November 2019 Spokane Jewelry Guild

November Guest Artists:

The Spokane Jewelry Guild

This group is made up of Spokane's premier artisan jewelers working in a wide variety of materials, styles and techniques.

Joan Ashworth

My name is Joan Ashworth.  I am a Spokane life time resident.   I’ve always had a fascination for glass and the beauty of nature, so why not combine them in a one of a kind piece of wearable art.  I never really know where the beads and stones will take me, but the end results always amaze me.  And if someone likes my creation, that is the icing on the cake.  Peace!

When I pick up a polished stone, I look for the beauty within the stone and add the beads that I believe bring out the hidden beauty.  Some stones are believed to possess special properties and with that in mind, I like to convey that to the new owner by adding a note about the focal stone.  Intrigue!

Each beaded creation is a one of a kind.  My creations are stitched together using thread, foundation, a focal and beads of various sizes and shapes.  The small beads are added one or two at a time to keep the creations neat and tight, then I finished off on the back as well.  Each piece, when finish, is a complete surprise to me.  Love!

I am a member of the Spokane Jeweler’s Guild, The Spokane Northwest Bead Society and the Spokane Rock Rollers.

I hope you like.

Janet Z Brougher

My current focus is on finding ways to combine semi-precious gem stones with copper and silver sheet and wire. My aesthetic is evolving as I become increasingly familiar with the working properties of the stone, metal, and my tools. My favorites are pieces that have classical shapes and allow the interplay of metal and stone to “star.” 

Helga Hirsch

Helga Hirsch

Designing and fabricating jewelry has been my hobby for 36 years. I have participated in many workshops where I worked with national and international master artist. I regularly attend the Tuscan Gem for trends in design and techniques.

Kris Howell

Sarah Peterson

Metal smithing has become the next step in my creative process.  My previous work with ceramics give me the love of fire, texture and creating art with my hands. As an interior designer I have always been inspired by nature’s color and design which has guided me in creating pleasing spaces.  Now as I work in jewelry I enjoy contrasting different metals, putting movement into my pieces, embellishing them with natural stone and now adding color through the process of enameling. 

I have shown my work at Pottery Place Plus, New Moon Art Gallery, Spokane Gallery and Framing and the Entree Gallery at Priest Lake

Sandra Phoenix

October 2019 Spokane Doll Club

The Spokane Doll Club

We are a local Spokane group of women who focus on creating and making dolls.  Founded in 1991 at the urging of artist and doll maker Elinor Peace Bailey, the group meets monthly in member’s homes, challenging each other to create, grow and expand our knowledge in the craft of making cloth dolls and animals.  Many in our group also quilt, and we look for ways to incorporate our dolls and art into that platform as well.  We occasionally hire professional doll makers and teachers to assist us in learning new techniques, and to help stretch our imaginations in fun and whimsical ways.  Membership in our group is open to any interested cloth doll maker, but we may have to limit membership due to meeting in homes.    

Bozzo, Elise

I have been creating dolls, bears and miscellaneous crafts for over 45 years and have taught many classes in these fields.  I participate in occasional seasonal boutiques and shows, and am currently at Avenue West Gallery in Spokane.  It was only after retiring from nursing that I had time to venture into the fields of fiber art and painting, and produced my first original art quilt that won juried recognition.  Since then I have primarily been making small art quilts, felted and silk fusion vessels, related fiber items and holiday collectibles.  For “playtime” I enjoy experimenting with various mixed media techniques that I incorporate into my projects.   

Burger, Sue

Doll designing and creating related fiber items has long been something I really enjoy doing.  I originally started out making dolls and selling them at local high school craft shows, and currently still participate at Shadle High School craft fairs.   In the past my work has been shown at several shops in the Spokane area, including 5 local Galleries.  You can also see my creations at the Custer Spring and Fall shows at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds.  Recently two of my artistic grandchildren, Taylor, age 11, and Alivia, age 5, are participating with me in my craft booths.  They share my love of art and even join me in stuffing dolls.  Continuing art into a 4th generation in my family!

Carlson, Gayle

I have enjoyed making dolls for about 25 years, and currently live in Liberty Lake, Washington.  My “doll journey” began after a dear friend invited me to attend a local cloth doll club meeting.  Playing with fabric and collecting treasures at flea markets and garage sales to embellish dolls has become a lifetime passion of mine.  I have been told that my unique sense of humor and love of detailing can be seen in my whimsical creations.

Hudson, Shirley

I am Shirley Hudson of Hudson’s Holidays Designs.  Over the past 20 years I have created over 400 sewing patterns for embroidery, quilts, holiday décor and dolls.  I love to create using materials that are easy to find, yet might be considered unusual.  Most of my time is spent designing patterns, contributing to magazines, helping my daughter grow her own business, playing with fabric design and writing my new embroidery book Lovely Little Hand Embroidery, which is expected to be available March, 2020.  My favorite dolls to make are prim, yet painted …. a vintage feel that is still fun and cheerful.

Nichols, Beth

I began sewing as a young girl in seventh grade.  My concentration then was having fun making clothing for myself and my younger sisters.  After marriage I continued sewing clothing for my own children as well as others, and started making stuffed animals and a few basic dolls.  When my children became “too old for home made clothing”,  I searched for new directions for my sewing.   I ended up taking a class with a local doll maker and member of our now Spokane Cloth Doll Club back in 1989.  She was teaching an elinor peace bailey doll … the Mermaid, and I was hooked!  I have been sewing dolls ever since, concentrating in the Art Doll area.  I have also given talks/presentations of and about my dolls to groups and gatherings over the years.  I love to mix colors, fabrics and patterns as well as experiment with ideas and shapes.  Whimsy is a favorite area to play in.  I continue to create, sew and be inspired by fellow doll makers both here in Spokane, across our country, and from around the world.  It is truly great to “play with dolls”.   

Vaughn, Joanne

I have been making cloth dolls and quilts since 1994, when I joined our cloth doll group on the South Hill.  I have a portrait doll of the first “Miss Spokane” in Japan, and “Chief Joseph” in Ireland, that I created for Spokane Sister Cities projects.  In approximately 2005 our doll club did a month long show at the Chase Gallery here in Spokane, that was well received by the public.  My favorite dolls to make are portrait dolls which I have made of many people.

Grey, Kathryn

Doll making is my passion!  I have been creating cloth dolls for 45 years.  When I first started out I was making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, embroidering their faces in fine detail.  As time went on, I began designing and painting original faces using acrylic paints on cloth.  For several years I have taught doll making under the penned name “Dolls Extraordinaire”.  Probably the most extraordinary thing about my dolls is my faces, choice of fabrics, and attention to detail and embellishments.

September 2019 - Lynn Gardner & Brenda Everett

September Guest Artists:

Lynn Gardner & Brenda Everett

LYNN GARDNER IDAHO GIRL ART 

Bio:

Lynn Gardner is a self taught enamelist living the dream 40 miles south of the Canadian border. Lynn combined her love of painting, fused glass and silversmithing into creating whimsical organic torch fired enamel jewelry. 

She lives with her artist husband, five horses, six chicken, an ornery barn cat and her faithful sidekick Daisy, an old black lab. Lynn puts on many workshops in her studio and garden in pottery, jewelry and mixed media painting 

You can find her work at numerous galleries in Montana, Idaho and Washington. Magic, serious magic, happens every time I find my way to the studio. My never ending love affair is where color meets metal, where I create torch fired enamel jewelry for the eclectic soul. Add color and imagination along with a big dash of whimsy and you’ll describe my work in a nutshell. 

Artists Statement:

My studio is nestled in the Idaho Panhandle, among three mountain ranges, meandering rivers and the beautiful Lake Pend O'Reille. Inspiration is everywhere…..in the trees on the trails I ride my horse on, in the water of the rivers I kayak on, in the songs of the birds I listen to in the early morning hours. 

My work starts with that inspiration of form and color. Using sheet copper I cut out my shapes using either a metal shear, a hydraulic press, or a jeweler saw. The pieces are filed, shaped and then the magic starts with the enamel powder. Layers of color are fired on it’s put to the flame where the powder melts and fuses with the metal. My time in the studio is like going to a party and I almost always close the door at the end of the day with a happy heart and a smile on my face. 

https://Idahogirlart.etsy.com 

Instagram.com/lynn_c_gardner 

BRENDA EVERETT

Brenda Everett is a PNW native with an endless love of costal beaches, art, guitar playing, family and friends. Brenda lives in Spokane with her husband, two kids and two Welsh Corgis. She had a BA in drawing, painting, and printmaking from Portland State University, and a former life as a Social Worker.

“Carving into wood and linoleum is my passion. My work is inspired by the natural world, music and figures. Slowing the world down while gazing at a slice of everyday life is a key piece of my subject matter. Weaving narrative, and colors are important, though some prints are destined to be black and white.”

August 2019 Terri Grove Griffin

Terri Grove Griffin earned a degree in fine art from the University of South Alabama in painting and printmaking. As a military spouse, she lived small towns and big cities across the United States and now resides in Spokane. Moving frequently inspires themes of transition in her work. But, the goodness of people and the beauty of nature in all of the places she calls home inspires themes of love, humor and joy. Terri’s work is eclectic and she chooses the medium and style best suited to capture her vision.

You can find Terri on Instagram @terrigriffinart

or visit her website: terrigriffinart.com

July 2019 - Liz Montgomery & Twyla-Lea Jensen

LIZ MONTGOMERY

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, spent most of my adult life in Barrington, IL and finally settled down in Southeast, Florida. I have been retired for many years now and live on a small island in the Florida Keys.

My work has been published in several newspapers. My photograph was on a book cover. I have had many solo exhibits at the Marathon, Fl Community Theater. An image of mine has been on the 2015 – 2016 brochure for the theater. The Shady Palm Art Gallery in Marathon, Fl is where I currently have my work.

My Mission: To reveal God’s beauty through my lens for all to enjoy.

I currently work in the photo canvas medium. Landscapes, flowers and landmarks dominate my canvases presently. I also have a sub-specialty in photo note cards.

Email – sealife3@bellsouth.net

Twyla-Lea Jensen

Twyla-Lea Jensen is an alcohol ink and resin artist. I have been working in these mediums for approximately 3 years and am continually expanding and branching out. Art has been a part of my life since the time I was a childa nd I have always created something and had some kind of project going on. I am also an avid cyclist and runner and occasionally compete in triathlons.

Recently I launched a new arm to my art called Spirit Soul Teasures. It will specialize in creating “Treasures” using cremains of loved ones in colorful and beautiful resin pieces.

I also love to teach and have held numerous classes teaching the basics of alcohol ink painting.

Feel free to reach out to me at tjstreasures4you@gmail.com.

June 2019 - Joe Simonsen

Joe Simonsen

I started woodworking as a young boy helping my father with some of the projects he was doing. I went on to working in a cabinet shop building cabinets and counter tops. Although I have worked in several different fields and held different positions throughout my work history, woodworking has always been my passion. Since my retirement over a year ago I started having a lot more fun doing what I love to do. Give me a block of wood and I’ll make something out of it.

May 2019 - Katie Frey

Katie Frey

Katie Frey has painted and studied art all over the world, including Australia and South America. She graduated from Walla Walla College in 2007 and has been teaching and creating art in Spokane ever since. Her areas of focus are acrylic painting and mixed media texture art. These paintings range from realistic to abstract, and most paintings include some form of collage, found objects, or texture medium to emphasize depth and create layers of interest. For her, inspiration and texture are synonymous. Inspiration might be on the inside of a coffee sleeve, in the layers of peeling graffiti beneath a Spokane bridge, or found in the erosion lines of a rock.

It’s all about Texture

Katie Frey creates mixed media paintings that stretch from realistic to abstract.

Her abstract work is usually done in acrylic and often with mixed media materials such as found paper, metal foils, and texture mediums. These paintings often take on a geologic or strata inspired appearance.

Katie also loves painting trees and landscapes. Many of her landscapes are done with a palette knife to create bold strokes in an impressionistic style, while others include textures such as sand, sea glass, broken shells, and found objects.

Her third love is whimsical paintings of animals. Whether they live in the forest or in your living room, her cats, bears, and bunnies have a charming storybook quality.

Katie Frey also teaches classes and workshops all over Spokane. You can find her classes through Act2 and the Corbin Art Center, as well as on her blog: artwithkatie.blogspot.com.

April 2019 - Sharon Ronning & T Kurtz

T Kurtz

T Kurtz has had a long history in the Art World. For many years she managed the art business for her mother's professional fine art career as she attended shows and exhibitions across the country. T considers this to have been the College of Art Exposure, and coupled with her Art degree from Washington State University as well as her years in gallery sales she knows what makes fine art and how to do it. While she understands and has worked in various media, pastels are her main love for the richness of the pigments and the delicacy of line.

Sharon Ronning

As a collage Artist, my journey is to explore the fusing together of textiles, found and painted, into Art. The goal with each work is to find a narrative of minimalist abstract design creating whimsy with a fabric palette.

After a career as an Electrical Sign Designer in Seattle and with training in illustration and design from Cornish College of Art (Seattle, WA), my lifelong interests in color and form have melded with textiles and Art.

I have participated in many juried shows in Seattle and Spokane. Among those have been Yuletide 2008 and 2010.

My work is represented at Artisan’s Wares in Spokane, WA.

March 2019 - Gayle Havercroft

Gayle Havercroft

I am a lifelong resident of Spokane. As I think back over my life, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in art. The first endeavor into art in my childhood memory is of doing a drawing of a stagecoach when I was probably around four years old. In my mind’s eye it was a masterpiece. Seeing it years later showed that it not very good.

As a child, I looked up to an uncle who was a good artist and oil painter, and I wanted to emulate him and be an artist. Art and music were always my favorite subjects in school. Going into high school I had to make the choice between the two and I chose to follow music (although I did take 2 years of architectural drafting to help fill my art fix).

I had the opportunity to go back into art in my early 30’s by going to SFCC in their fine arts program. Working, building a house, raising a growing family, raising livestock and just life in general, kept me from having time to get real serious with doing my art. So it has just been the last couple of years that I have chosen to be serious about it again.

Why I do realistic style of art:

The last name for my family is old English that means “small oat farm”. Though I’m the first generation not to truly grow up on the farm, there was enough of the rural roots left in my family that a rural lifestyle was something that I longed for. I’m not an overly sophisticated person, so I look at life through the eyes of what is solid, real and before me, so my art is a reflection of what I can see, touch and experience. Much of my art has rural, scenic and outdoor images. Weathered buildings particularly fascinate me with showing mankind’s struggles with time, the elements and age. The endless cycle of building up and falling down. Buildings also point back to my interest in architecture, and working in the facility maintenance field for the last 30 years.

February 2019 - Betsy Pozzanghera & Mike DeCesare

B. Pozzitive

My name is Betsy Pozzanghera, (and I am Pozzitive). I have been involved in creative endeavors such as ceramics, sewing, cooking, copper enameling, candle-making, since childhood.

Three (3) Christmases ago my mother-in-law gave me the gift of an online Craftsy.com course of my choice. I chose “Making Leather Bags” ---- the rest, as they say, is history.

After making my first leather bag I wondered if I could make a bag from my old pair of leather boots…yes. Then a jacket I bought at the thrift store, then … then … then…

My process involves the deconstruction of used leather jackets, skirts, boots, etc. Together with used leather belts, horse reins, gifted hair-on hide, and new leather I create one-of-a-kind bags and purses - giving them new and different useful lives.

Most of the leather pieces have natural wear, raw edges, holes, and markings. This contributes to their story.

Each piece I create is unique.

Custom orders from an idea, a beloved jacket, or “Dad’s old boots” are very welcomed.

My hope is that the bag you choose will lift your life.

Betsy

Mike DeCesare

Artist Statement

Photography is my first language, expressed in images that draw the viewer inside a scene to see, feel, interact with, and add their personal interpretation of a place or a time when light, color and form, combined to create a unique and memorable human experience.

Mike DeCesare Bio

Mike uses an academic foundation of technical expertise from his formal training at the New York Institute of Photography, along with a deep and abiding love and respect for the outdoors, to create images that interpret and respect, nature's grand and beautiful elegance, or serve as a time portal to a place where people once lived and loved, and left their mark behind.

Every image is photographed and then hand crafted solely by Mike DeCesare to render a final work that interprets the natural world and the bond between nature and people.

Mike has been invited to exhibit at prestigious art shows, including: Spokane's Artfest, Coeur 'd Alene's Art on the Green, Salt Lake City's Urban Arts Festival, and the Beverly Hills art show.

Mike's work has been featured in Hidden Treasure Art magazine - the editor called his work "Absolutely breathtaking." Mike has been a featured artist on the influential Artsy Shark website, included in Volume XII of International Contemporary Artists, and his portraits were featured internationally by Agefotostock, one of the top international photo agencies.

Photography by Mike DeCesare has received awards from the Las Vegas Red Room Art Gallery, Light, Space & Time Nature Art Competition and the international Centre of the Picture Industry.

Mike's images appear on handcrafted Maple bookmarks and other environmentally sourced wood products made by Mitercraft and his friends Julie and Ron Flint.

Mike lives in Spokane, Washington, but travels and photographs around the country and internationally.

January 2019 - Juaquetta Holcomb

Juaquetta Holcomb 

Juaquetta Holcomb has been teaching knitting and fiber related arts her entire life with a Home Economics degree from Iowa State providing a good foundation.  She learned to hand spin yarn in the early 1990’s. A typical day finds her at home in Spokane valley, washing locally grown wool, and then immersing it into roasters of colorful dyes, then hand spinning it on her Louet spinning wheel.  Her minimal processing helps preserve the original beauty of the fiber and keeps the colors distinct.   Her yarns can be found at Spokane, Coeurd’alene art festivals, Kootenai county farmers market and on her website www.GardenPartyFibers.com and ETSY shop.

“The fiber I use is from locally grown sheep, alpaca and angora goats. I wash, dye, and spin these fibers into one of kind rustic yarns. Seeing the true colors of the fleece come out as I wash the wool, playing with colors in the dyeing process, feeling the texture as I spin these fibers into primitive yarns; every step of the yarn creation is an adventure.  Inspiration comes to me from life.  Every color has a story.  My workshop looks out over the north Idaho mountains and as I spin I watch the sky show over the mountains. From sunrise to sunset, cloudy and clear skies the view is always amazing.    Especially exciting, is to see what you have created with my yarns.  ENJOY!”

October 2018 - Toni Spencer

Toni Spencer

Batik is a distintive form of art unlike any other. The process begins with a design sketched on fabric - Toni uses silk. She must visualize the finished pieces from a negative image, because light and dark areas are reversed. Melted wax is applied to the fabric, then the fabric is dipped in dye, allowing the waxed areas to "resist" the dyes. The fabric is then allowed to dry before repeating the process again for each color in the design.

The crackle that appears in most batiks is caused when the wax cracks and allows the dye to penetrate to the fabric. After the final color is applied the wax is removed by ironing and dry cleaning.

Bio

“Art has always been a big part of my life and I have tried my hand at many art forms including watercolor, applique, silk screening and oil painting. In 1981 while living in Kodiak, Alaska I took a Batik class at the Community College and became a bit obsessed with the mysteries of Batik. I moved to the Northwest from Kodiak in 1988 and settled in Northern Idaho in 2001. My inspiration comes from everyday subjects that capture my eye and heart including musical instruments, children, trees, and local scenery.”

December 2018 - Joe Simonsen

Joe Simonsen I started woodworking as a young boy helping my father with some of the projects that he was doing. I went on to working in a cabinet shop building cabinets and counter tops. Although I have worked in several different fields and held different positions throughout my work history, woodworking has always been my passion. Since my retirement a little over a year ago I started having a lot more fun doing what I love to do. Give me a block of wood and I’ll make something out of it.

November 2018 - Kay West

Kay West

Maker

I’m old. The bad thing about this is that I’m slowing down—maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The GOOD thing is that over my lifetime I’ve played with a lot of different art mediums, different styles, different color palettes, in many different places; enjoyed pushing the art envelope in college, taken a lot of different workshops since then, dinked around on my own, making a lot of mistakes and stumbling across incredible art serendipity. My leanings are eclectic, and I like it that way.

Photography: I don't have sophisticated, cutting edge digital equipment. And I don't pretend to have and use other than rudimentary understanding of aperture and f-stops. I seldom use flash. All of the photographs in this display have been taken with a smart phone camera. Any editing was done with the iPhone tools.

There's something about isolating a scene, person or object that will change in some way the instant after I snap the photograph that makes my spine tingle—in a good way. Rust and deterioration are chronicling passing time. I like that I’m recording this natural process.

Jewelry: Well, remember what I said about being eclectic? Along with recording the passage of time, I also enjoy texture and texturing metal and making wearable art from metal I’ve hand-textured. I also incorporate the colors and textures of natural stones; they too have been formed over time.

Thank goodness my curiosity is as strong and insatiable today as it was decades ago!

September 2018 - Sam Bates

Sam Bates

I enjoy the challenge of creating completely original designs within the rigorous discipline of stone and glass carving. The natural beauty of NE Washington has been a life-long inspiration, since I was lucky enough to grow up here.
Capturing a fleeting moment of natural beauty in this enduring medium can change our perception of time.
Exploring the parallels between natural form and abstract design is a vital part part of my artwork.

I grew up in my parents family art business, spending time in my Dad�s studio (and at our friends studios) saturated me in the �creative process� starting with my earliest memories, which led to my own almost incidental first professional art commissions when I was 18. I have been making art, from small palm-sized carvings to multi-ton monuments ever since, 17 years now!
Since last year I have been enjoying reconnecting with the Spokane area through small intimate shows.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS:

I use hand-held diamond and garnet edged abrasive lapidary tools to create intaglio and bas-relief carvings in crystal-grade glass and unusually fine-grained stone which I prospect and hand-select all over North America.

August 2018 - Jerry White

Jerry White

"I began doing wood burning after retiring from a teaching career in 2006.   I have done some wood carving in earlier years, but find satisfaction in pyrography because of the distinct tracery in many of my designs.  

Some designs and all embellishments and shading are inspired by me, but many of the basic designs from copyright free sources.  Most of the colors are acrylic paints, but a few are from colored pencils or enamel paint. Except for a few commercial frames, I have constructed them out of cedar, black walnut or pine.

My dream, should my hand hold steady and my sight not fail, is to do some work that represents the Spokane area and to expand more in the direction of oriental design.  I would also like to help others learn the techniques in pyrography."

July 2018 - Amy Charbonneau

Amy Charbonneau

This show is a sample of my love for flowers and terrible knack for actually growing them! The vibrant colors of nature inspire me in many ways and stir emotions and memories of days gone by along with hope for the future. Here you will see a few of my acrylic paintings featuring florals as well as a selection of my metal flowers created from reclaimed metal and found objects.

“Treasure Hunting” will never grow old and I enjoy the creative liberty and satisfaction of using something others would throw away to create something that will bring a smile for years to come.

May your interiors and exteriors put a smile on your face and delight in your heart.

Bio

Wonder, nature, color, shapes and textures have captivated my mind for as long as I can remember. Making something that brings a smile to a person’s face or warms their heart is why I do what I do. Through life we grow and change, but along the way we have opportunities to impact people and make their day better.

As an artist, I love painting and creating flowers for the beauty they add to life. Self-taught, my experience with art has been inspired by seeing what others do, by observing nature, and by blasting music and singing my heart out. My preferred medium, for painting, has been acrylic paints and textures. Watercolors have been something I dabble with, however, my hand returns, time and time again to the fun and simplicity of acrylics. Texture pastes offer a fun way to add interest. Those subtle layers that draw you in, yet are hard to express…kind of like people! The hidden beauty in others captivates me and I attempt to incorporate that into my paintings.

I look forward to sharing a bit of me with you, and hope to have the opportunity to bring warmth to your heart.

June 2018 - Anne Blakemore & Liz Montgomery

Anne Blakemore

Handcrafted jewelry, designed to diffuse essential oils. Unique, in that the whole piece is a personal diffuser. Everything from the leather used to string the components to the components themselves. Hand drilled matte gems stones, sea urchin spines, rudraksha seeds, sea shells, artisan clays/leather backed pendants, and so much more. All holding and diffusing oil at varying rates. I do a great amount of research on porosity to find the most unique and beautiful element to adorn each piece. I truly consider each piece of jewelry investment in one's emotional and physical wellbeing.

About a year ago, in an effort to address many health issues, we switch to chemical free and organic products. Eureka! I discovered essential oils. They change our whole world. In search of a way to express, share and benefit from my oils, exponentially. I bought several different necklaces. I was so disappointed. The barley held oil for even a couple of hours. I couldn't adjust the length for the aroma. They were all so generic. Silver chain with a pendant including some cheap felt or even worse, wax covered lava stone. So….I decided to make my own, uniquely expressing me!

LIZ MONTGOMERY

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

spent most of my adult life in Barrington,

IL and finally settled down in Southeast,

Florida. I have been retired for many

years now and live on a small island in

the Florida Keys. I was surrounded by so

much natural beauty that I turned to

photography in order to capture some of

it. A substantial part of my family is located

in the Spokane area and as such I vacation

here for four months of the year. I became

attracted to some of the unique photo-

graphic opportunities found only in the

Inland Northwest.

My work has been published in several

newspapers. My photograph was on book

cover. I have held several solo exhibits at the

Marathon, FL Theater. An image of mine

has been on the 2015-2016 brochure for the

Theater. The Shady Palm Art Gallery in

Marathon, Fl is where I have my work.

My Mission: To reveal God's beauty through

my lens for all to enjoy.

I am currently working

in the photo canvas medium. Landscapes

flowers and landmarks dominate my canvases

presently. I also have a sub-specialty in photo

note cards.

email - sealie3@bellsouth.net

website - lizmontgomeryphotos.com

May 2018 - Connie Sustman and Shirley Johnson

Shirley Johnson

For over 35 years Shirley has created high fired hand thrown porcelain pottery with glazes made from ash that fell on Spokane when Mount Saint Helens blew on May 18th, 1980. "The ash that fell in Spokane", she says, "was perfect ~ in CDA it was too fine and in the Tri-Cities it was too coarse". Shirley's pottery has proven to be a popular gift item for visitors wanting Spokane souvenirs and for residents wanting to send a piece of home to friends and family.

Connie Sustman

I taught myself to draw as a teenager. I abandoned art to raise my family returning to it in my early 50's. Now I'm an old lady who loves art and loves exploring different mediums.

April 2018 - Katie Frey

Katie Frey has painted and studied art all over the world, including Australia and South America. She graduated from Walla Walla College in 2007 and has been teaching and creating art in Spokane ever since. Her areas of focus are acrylic painting and mixed media texture art. These paintings range from realistic to abstract, and most paintings include some form of collage, found objects, or texture medium to emphasize depth and create layers of interest. For her, inspiration and texture are synonymous. Inspiration might be on the inside of a coffee sleeve, in the layers of peeling graffiti beneath a Spokane bridge, or found in the erosion lines of a rock.

It’s all about Texture

Katie Frey creates mixed media paintings that stretch from realistic to abstract.

Her abstract work is usually done in acrylic and often with mixed media materials such as found paper, metal foils, and texture mediums. These paintings often take on a geologic or strata inspired appearance.

Katie also loves painting trees and landscapes. Many of her landscapes are done with a palette knife to create bold strokes in an impressionistic style, while others include textures such as sand, sea glass, broken shells, and found objects.

Her third love is whimsical paintings of animals. Whether they live in the forest or in your living room, her cats, bears, and bunnies have a charming storybook quality.

Katie Frey also teaches classes and workshops all over Spokane. You can find her classes through Act2 and the Corbin Art Center, as well as on her blog: artwithkatie.blogspot.com.