First Friday Art Walk June 1st!

Don't look now, but June is sneaking up on us...in fact it will be here by Friday!  And that means that the gallery will be open late AND be serving goodies!  How can you go wrong?

Stop by and see the new window display and check out our featured artist for the month of June: John Ashley  (Photography) "His images remind you of the natural beauty and humor that is inherent in wild places and wild critters."   John's ability to capture the stunning scenes of our area is matched only by his ability to show  his fun sense of humor in many of his animal portraits.

And don't forget that many of our artists also offer greeting cards and other fun smaller momentos of the Flathead Valley.  What better way to remember your visit, to entice your friends to come with you next time, or to send someone you care about a little treasure to let them know you're thinking of them.

As always, Thanks for supporting Local Artists!

Featured Artist for May: Lois Sturgis

LOIS STURGIS, Watercolors

Lois Sturgis

Creative Endeavors

1221 5th Ave. West

Kalispell, MT 59901

I began drawing as a child, but many years ago Vern Wyman introduced me to watercolor. I fell in love with watercolor and consequently have never really wanted to paint in any other medium.

"Whitetail Fawn" by Lois Sturgis

Though never having received a formal art education, I have attended many varied workshops and classes, and have spent many years painting. Some of the classes and workshops I have attended are: Classes at the Flathead Community College with Karen Leigh; workshops at Big Timber with Nita Engles, Jack Hines, Jessica Zemsky and Bob Kuhn. Other notable workshops were with Jeanie Dobie and Frank Webb, Mark Ogle, Bob Cavanaugh and Barb Mellblom. These wonderful painters and many others not mentioned have inspired and guided me along the way.

"Phoebe and Iris" by Lois Sturgis

Books, videos, and art classes through the Northlight Book Club were a few other sources of growth, education and inspiration. Other artist friends give support and good advice.

Interested people ask why artists paint. I believe they paint because, once begun, it becomes a way of life, a need to be creative. It becomes an obsession in a way, something you need and don't want to give up. So be careful, if you decide you want to paint, you may not be able to quit.

It has taken a lot of paintings to develop a style of my own. Essentially, I want to paint an image that draws you in with light and dark, bright colors and little detail. I want you to know that you are looking at a real, natural scene or object, but generally I'm not concerned with a lot of detail. Occasionally though, if I decide to paint children or animals, I may become more detailed in my pictures.

I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy painting for you, and I will continue to strive for the image I have in my mind.