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.