Kurt Kramer - Hanging On: Portraits of an American Rodeo

Please join us for the opening reception of "Hanging On:  Portraits of an American Rodeo", featuring images taken at the Blue Moon Rodeo in Columbia Falls over the past few years by Chicago photographer, Kurt Kramer.  Fine art, refreshments & a little live music.  For more information, call 406-863-ARTS.  Thursday, August 1st, 6-9PM!!  

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO - Presents artist Kim Waldman, exhibiting READY SET CROW

Stumptown Art Studio  is featuring the artwork of Kim Waldman beginning with an opening reception on Thursday, August 1 from 6-9 p.m.  Ready Set Crow will be on display until September 2.

Kim discovered a passion for painting in her mid-20’s, when she began to create self-portraits and vivid gouache painting of circus performers, musicians and dancers. “Then birds flew into my work,” she says. The artist loves all birds, but is especially drawn to crows, “their vulnerability, their beauty and their quiet intelligence.”

The self-taught artist refers to herself as a “folk expressionist.” Her colorful, whimsical paintings meld negative space, elaborate, finely detailed patterns and metaphor: “the concept of a path as a journey, trees symbolize being rooted to a sense of place, and birds are messengers from above.”



"Band of Crows", 14"x10" ink and gouache on paper by Kim Waldman



“Rhythm,” she adds, “is always afoot in my paintings.” She employed the musical score from The Beatles Good Day Sunshine in her painting "Band of Crows" to accentuate her subjects dancing and playing music on stage. Her work can also be seen at www.motherbirdart.com

Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit community art center in the heart of Whitefish, Montana. It was founded in 1995 to offer art opportunities for all ages and art interests including: classes, workshops, art camps, art parties, a clay cooperative, 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 exhibit space for emerging artists. Each month during the Whitefish Gallery Night season from May through October, December and February the work of a different artist is on display.

Open hours to view exhibits and take part in the many other art offerings are: Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. After hours parties and birthday parties can also be arranged. Please stop by 145 Central Avenue in Whitefish, call (406)862-5929 or visit the web site at www.stumptownartstudio.org  for more information and continued updates.

Michael Chilcoat - Photography - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish photographer Michael Chilcoat during the month of August. Mike bought his first film SLR camera in 1996 in an attempt capture some of the magnificent places after moving west in the early nineties. Mike's work has been published in various popular magazines including Town & Country, Outdoor Photography (UK), Departures Magazine and Travel and Leisure.

Mike currently resides in Whitefish to be close to the wild, natural outdoor spaces he loves. His favorite subjects to shoot are beautiful, interestingly lit landscapes to create large fine art prints, outdoor action for catalog and web, and wildlife in the great outdoors. Mike shoots with Canon equipment and does all his own printing.

Mike says " There is nothing quite like being in the moment, seeing an event in nature that will never happen in exactly the same way again. The goal of my photography is to show the simple beauty in these events, such as the rise of a trout, the first storms of Winter, or the peace in the stillness of a forest. I strive to capture the essence of these fleeting moments in vivid color and detail, but also enjoy the textures of light, shadow, symmetry and balance, in the simplicity of black and white. I can only hope the magnificence that surrounds us here in the mountains of the Western US shows through in my photography, and that the enjoyment of viewing it surpasses the enjoyment I've had creating it.

Meet Mike during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 6-9 PM. Mike's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of August.

Jane Latus Emmert - Paintings - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish artist Jane Latus Emmert during the month of July. Jane Latus Emmert’s nickname is MontanaJane because she hikes, paints & fishes in the Montana wilderness.   She is a continual explorer, oil painting with brushes & palette knives in her studio or outside on-site early in the morning to capture the golden glow of the morning sky. 

 Emmert says, “When I paint, my heart sings.  Color, texture and the golden glow of morning light inspire me.  I hike; hunt, paint and fish in northwest Montana and my paintings reflect the freedom and openness in my life.   My friends call me MontanaJane and I think it fits because the woods, the water and the wilderness tantalize me with the feel of the wind, the smell of the pines and the play of sunlight and shadows.  Art is my voice and so, my paintings sing with joy.  Collectors say my art allows them to travel back in time to the days when life moved at a gentler pace in the Land of the Big Sky.”

As a workshop instructor, Emmert shares her knowledge with others around the United States and through her teaching videos.    You can frequently find her painting beside a waterfall or creek in Glacier National Park because she loves the freedom of the dancing water.  Emmert says, “When painting a river or stream, I frequently see fish rise in a feeding frenzy, so I’ll rapidly capture the scene before me and then get out my fly rod and catch a fish.  I don’t know if I’m an artist who fishes or a fly fisherwoman who paints!  I do know that color, texture, and the wilderness define who I am as an artist.^” 

Meet Jane during Whitefish Gallery Night, Friday, July 5, 2013 from 6-9 PM. Jane’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of July.

Fred Warf-Post Hillbilly Artist presenting "Calibration" at The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery

Please join us for fine art & refreshments on Friday, July 5th, 6-9PM.  We are featuring Whitefish artist, Fred Warf.  Post hillbilly art presented in the exhibit, "Calibration", featuring a variety of medium.  Fred grew up in Matewan, West Virginia on Blackberry Creek of the Tug River that separated West Virginia and Kentucky, the heart of coal mining country.  He is the middle child of eleven.  Fred is a late starting self-taught artist who sees art and creation as a true liberating process.  

"Capturing some of the images and people that swirl through my hillbilly brain is quite a challenge and lots of fun.  I hope that you can enjoy some of this RAW ART!" 
Fred Warf

Going To The Sun Gallery Proudly Presents, Artist, Laurie Stevens for July Gallery Nights!

Laurie Stevens,  Born in Billings, Montana, Laurie spent 12 years working in LA for the motion picture, and entertainment industries as a scenic artist and muralist. She has done theme park set design, and many private mural commissions.

Laurie especially enjoys painting pleine air landscapes in and of our beautiful state, and the interaction between animals or people and their environment. She finds herself increasingly attracted to the timeless stories of people living on the land and dealing with Mother Nature on a daily basis. Especially intriguing to her are the women's stories, and their life paths as they juggle the responsibilities and pleasures of their many and varied circumstance.

EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK - Brooke Nelson at STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO July 5-29

 





The July feature exhibition by artist Brooke Nelson, Everything And The Kitchen Sink, is a combination of paintings and ceramics.

“My recent work is abstract and full of pattern,” Brooke explains, describing her paintings.  “I simply enjoy the formal elements of paint on canvas.  I want the viewer to enjoy the shapes and colors, and to experience a personal set of emotions from the piece. I use titles that aren't defining, because I prefer that people draw their own conclusions about what they're seeing and feeling.  I hope my paintings feel somewhat primal, maybe even childlike. My recent influences have been southwestern petroglyphs and Aboriginal paintings. There is nothing complex or "heady" about what I do. What you see is what you get.”                                                                                                                                       

Her ceramics are a colorful concoction of imagination and lightheartedness.  “My clay pieces are just silly,” Brooke says.  “I thought about all of the things we use our kitchen sinks for, and how fun it would be to represent that with sculpture. I love the fat roundness of the faucets, and I like people to wonder why certain objects are there.”              

Brooke recently retired after teaching art techniques in a great variety of mediums to young adults at Columbia Falls High School.  She says she now finds herself in a creating frenzy with her work constantly changing.  Her hope is that her art will never be static.  Everything And The Kitchen Sink is on display at Stumptown Art Studio  through July 29. 

Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit community art center in the heart of Whitefish, Montana. It was founded in 1995 to offer art opportunities for all ages and art interests including: classes, workshops, art camps, art parties, a clay cooperative, 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 exhibit space for emerging artists. Each month during the Whitefish Gallery Night season from May through October, December and February the work of a different artist is on display.

Open hours to view exhibits and take part in the many other art offerings are: Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. After hours parties and birthday parties can also be arranged. Please stop by 145 Central Avenue in Whitefish, call (406)862-5929 or visit the web site at www.stumptownartstudio.org/ for more information and continued updates.

Judy Cockrell - Beginning to Come Unwound

Please join us for new works by Whitefish artist, Judy Cockrell.  "Beginning to Come Unwound" will feature a variety of colorful acrylics on panel, from fish to french horns.  Fine art, refreshments & a little live music.  For more information call 406-863-ARTS or go to www.thewalkingmanframeshop.com and find us on Facebook!!

Going To The Sun Gallery Presents Wildlife Artist, Virginie Baude

Virginie Baude is a native of France, but has found her way to the Northwest, residing in Big Fork Montana.   Her Original oil paintings of Wolves and wildlife capture the surreal beauty of these amazing animals.

Janina Hobday - Prints - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by artist, Janina Hobday of Birch Creek Designs during the month of June. Birch Creek Designs uses letterpress, screen printing, and digital printing to create art prints, cards, coasters and other items based on the illustrations of co-owner Janina Hobday. Her husband Brian takes care of the wood working, letterpress mechanics, and manages the business. The couple lives in Columbia Falls, Montana, on an urban farm complete with a dog, flock of chickens, and a rabbit.

 

Janina translates the stories of her life to identify the simplicity of happiness. Cuddles with a needy chicken, midnight kisses from the dog, the mountains of Montana and life in the Flathead Valley are constant reminders to be thankful and grateful for simple things. Her artistic endeavors started at a very early age, and the artwork of children’s literature – notably Tomie DePaola – has motivated her development of unique graphic styles and techniques.  She grew up in Montana and Chile, two places that provide constant inspiration and a unique perspective.  Janina has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Forestry and an Associate’s of Applied Science in Graphic Design. 

In April 2013, Birch Creek Designs announced the addition of a 1955 Chandler and Price Letterpress (a lightweight at 2,800 pounds), one of the few in Montana.  Designs are drawn by hand and digitally edited to create printing plates.  The printing plates are put into the bed of the letterpress.  Four ink rollers roll over the plates, the press bed and the platen come together, and the image is printed onto the paper.  Each piece of paper is hand fed through the printing press multiple times, one time for each color that is added.  The process creates a beautifully embossed texture on thick paper.  Says Janina, “When you hold a letterpress printed item in your hands, you know immediately that it is special because the ink is in the paper, not just on it.”

Meet Janina during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 6-9 PM. Janina's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of June.

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO - Jeanne Moe: Watercolor On My Mind

Stumptown Art Studio is presenting an opening reception for "Watercolor On My Mind" featuring the art of Jeanne Moe on Thursday, June 6 from 6-9 p.m.  The exhibit of her work will be on display through July 1, 2013.

Although she has been painting throughout her busy life, Jeanne explains, "I don't really think of myself as an "artist", but I know it gives me great pleasure to put color on the paper."  She wants the pictures she paints to have a positive effect on people and for them to respond with smiles and happy feelings.  Her use of color and subjects represent these intentions, and fit her persona.

As a student of art, art history and as an art collector, Jeanne shares her experience.  "I think everyone should take an art course," she explains.  "It changes the way one looks at the world.  Shapes and colors become clearer.  A person begins to really notice and study their surroundings."  Others may take from her inspiration by viewing her show.

Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit community art center in the heart of Whitefish, Montana. It was founded in 1995 to offer art opportunities for all ages and art interests including: classes, workshops, art camps, art parties, a clay cooperative, 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 exhibit space for emerging artists. Each month during the Whitefish Gallery Night season from May through October, December and February the work of a different artist is on display.

Open hours to view exhibits and take part in the many other art offerings are: Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. After hours parties and birthday parties can also be arranged. Please check the web site at www.stumptownartstudio.org/ for continued updates.

pre-Ceramics Festiva Exhibit at The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery

Come join us for a shared exhibit (w/Whitefish Pottery/Stillwater Gallery) of FVCC's Ceramics Festiva Conference instructors and participants. Fine art, refreshments & a little live music.  Thursday, May 2nd, 6-9PM.  For more information, call 406-863-ARTS or go to www.thewalkingmanframeshop.com and find us on Facebook!!

Going To The Sun Gallery Proudly Presents Artist Michael Naranjo for May Gallery Night!

Oil Painter and Pastel Artist, Michael Naranjo will be our guest  artist for Gallery Nights May of 2013!
Michael Naranjo is a local artist whos images of wildlife, Glacier Park and Portraits bring a sense of realism and astonishment to all.
 His accomplished versatility is evidenced by his beautiful works!

Edd Kuropat - Mixed Media - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by wood and glass artist, Edd Kuropat during the month of May. The exhibit will feature works that were inspired by his life in Western Montana. With studios in the Yaak and the Flathead valley, he has been influenced by the flowing rivers and streams to the high mountains of Montana, creating the landscapes we see around us with reclaimed wood, metal and stained glass. Edd says "By using aged, reclaimed local wood and metal, I feel I create the light and texture that is seen and felt in the landscapes around us. Combining this with various types of glass, I create the ever changing refractive light that gives us the beauty of a misty sun rise on a river to the glory of an alpenglow sunset over the Rocky Mountains."

 Kuropat, owner of Yaak River Originals, is a fine woodworker with more than 25 years experience building and creating. He creates furniture and sculptures that range in size from small table top and wall displays to large revolving sculptures that extend beyond 5 feet tall. Most of his projects develop slowly so that he can find the best matches of the materials. Edd likes to work from the middle outward so he can achieve the balance of light and texture that he is looking for. In the beginning Edd focused on what he calls one dimensional flat landscape. As his skill and technique have developed, he finds himself doing more multi-dimensional work which add a whole new level to the light and texture that he strives for in his work.

Meet Edd during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 6-9 PM. Edd's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of May at The Purple Pomegranate.

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO'S SPRING SHOW OF STUDENT ARTWORK AND ICE-CREAM SOCIAL

Every Spring, following the youth art classes that begin in January of 2013, Stumptown Art Studio features the artwork of young students with the popular exhibit, SPRING SHOW OF STUDENT ARTWORK & ICE-CREAM SOCIAL.  The gallery walls are adorned with drawings, paintings, collage, and other 2-D works of art.  Sculptures of clay, paper, metal and mixed media are on displays around the arts center.  This colorful exhibit is open to all ages and  everyone is invited to create their own ice-cream sundae treat.

  

Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit community art center in the heart of Whitefish, Montana. It was founded in 1995 to offer art opportunities for all ages and art interests including: classes, workshops, art camps, art parties, a clay cooperative, 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, groiup displays, studen

t works, new works and provide exhibit space for emerging artists. Each month during the Whitefish First Thursday Gallery Night season from May through October, the work of a different artist is on display.

Open hours to view exhibits and take part in the many other art offerings are: Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.  After hours parties and birthday parties can also be arranged.  Please check the web site at http://www.stumptownartstudio.org/ for continued updates.