The 12 Artists of Christmas!

Join the 12 local artists who make up the Paint Metal & Mud co-op for the 12 days Artists of Christmas! Each day from December 6th through the 19th, one artist will offer various tempting specials on local artwork and jewelry to help you check those names off your holiday "been nice this year" list. Demonstrations, drawings and 10-50% off sales! Come in each day and join in the fun.

Small Business Saturday

It's coming to town soon, just like Santa Claus! Small Business Saturday is November 29th, just four weeks from now - the day after big box store black Friday. Small Business Saturday is a reminder of how supporting your locally-owned merchants supports your own community. For example...

1. Research shows that for every $1.00 spent at a local business, about 45¢ is reinvested locally. For every $1.00 spent at a non-local business, only about 15¢ cents is reinvested locally.

2. Studies show that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

3. Buying locally saves transportation fuel, and you get products that you know are safe and well-made because our neighbors stand behind them.

John Ashley Photography Workshop

Every weekend all summer long, people ask if I lead any photography workshops. Most years I have to sigh and say, sorry, my schedule won't allow it. But this fall I'm breaking free to offer a one-day workshop at the Dunrovin Ranch, along the beautiful Bitterroot River just south of Missoula.

We'll meet on Saturday, September 27th, from 11AM to 5PM. I'll be focusing on simplifying the foundation that you need to take your photography into the creative realm - how to take control and make better pictures, no matter your skill level.

You can sign up and get more information by calling or emailing the friendly folks at Dunrovin Ranch, at 406-273-7745 or email dunrovin@gmail.com. Their web announcement is here.

Featured Artist for July: Monique Kleinhans

Monique is celebrating her birthday month by introducing a new series of applique patterns of iconic views in Glacier National Park.   Her newly released patterns are Lake McDonald Reflections, St. Mary's Lake and The Weeping Wall.   Also a part of the series is Upstairs Neighbor which came out in June of this year.

The Weeping Wall

St. Mary's Lake

Lake McDonald Reflections

Upstairs Neighbor

No worries if you are not a quilter, however, as Monique has lots of original art that is ready to hang on your wall. 

She blends traditional quilting techniques with her own unique style of textile art to create one-of-a-kind fabric pieces for your wall, table or bed.   And her quilted greeting cards are a fun way to send something a little extra special through the mail to your loved ones.

Stop in Friday, July 11th from 5-8 to enjoy a slice of cake and other treats with Monique and enjoy her work (as well as 11 other talented local artists!).

To see more of her work, please visit:

www.ladybugscabin.com

Or like Ladybug's Cabin Creations on Facebook!

Featured Artist - John Ashley

Chief Mountain watches over a grazing horse in John Ashley's "Watchtower" 

It's that time already - "First Friday" is upon us once again. Photographer John Ashley is PM&M's featured artist for June. He has been working hard and sleeping little this spring to produce new images to amaze you. Comet Lovejoy over Glacier Park, Northern Lights over the Prince of Wales, the total lunar eclipse from March, Chief Mountain and much, much more.

An artist's reception will be held at the gallery, located at 16 First Street West, during Kalispell's "First Friday" event on June 6th, from 5pm to 8pm. Everyone is invited to meet and mingle with John at the reception, where wine and treats will be served.

Featured Artist - Raette Meredith

"Glacier Park Flower Field" by Raette Meredith

Paint Metal and Mud's featured artist, Raette Meredith will be demonstrating during the event with oil paints and a palette knife during First Friday, in downtown Kalispell. Come watch a painting develop from a blank canvas to a finished piece of artwork while enjoying a glass of wine and special treats!

Friday May 2nd, 5-7pm.

Montana Moon

Lunar eclipse from April 15, 2014

Paint Metal & Mud photographer, John Ashley, pulled an all-nighter to capture the lunar eclipse that occurred earlier today. This composite photograph shows the eclipse progression from left to right. The series of light images are exposed for the moon in Earth's shadow, and the series of darker images are exposed for the sunny part of the moon. Where they meet in the middle, the totally eclipsed moon is a lovely shade of orange.

Spring is in the air...

Even though we're still fighting off a few snow storms here and there, we are all excited to be welcoming back the swans and song birds, not to mention the tulips pushing up in my garden!  That's right, Spring is on its way back to the valley. 

Soon we'll be seeing bright neon green bursting forth on all the trees and flowers finding their courage to come out into the cool Spring air.

Poppy Love

While that may take a little more convincing you can get a jump start on Spring by stopping by the gallery!  Our artists have been adding new work to their walls and shelves and we are never at a loss for beautiful color.

We are open Monday through Saturday from 10-6.

We look forward to seeing you!

Shades of Iris

Red Poppies