Stillwater Gallery Presents: An Artist’s Collection, Tom Gilfillan’s Personal Ceramic Collection

 

Tom Gilfillan, artist and owner of Whitefish Pottery,

has acquired a wonderful collection of ceramic art

through his years of interaction

with the clay community.

It is on display here for the first time.

None of the pieces here are for sale.

They are however here to enjoy!

 

Stillwater Gallery

is located within Whitefish Pottery

240 Central Ave. Whitefish

406-862-1417

Mon-Sat 10-6 * Sundays 11-5

 

Erin Hawley - October - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish artist, Erin Hawley during the month of October. Erin is a 2012 graduate from the Goldsmithing and Jewelry Arts program at Flathead Valley Community College. She creates one of a kind jewelry that explores the story that stone and silver seem to speak together. Erin says "When building a piece of jewelry, I start with the stone, and then I build a visual story around it.  Some stories are short and sweet, some are universal, and some are very personal.  Everyday experiences become illustrations in a piece of jewelry that can be worn and remembered. Silver and stone can easily turn an ordinary story into an extraordinary one."

Erin has worked in silver for the past 4 years, gaining experience in fabrication, casting, wax carving, and stone setting. She works in sterling silver, 14karat gold, and bases her designs around artisan-cut cabochon stones. Erin uses high quality stones, gems, and metals that embody artisan quality jewelry. She likes to mimic Mother Nature, hiding inspired details where they are sometimes overlooked.  Using negative space and silhouetted images allows her to hide a story in the crevices and curves of her jewelry.  Like the natural world around her, Erin believes jewelry is meant to be explored. "Most of the stories I create in metal and stone are built upon a story I seem to hear most when I am outside, among wide open space and engulfing blue sky.  Nature reminds us over and over again, story after story, in every detail, that we are small too.  We are small, but our story is important."

Meet Erin during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 6-9 PM. Erin's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of October.

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO--Dia de los Muertos - October 4 Reception

Dia de los Muertos, translated as "Day of the Dead", is a multi-day festival in Mexico honoring departed ancestors, friends and family. There are journeys to cemeteries to spruce up neglected gravesites, lively marketplaces selling beads, candies in the shapes of skeletons, and family altars lovingly assembled.

Stumptown Art Studio will be decorated in festive Mexican style for an art exhibit that will capture the essence and spirit of Dia de los Muertos. The exhibition features the artwork of high school and junior high school art students from around the Valley.  There will be 3-D drawings to viewed while wearing 3-D glasses, mixed-media altars, paintings, tissue paper picados and sculptures.

(Dia de Muertos, by Diego Rivera 1944)

Mexican culture honors its dead during this traditional holiday every year. Add this to your list of "Hallowed" activities and get your fill of culture along with fun on Thursday, October 4 from 6-9 p.m. during the Whitefish First Thursday Gallery Night. This evening is for the entire family and all ages are encouraged to attend.

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, student 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. Please check the web site at http://www.stumptownartstudio.org/ for continued updates.

Inspired Paper Making at The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery

Please join us for the final Whitefish Gallery Nights event of the season, Thursday, October 4th, 6-9PM.  On exhibit will be a gathering of work created during and after a weekend at Haymoon Ranch with paper artist, Angie Zimmerman.  Inspired Paper Making will feature a variety of pieces by several local participants.  Fine art, live music by Addison Clark & Kelsey McFeeley and light refreshments.  For more information, please call 406-863-ARTS and find us on Facebook!! 

"It is through the process of making art where experimentation and innovation push a medium into new depths and down multiple avenues.  During this workshop participants were encouraged to play and experiment with paper pulp and plant fibers.  By remembering to play when encountering something new we bacame relaxed and open to  possiblilites.  When participants found their avenue in paper making the play transformed into serious, motivated art making.  Each finished piece created was unique to the individual's inspirations and guided through their experiences with nature, other artists' work, making art with children, paper arts, and design.  Throughout the three day workshop the instructor facilitated an environment that encompassed individual participant's interests and background in art.  The result is a diverse body of work which we are excited to share in this exhibit."  Angie Zimmerman

Whitefish Goldsmiths

Whitefish Goldsmiths is presenting Jodi Monahan for September's Gallery Nights.  Jodi Monahan is a new, up and coming artist from Missoula Montana.  Jodi's passion for painting was unearthed while she was designing a Touch of Tuscany room in her home and wanted a fresco painted.  That room project began a journey into a painting emphasis on the exploration of anything Italian, with special attention paid to the Tuscan region and the colors it brings to life.  This wonderful, creative world of oil on canvas and oil on textured board allows you to use her art to stay connected to the feelings, tastes, and rich colors of the region in your everyday life.  Being married to an Irishman from Butte Montana, her body of work adds a bit of Irish and Celtic tradition.  Jodi's sense of family history is richly evident in her paintings with Irish and Italian influences.

Going To The Sun Gallery Proudly presents artists Nick Oberling and Jennifer Li for Gallery nights, Thursday September 6th, 2012. 
Nicholas Oberling was educated at Cornell University and studied painting under the atelier system at The Art Students League of New York for a decade.  His  biography is included in Who's Who in America.
Jennifer Li, sutdied painting for twelve years at the Art Students League of New Your under distinguished realist painters Harvery Dinnerstein and Frank Mason.  She majored in literature and philosophy at Bennington and Sarah Lawrence Colleges, and lived, studied and painted in New York City for nearly twenty years before returning to Montana in 1998.
Nicholas Oberling is offering a plein air workshop, September 15th and 16th in Whitefish.  Please contact The Going to The Sun Gallery for more information.  406-253-0742

Artist-Wilderness Connection with Andrea Brew

Please join us for the Artist-Wilderness Connection Exhibit with Whitefish artist, Andrea Brew.  This exhibit is the result of an artist-in-residence program supported by The Hockaday Museum of Art, The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, The Flathead National Forest & The Swan Ecosystem Center.  Andrea spent two weeks in a forest service cabin in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last year, drawing sketches & taking notes, of which her new batch of acrylics on canvas were manifested from.  Thursday, September 6th, 6-9PM will feature fine art, live music by Ada Brooks & Galen Jamison, and light refreshments served!!  For more information, please call 406-863-ARTS and find us on Facebook!!!

ART FROM THE HEART - Opening reception at Stumptown Art Studio September 6

Stumptown Art studio is pleased to showcase artwork created through the Art from the Heart program.  Join us during First Thursday Gallery Nights for an evening of art, refreshments and take part in making windchimes that help raise funds for Art from the Heart.

Art from the Heart is the newest venture from Stumptown Art Studio, making art activities accessible for people of all abilities throughout our community. The recently acquired Van Gogh Art Mobile is making these outreach opportunities possible.  Donations and fundraising events provide the funds for Stumptown Art Studio to continually offer enriching art experiences to people with disabilities and to those who would otherwise never have the chance to learn about and explore the world of art. Visual arts help to develop awareness of a person’s significance in their world and their community.
Creative expression fosters personal growth.

Outreach Art Programs already in place with neighboring
organizations include The Flathead Youth Home, Special Friends Advocacy, Flathead Industries,The Veteran’s Home, and area Senior Centers. 
(Photo: silk painted suncatchers created by Flathead Youth Home residents). 

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 welcomes Shelle Lindholm as his featured artist for the September 6^th Gallery Night. 

 

Meet the artist and view her work at 241 Central Avenue, Thursday, September 6^th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

 

Shelle paints animals with attitude.  Her primitive painting style has developed through years of exploring the versatile medium of acrylics and is strongly influenced by textiles and folk art from around the world.

 

“ I paint the spirit and spunk I see in animals as they root, romp and rest just outside my studio door.”

 

This painting, entitled, “Flower Girls”, portrays “the lovely ladies of Big Sky Country casually bouncing their way to the next grazing ground”.

 

 

Kathy Martin - September - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Columbia Falls artist, Kathy Martin during the month of September. Kathy uses watercolors and a variety of mixed media to express her art. The arts and making things have been part of her life for as long as she can remember. From her first blue ribbon for a dress that Kathy made on an old treadle sewing machine at age 8 to her present day work with watercolor and mixed media—she has always experimented in art. Her first experience with watercolor was in the mid 1990s. After trial and error and a couple of community college classes Kathy fell in love with watercolor. Her all-consuming career as a 6^th grade science teacher eventually took over and she put her paints away for a time. Painting, drawing and sculpting remained part of her life during her homeroom class and Kathy looked forward to art day every week. She taught basic art skills and let her students have fun with what they had learned. She developed an interest in mixed media from many of the lessons she presented to her students. A health collapse in 2008 ended her teaching career.  With encouragement from a friend Kathy picked up her brush and paints and began to paint. Painting has been a large part of her healing journey. After months of healing Kathy started to share her love of watercolor by teaching classes. Kathy's wish is that her students find the freedom of watercolor as joyful and healing as she does.

Kathy speaks about her work, "Watercolor allows me to express the joy and peace I find in my Montana home. Using vibrant colors and the freedom of watercolor helps me share my interpretation of my natural surroundings and the hope I find in the ancient and contemporary messages that are scattered throughout the state and continents. I am fascinated by the effect of paint, scratches and layers on a rough rock wall. Mixed Media textures allow me to build an expression of these same ancient and contemporary messages."

Meet Kathy during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 6-9 PM. Kathy's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of September.

Thomas G Lewis - August Featured Artist

Come on in to The Gallerie at Piney Creek tonight and see the newly painted featured artist wall that will showcase the works of Tom Lewis, a resident of Bigfork.

Tom's childhood experiences led him to become very familiar with the American West's landscapes and heritage.  He draws on this background extensively as he paints in both oil and watercolor to create lively pieces featuring everything to the iconic cowboy to beautiful landscape scenes.

We hope to see you tonight for this month's Gallery Night!

Going To The Sun Gallery Is Proud to present Artist/Sculpter/ Jeweler, Rochelle Lombardi for Gallery Nights, Thursday August 2, 2012. 
Rochelle is a local Artist whose bronze sculptures are collected Nationwide.  She enjoys sculpting the horse as well as the animals of Glacier Park.

  She is also a Jeweler, of fine quality 14K gold and Sterling silver one of a kind pieces.

Lousie Barker - Fiber Art and Jewelry - The Purple Pomegranate

The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Kalispell artist, Louise Barker during the month of August. Louise’s perspective on “art to wear” incorporates unusual techniques that are organic and make a statement. We express ourselves by what we wear.  This statement has always been at the core of Louise’s art.  Her involvement with fiber has evolved over the past 30 years, working in many facets of surface design.  Her latest direction involves using metal to create imprints on fabric.  “I love seeing the unexpected results that happen when you cannot have complete control over a substance or process”, she states.  Louise’s nation-wide customer base enjoys luxurious wearables that are influenced by the Montana landscape and are timeless in design.    

Louise has always been drawn to the creative process. "Growing up on a small mid-western farm taught me resourcefulness. My father was fearless in using material immediately at hand to repair, upgrade and beautify his life. His creative problem solving skills showed me to rethink the materials around me in a new way. My parents love and respect for the land have given me the precious gift of not taking my surroundings for granted. Montana spoke to me when I was only 19. I never tire of the way the alpenglow briefly casts its spectacular robe of pinks and purples across the mountain tops. When I create, I try to allow my materials to speak for themselves. My sense of design is tactile and organic. My goal is to marry a balance of sophistication with a sense of nature."

Meet Louise during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 6-9 PM. Louise's work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of August.

  

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.