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.