Saranac Art Projects will present an art exhibit of new work by Jenny Hyde and G duMonthier Feb 5 - 28. An opening reception will be held on Feb 5 from 5 to 8 pm.

"This exhibition features new video works as well as digital prints by media artist, Jenny Hyde. This work dwells on simple movements of the body that are captured and looped. Video is used to capture gesture much like a hand drawn sketch. Comic and a bit sad, this work is meant to reflect on overlooked struggles of day-to-day life. Jenny Hyde holds an MFA in Electronic Integrated Arts from Alfred University in New York and a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA.  Her work has been part of numerous Media Art Festivals and exhibitions nationally and abroad such as the New York Electronic Arts Festival (New York, NY) and the Loop Video Art Festival (Madrid, Spain). She is an Assistant Professor of Art at Eastern Washington University.



Greg duMonthier is a nationally exhibiting sculptor that has recently moved to Spokane WA. An interdisciplinary artist, he holds an MFA in Sculpture from Alfred University in New York and a BFA in Drawing from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. His experience ranges from working professionally as a foundry manager at a fine art sculpture-casting foundry, to creating interactive web based artwork. His studio practice includes sculpture, installation, digital and drawing work concerning contemporary American cultural landscapes. This work is idea-based rather than material specific, finding appropriate material to physically manifest conceptual decisions. This has led him to researching new media, adding to his knowledge of traditional practices and installation."

Our Town Shows the Many and Varied Faces of Sandpoint at POAC Gallery, Thru March 8

You never know what you're going to get at a POAC show. Generally, it's local, Sandpoint-area artists, some seasoned veterans and others complete novices. And generally it's a wide variety of media, styles and content, not all of which fits the "theme" of the show. And generally the shows are interesting, thoughtful and give one a basic sense of the breadth of artistic expression in the area.

Called Our Town, People of Panhandle, the current POAC show has a few knockout pieces showing exemplary technique, talent or both, as well as a few unusual or nostalgic pieces that give the home-town context to the show.

An example is Dan Earle, whose figure and portrait studies (his wife, Jackie, at right) exemplify the extensive training he has had. And Diana Moses Botkin's paintings, such as "Young Scholar," have that magical feeling of light. Julie Hutslar's "Aisla" is a lovely watercolor. Couple of interesting photos, a few 3D works, and several pieces that may have come off of mantels--Yola Biter's "Mother" and "Father"--to serve as reminders of Sandpoint's past.

Although there are a significant number of artists in the area who do not exhibit at POAC (and yet are nationally or even internationally known), the sheer volume of artists in the area who do exhibit is impressive. To be sure, we would still like to see someone in the area willing/able to exhibit more edgy, contemporary work (no nudes allowed at POAC, which is in a high-traffic public building), the fact that POAC continues to find new ways to reach the public is noteworthy.

VISUAL ARTS TOUR, February 5-7 2010

Locations in red profiled in next week's Inlander
 
Press Release--
Spokane's Visual Arts Tour, sponsored by Spokane Arts Commission, and The Inlander, will take place on Friday, February 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Some exhibits will also be open on Saturday, February 6, and Sunday, February 7. Twenty-four exhibits will be on the self-guided tour.  The popular non-juried Raw Space exhibit featuring 90 artists will be held in the Fernwell Building at the corner of Riverside and Stevens this year. Exhibits in Browne's Addition, Garland District and Spokane International District frame a concentration of activity in downtown Spokane. 

Visual Arts Tour is bi-annual (February and October) self-guided tour.  Printed tour maps will appear as a special pullout section of the February 4^th issue of The Inlander and will be available at all of the participating locations.  Please view the schedule below for complete listings.  For more information, contact 625-6050.

VISUAL ARTS TOUR IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

1. NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE, 2316 W. FIRST AVE.

American at a Crossroads  This exhibit and event explores transitions in American culture through Plateau Indian eyes and the impacts of big bands and visual art. The series draws an arc from America’s economic and artistic boon of the 1920’s through the Great Depression and war years, to challenges that we face today. The MAC is open Friday 10 am-9 pm. Saturday 10 am-6 pm. 363-5325

2. BROWNE’S ADDITION WELLNESS CENTER, 2013 W. 4th AVE #2.

Artwork by the Lilac City Rollergirls  The Lilac City Rollergirls are Spokane’s all-female, flat-track, roller derby team. A variety of artwork will be displayed using various media including photography, oil painting, screen printing, and charcoal. These ladies are tough as nails while on roller skates, but want to show their creative side. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 280-6195

3. BARRISTER WINERY, 1213 W. RAILROAD AVE.

Edward W. Gilmore: Emotion, Energy, Excitement!  Messy, yet stunning, chaotic but calculated.  Edward Gillmore’s canvases tell his life story.  A gentle giant of character and someone you will not forget. Music: “Lonesome” Lyle Morse plays blues 7-10 pm on Friday.  Friday noon-10 pm. Saturday Noon-5 pm. Thru Feb 28. 465-3591

4. KOLVA SULLIVAN GALLERY, 115 S. ADAMS ST.

Dara Harvey: Half Light  A vibrant, young, Spokane painter, Dara Harvey considers herself a cerebralist of silliness translating the banality of existence into bizarre mark making. She merges the automatic process into and anthropomorphic world full of odd characters, bleeps, do-hickies, thingies, scratches, symbols and what-have-yous. The automatism is influenced by nature, ornamentation, kitsch, science fiction, the random and happy accidents. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 458-5517

5. TRACKSIDE STUDIO, 115 S. ADAMS ST.

Chris Kelsey and Mark Moore: Wood Fired Ceramics  Trackside Studio invites you to experience recent work by Chris Kelsey and Mark Moore. We have new ceramic forms from our recently constructed wood fueled kiln. The ancient technique of wood firing pottery can result in a rich surface marked by the ash and flame rushing through the kiln. Friday 5-9 pm. 435-7097

6. AVENUE WEST GALLERY, 122 S. MONROE ST.

Katie Densley: Variety is the Spice of Life  Painting with her eyes and drawing with wire in her mind, Katie Densley translates her world through multiple medias. Using a wet into wet process for oils and watercolor, and fencing wire for sculpture, she employs semi-impressionistic to traditional methods.   Music: Tracy Carr on guitar. Friday 11 am -9 pm. Saturday 11 am-6 pm. Thru Feb 28. 838-4999

7. GALLERY OF THUM, 159 S. LINCOLN ST., STE. 151

Paper . Metal . Stone   Shannon Caruso: Whimsy in Burned Paper, a hot point pulled through fine art paper. Dawn Reed: cool tones of blue and green, shabby chic. Sterling silver funkadelic rings by Annie Hague. Warm watercolors—fruits, flowers and fish—by Dee Gumberg. Bright glowing oils by Joyce Sonnabend, fun jewelry by Nienke Crick, classical Swarovski Jewelry by Marti O. and hand-painted jewelry by Timothy Phillips. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru Feb 27. 294-9234

8. GRANDE RONDE CELLARS, 906 W. SECOND AVE.

Peter Presnail: Peter Presnail Oils   Friday noon-9-pm. Saturday noon-6pm. Thru Feb 28. 455-8161

9. CHASE GALLERY, 808 W. SPOKANE FALLS BLVD., USE POST ST. ENTRANCE

The Art of the Carrousel  Celebrating the 100 Year Anniversary of the Looff Carrousel, the exhibition includes artwork by Michael Gass, Nona Hengen, Betty Largent and Loraine Krank. Built in 1909 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Looff Carrousel (located in Riverfront Park) is one of only 154 operating, hand-carved carrousels from the turn of the 19th century. The exhibit includes horses under construction by Mark Blomhagen. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru Feb 26. 625-6050

10. KRESS GALLERY, RIVER PARK SQUARE, THIRD LEVEL, 808 W. MAIN ST.

Neicy Frey: A Midwinter Night’s Dream  The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture’s Art @ Work Progam in collaboration with River Park Square’s Kress Gallery presents work by Spokane painter Neicy Frey. This show features large-scale oil and acrylic paintings depicting sensual bouquets of peonies, poppies, sea anemones and rambutan. The surreal arrangements of organic shapes and lush hues embody mid-winter hopes for warmer and brighter seasons. Friday 10 am-9 pm. Saturday 10am-9 pm. Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Thru March 28th. 363-5317

11. SIMPLY NORTHWEST, 8 N. POST ST.

Jenny Lange  Come meet local artist Jenny Lange. Her photography of nature is breathtaking. She is a multi-talented young woman. She also makes handmade cards. Friday 5-9 pm. 456-8206

12. BRICK WALL GALLERY, 530 W. MAIN/SKYWALK

John Latta: Landscape Photography  The Brick Wall Photographic Gallery will be featuring the landscape photography of local artist John Latta. John shoots primarily images of the northwestern US and western Canada. Along with images by John Latta, the gallery offers photographs by Joe Nuess, Richard Heinzen, Bill and Kathy Lostelec, Chip Phillips and several other Northwest photographers.  Friday 12-9 pm. Sat 12-6 pm. Thru Feb 28. 928-7721

13. MISSING PIECE TATTOO LOUNGE, 410 W. SPRAGUE AVE.

Keshia Wright: Two Holes in the Snow  Keshia works in mixed media with acrylic, oil, graphite, ink and wax. Friday 1-9 pm. Saturday 1-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 838-8240

14. POTTERY PLACE PLUS, 203 N. WASHINGTON

Toni Spencer: Batiks…More Color!  Toni has been experimenting with her batiks this past year. She has taken the finished batik, cracked off the wax in certain areas and gone in with another color, then let it dry, re-waxed, re-cracked and dyed again. These extra steps are repeated until she gets the effect she is seeking or she has just ruined a perfectly good batik, The successful batiks she makes with this technique have a bright and happy feeling to them. Friday 10 am-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Thru Feb 28. 710-0362

15. RAW SPACE – FERNWELL EXECUTIVE SUITES, 505 W. RIVERSIDE, STE 100, (ENTER ON STEVENS)

Established, newcomer and emerging artists: Raw Space  This popular non-juried exhibit presents an opportunity to discover a wide variety of artists including many who are exhibiting their work to the public for the first time. Friday 5-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-5 pm; Sunday noon-4 pm. Thru Feb. 9. 710-0362

16. RIVER RIDGE ASSOCIATION OF FINE ARTS, 15 S. WASHINGTON

River Ridge and Friends: From Ink to Media and Liberia  River Ridge and friends is a showing of local and global art. Included are members working in various styles and mediums along with friends of the gallery, Ink To Media. Global friends include artists from Liberia brought to us by Four Corners Market, a nonprofit/fair-trade organization formed to help the people of Liberia. Live music, poetry reading and refreshments between sets. Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday noon-4 pm. Thru Feb 6. 863-8676

17. RIVERSPEAK COLLECTIVE, EMPRYEAN: 171 S. WASHINGTON (new location – formerly The Big Dipper)

Ildikó Kalapács, Amia, Tyson Habein, Bernadette Vielbig and others: Nest: RiverSpeak Launch Party  RiverSpeak is Spokane’s new local arts forum, a nest for creativity and community, where new ideas can hatch. Don’t miss nest-themed RiverSpeak Launch Party at the Empyrean’s new location, showcasing the work of local talent. 50% of art sales will benefit RiverSpeak. A local music CD with and accompanying zine are available upon donation. The party continues Saturday at 7 pm, with live performance of local musicians and writers you won’t want to miss. Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday 2-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 999-6907

18. KIZURI, 35 W. MAIN AVE., STE. 100

Moira Felber: Recipes for Radiance  Moira Felber of Wild Thyme Kitchen will be at Kizuri signing her newly released cook book, “Recipes for Radiance.” Come for a recipe sampling and stunning photos from the travels that inspired her work. Rustic La Chamba cookware from Colombia and olivewood kitchen utensils from Kenya will also be available. Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm. Thru Feb 6. 464-7677

19. GINA’S DESIGN CORNER, One N. BROWN

Sheila Grubb  Sheila enjoys painting in oil on wood panels where she depicts color fields in abstract motion. Her work is full of color and texture and produces a mood which realistically portrays the beauty and chaos of this land and life. Live Music. Friday 5-9 pm. 624-2205

20. LONE CANARY WINERY, 109 S. SCOTT ST. #B2

Ildikó Kalapács: Wallpaper Series  Ildikó investigates the overlaps of identities and their ambiguities—cultural, personal, language, gender, and image—and our identities that play against the natural environment in the contest of our global era. Everything is in more flux than ever due to our volatile global culture with its instant communication and mobility. Music: live guitar & vocals by John Berning. Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday Noon-5 pm. Sunday Noon-5 pm. Thru March 2. 534-9062

21. SECOND SPACE GALLERY, 610 W. SECOND AVE.

Kim Matthews Wheaton: Columbia Coulees and Rolling Expanses—Stylized Landscapes of Eastern Washington  A local artist with international vision, and having shown her work in Paris on many occasions, Kim Matthews takes an erudite approach to the vast landscape of her adopted home in Eastern Washington. Her perceptive renderings of our gorgeous natural surroundings help us to reexamine the light, the air and the powerful essence of the land that envelops us. Friday noon-9 pm. Saturday noon-6 pm. Thru March 2. 847-3501

22. SERENDIPITY BOUTIQUE, 303 W. SECOND AVE.

Charlie Wisben: Artwork for Your Floor!  Floorclothes by Charlie—why should your walls get all the attention? Floorclothes are works of art for your floor. “Don’t be shy, walk all over them,” says floorcloth artist Charlie Wisben. But don’t let the beauty of these “paintings for the floor” fool you. Each is hand-made from durable, heavy canvas, then specially treated to withstand decades of foot traffic. Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm. Thru Feb 28. 220-3496

23. URBANNA INC., 168 S. DIVISION

Ed Gilmore  Edward’s work has layers, stories and reflections with vast colors and textures in which he leaves a part of him within every canvas. “Not since the days of Jackson Pollock have we seen the depths of the inner soul so freely at work—artistically and yet intrinsically balanced—for our minds and hearts to perceive and ponder the major alcoves of life.” Friday 9 am-9 pm. Saturday 9 am-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 747-7076

24. JUNDT ART MUSEUM, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, 502 E. BOONE AVE.

Collection Additions in the Jundt Gallery & The Holy Family in the Arcade Gallery  Recently added to the collection and on display are works by James T. Bailey, Leonard Baskin, Romare Bearden, Lanny DeVuono, Jim Dine, Michelle Forsyth, Susan Hauptman, Randy Hayes, Jim Hodges, Robert Motherwell, Frank Okada, Ambrose Patterson, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Harriet Sanderson, Roger Shimomura, Edward Steichen, Frank Stella, Neil Welliver, and others. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru April 1. 313-6613

SPOKANE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT

QUALITY FLOORS AND INTERIORS, 706 E. SPRAGUE AVE.

Pat Schilling and Ellen Blaschke: Local Photography and Painting  Including Native American scenes, Mt. Spokane and abstracts, Ellen Blaschke finds inspiration in the Spokane region. Using acrylics and oils on canvas, Ellen’s work is impressionistic and expressionistic. For Pat Schilling every venture outside his home is a photographic journey, whether in his home town of Spokane or the vast deserts of the American West. The joy is in the journey. Music by Rick Eliot. Friday 9 am-9 pm. Saturday 10 am-3 pm. Thru Feb 15. 747-2295

STRONG SOLUTIONS, 1718 E. SPRAGUE AVE.

Photos by Josh Smith & Art by Conrad Bagley with Glass Demonstration  Conrad Bagley’s works consist of oil on canvas paintings of figures in an impressionistic style showing motion, and colors of human emotions in practical and impractical fused glass pieces. The public will have the opportunity to come and make a fused glass jewelry object for themselves. Come and create art to take home for free. Friday 8 am-9-pm. Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Thru Feb 28. 368-7340

SNAP—VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, 1802 E. SPRAGUE AVE.

Vibrant Communities: Artists Among Us  The Vibrant Communities Project will be hosting a Spokane International District—Artists Among Us exhibit, showcasing the artistic talents of artists and business owners in the Spokane International District. Non-alcoholic beverages and international treats will be available along with live music by Jerin Falkner, regional acoustic guitar player and vocalist. Come enjoy a variety of artwork from painting to photography and learn about exciting things happening in the Spokane International District. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru Feb 19. 850-6492

BOYD-WALKER SEWING MACHINE COMPANY, 1926 E. SPRAGUE AVE.

C. Carpenter B. Sanders, K. Day, W. Fischback: Quilts as Art  These are not your grandmother’s quilts!  This show reveals fabric and sewing as art, by featuring four fiber artist’s recent work. From traditional to no-rule work, the show includes wall hangings and large vibrant quilts. Friday 9 am-9 pm. Saturday 8 am-4 pm. Thru Feb 6. 535-1501

OFF THE MAP

CLEARSTORY GALLERY, 1202 N. GOVERNMENT WAY

Miranda Clott: Hope Reflected in Long-Standing Water   Winds up to 175 mph, a death count of 1,836 and 705 still unaccounted for—and it’s still a mess five years later. With temporary treasures and permanent scars—odd symbols of hope, Miranda Clott captures Katrina in the realism and surrealism of photography. Come enjoy and evening of good food and the blues. Music: Greg “Lightning Boy” Juran and Scott “Smokehouse” Brown. Friday 5-9 pm. Thru May 1st. 499-2678

TINMAN GALLERY, 811 W. GARLAND

Sheila Evans: Etudes for the Equinox  Sheila Evans has been working for over 20 years as an oil and pastel painter. She is drawn to organic subjects, usually working with dead or fading leaves and flowers because of the character they gain as they dry and twist and become more transparent. Friday 10 am-9 pm. Saturday 10 am-6 pm. Thru Feb 28. 352-1500

MONTAGE STUDIOS, 5324 E. DESMET AVE.

Montage Studio’s Tour and Group Exhibition  Featuring several emerging Spokane artists, please come and enjoy music, food, studio tours, and glass blowing demonstrations both Friday and Saturday. We are located near the Fair & Expo, just off Broadway between Fancher and Havana. All welcome! Friday 4-9 pm. Saturday noon-9 pm. Thru Feb 6. 328-6464

SLAPDASH ARTIST COLLECTIVE, 5318 E. DESMET AVE.

Burgleteens Toy Lab, Rizzo, Noppy & Friends: Slapdash Official Launch Party  The artists down at Slapdash are set up for the big opening in their spiffy new warehouse and they want you to check it out. Various works from their resident artists will be on display as well as works by others. Enjoy handmade designer plush and paintings by Burgleteens Toy Lab, Live electronic music from local talents. Who know what else they will slap together at the last minute!  Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday noon-9 pm. Thru Feb 28. 389-2789

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY BRYAN OLIVER GALLERY, W. 300 HAWTHORNE

Faculty Exhibit: What Are You Laughing At?  Every other year, Whitworth Art Department faculty members bring in some of their recent work to provide an opportunity for students to see that they practice what they preach. The theme of this year’s exhibit is What Are You Laughing At? Artists were asked to display work that responds to the idea of humor in visual art. Friday 8 am-9 pm. Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. Thru Feb 12. 777-3258

CITY OF SPOKANE FIRE STATION PUBLIC ART HIGHLIGHTS.

Fire Station #3, 1713 W. Indiana, “Velocity” by Tom Askman.

Fire Station #4, 1515 W. 1st Ave. “Anna and Alta Browne” by Paula Turnbull SNJM.

Fire Station #14, 1807 S. Ray, Stained glass window by Rebecca Laurence. 

Fire Station #17, 5121 W. Lowell Rd., “Blue Portico with Dalmatian Spot Walkway” by Joe Fyfe and Patty Dyke Haag.

Fire Station # 18, 120 E. Lincoln Rd., “Banner of Service” by Hazen Audel and Robert Sevilla.

Fire Maintenance Facility & Training Field House, 1608 N. Rebecca, “Fire Fighters’ Wall” by David Saling. Also “Hose” by Kurt Madison and Deke Cloyd.

All Fire Station artwork is permanent. Saturday only 10 am 4 pm. 625-6050

Prichard Art Gallery to Host Invitational Exhibition and Art Auction, Jan. 22-Feb. 6

MOSCOW, Idaho – If you've been looking to own an original art piece, now may be your chance.

The University of Idaho's Prichard Art Gallery will feature an invitational exhibition Jan. 22 through Feb. 9. It will culminate with a live auction of the pieces on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the gallery.

“This year we'll have paintings, drawings, photography and a really great selection of wood turned objects,” said Roger Rowley, Prichard Art Gallery director.

The biennial Invitational Exhibition and Auction will feature work donated by more than 50 of the best local regional artists whom have previously exhibited at the Prichard. The artwork will range in content and form, and include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, pottery, photography and jewelry.

Participants include: Marilyn Lysohir, Brenna Helm, Tamara Helm, Jim Christiansen, Elaine Green, Bill Bowler, Ross Coates and Marie Whitesel. Northwest artists include: Sandra Deutchman, Kasey Keeler, Lara Swimmer and Stephen Tse.

An exceptional selection of woodturnings by nationally recognized artists including, Jim Christiansen, Christian Burchard, Virginia Dotson, Cindy Drozda, Dewey Garrett, Michael Hosoluk and Steve Sinner.

“If you have any interest in what are the most amazing things people can do with wood, then this is not to be missed. You’d have to travel a long way to have the selection of artists that will have work available at the Prichard Auction,” said Rowley.

An online catalog will be available the week of Jan. 25 and feature information about the auction items: www.webs.uidaho.edu/prichard/auction.html; those unable to make it to the auction in person may submit e-mail bids in advance to the gallery.

A social will begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Prichard Art Gallery. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided by Nectar and live entertainment. The live auction will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the live auction are $10 per person and include a free glass of champagne or sparkling water. Tickets may be purchased at the Prichard Art Gallery and at Book People, 512 S. Main St., in Moscow.

Proceeds from the auction will help the Prichard Art Gallery organize “Kota Ezawa: Print Photography Film” – a one-person exhibit featuring works by the San Francisco artist.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Prichard Art Gallery.

The Prichard Art Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Gallery is closed Monday. The gallery, an outreach facility of the University of Idaho, is located at 414/416 S. Main St., on the corner of Fifth and Main streets in downtown Moscow. Admission is free. Additional information is available at www.uidaho.edu/galleries

NIC faculty members to exhibit work in Corner Gallery

North Idaho College art faculty will display their work in the NIC Art Faculty Exhibit
Jan. 25 through Feb. 19 in the North Idaho College Boswell Hall Corner Gallery.



The exhibit features a wide range of two- and three-dimensional work, including sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramics and mixed media.

NIC art instructors exhibiting work include Michael Horswill, Priscilla Cooper, Donna Bain, Robin Dare, Rachel Dolezal, Larry Clark, Phil Corlis and Allie Vogt.

Corner Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gallery will be closed Monday, Feb. 15 for President’s Day. Admission is free.

Arts Alliance in Sandpoint Starting 2010 with Lots of Art Classes

Sandpoint Arts Alliance has a huge list of arts classes for youth through adult, including printmaking, jewelry, and sculpting from the figure.

Classes range from under $50 to a little over $100 for more complex or materials-intensive classes like stained glass. Instructors include a wide range of artists, including sculptor Mark Kubiak (who owns the Redtail Gallery in which the Alliance holds classes), and watercolorist Karen Robinson.

Check out their complete listing here, or sign up to receive their convenient email list. For more information, call (208) 265-ARTS or email info@artsalliance.info.

Harold Balazs at The Art Spirit: Letting Go

It's easy to be distracted by Harold Balazs, the legend. We're surprised to learn that he's in his 80s and still producing large volumes of work, including the 80 new pieces for his most recent show at Coeur d'Alene's The Art Spirit Gallery. We're curious about his ability to diverge from his trademark metal works into such media as enamel, woodworking, and drawing. And we are so amazed by his fortitude that we forget to talk about the art.

And the artwork is fascinating, as viable now as it was 20 or 40 years ago. That's the thing with true artists, perhaps; they usually improve over time as they hone their craft, reflect on their process and contine to refine their content. (Pardon my sounding a bit elitist by actually distinguishing amongst artists but, come one, I can think of at least a few local "artists" who would benefit from learning from Balazs' model).

The thing that comes across most in this latest body of work is a sense of letting go, a different kind of energy than his usual works, maybe even a transition. Balazs' lexicon of images is still abstract in places, yet at other times it's feeling much more gestural and unfettered. Energy. Yes, that's what I love about Balazs' work: it never fails to acknowledge the relationship between viewer and artwork, to engage us energetically, and to express itself with exuberance.


Harold Balazs, My World of Differents, through February 27. The Art Spirit Gallery, Cda, Idaho.