 6 PM to 9 PM.

Linda is a Whitefish resident whose landscape paintings reflect Montana's natural beauty and grandeur.  Behind the visual and sensual aspect that inspires her is the presence of nature.  She is drawn to specific places and objects by the reflection of light and captures that light with oil paint, which has the most luminosity and depth.

Her "Orchid Cactus by Moonlight", an abstract oil on canvas, is available at Stephen Isley Jewelry and Gallery, 241 Central Ave.   Stop in Thursday evening to meet the artist and view her many works of art.

Deb Stika - June - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish artist, Deb Stika during the month of June. Years ago, Deb fell in love with this little spot on the map, retired here, and started drawing. Now her fun and whimsical drawings of Whitefish are on sale at the Purple Pomegranate in downtown Whitefish.  And the best news, besides the original set of 15 drawings, she is introducing her second set of 15 drawings! Plus most all of the images are now available as greeting cards!

Some of the new renderings include: O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center, Whitefish Train Depot, Central School, VFW, Great Northern Brewery, Remington, and Mambo’s. Do you have a special place? That place can be where you live or any where in the world! Your home? A business? A cabin, resort, or lodge? How about a boat?! Deb Stika does commission work, too, and will have examples displayed at the Purple Pomegranate. Come and help us celebrate!  

Meet Deb during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, June 7th, 2011 from 6-9 PM. Deb’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of June. 

Cherlyn Wilcox-Above & Beyond at The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery

Please join us for our exhibit of Bozeman artist, Cherlyn Wilcox-Above & Beyond.  Cherlyn will be featuring abstract oils on panel, Thursday, June 7th, 6-9PM.  Fine art, live music & light refreshments.  For more information, please call 406-863-ARTS and find us on Facebook!!

"I think of my current work as an aerial journey.  The pieces create a schematic of place, inspired by fragmented terrain as glimpsed through the window seat of an airplane.  Through this work, I investigate the intersection of the built and natural environment, seeking to find structure and sense of place.  I am drawn to the rich colors, forms and lines from diverse ecosystems, agriculture, buildings, boundaries, waterways and the general beauty of Montana...and translating these into colorful and inviting abstract places."  Cherlyn Wilcox
 

We will also be featuring live music by Fresh off the Vine!!
"Fresh off the Vine is a trio featuring cello, acoustic and electric guitar, based out of Whitefish Montana.  With original songwriting and a range of covered material to enliven any occasion.  Fresh off the Vine consists of cellist, Jesse Ahmann, with guitar and bass by Karl Berdimurat and Lucas Mace.  The Vine's styles range from an instrumental dining atmosphere to upbeat songs and grooves fit for any festivity."

 
 

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO June 7 opening - Stephanie Seguin: ALTERING FORMS AND SPACE

Stephanie Seguin received her BFA in ceramics in 2009 from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.  Since graduating, she has worked her way from studio to studio, gaining experience and exploring new styles in her personal work.  This summer she will be assisting at La Meridiana International School for the Ceramic Arts in Tuscany, Italy.

Her show, Altering Forms and Space at Stumptown Art Studio explores the way in which functional ceramics are displayed and the alteration of ceramic forms that are used in daily life.  Items that are normally hidden away in cupboards are displayed in a fashion that is suitable for a gallery setting and the home.  Seguin works with wheel-thrown and altered functional forms, which she manipulates while the clay is still soft, using a variety of hand-building techniques to create a gentle, feminine quality.  This quality is also present in her decorative surfaces, where she often incorporates images inspired by the garden.

Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit community art center located in the heart of Whitefish, Montana.  It was founded in 1995 to offer art opportunities for all ages and art interests including: classes, workshops, camps, art parties, an artists' cooperative, art outreach programs with the Van Gogh, and daily walk-in pottery painting, glass fusing and mosaic-making in the Ceramics Annex, art gifts, retail art supplies and exhibits.  Exhibits hosted at Stumptown Art Studio feature guest artists, group displays, student works, new works and provide exhibition space for emerging artists.  The public is invited to stop by and enjoy this year's 2012 First Thursday Gallery Night season from May through October between 6 and 9 p.m. during opening receptions or for a month following anytime during regular open hours:  Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.

The Gallerie at Piney Creek featuring Mary Kelley

"When I was young I was always going to paint with vigor someday soon. Suddenly I was over 60 and knew I better get with the program!"
                                                                            - Mary Kelley

Mary Kelly is a Montana artist who began painting later in life but has always been an artist at heart. She is greatly inspired by nature and her plein aire style of painting captures her passion. Her subtle and striking contrasts between light and dark, warm and cool, and light and shadow are intriguing factors that invite viewers to spend a moment in her work.

Come see a new collection of Mary Kelley's paintings featured this month at The Gallerie at Piney Creek.