Mother and son display works for “Art on the Walls”

March 29 marked Clark Fork Valley Hospital’s unveiling of the “Art on the Walls” display for the spring season.

Fifteen artists with a total of 57 works of art lined the walls of the hospital.  Two of the 15 artists with works on display are from the same family.

Rachel (Raquel) and Andrew Gonzalez both live in Plains and both have a love for different types of art. Raquel is a painter and has participated in “Art on the Walls” since its inception five years ago. She was good friends with event founder Gayle Keeny and has displayed her art ever since the very first one was put on.

Raquel started painting over 50 years ago and has ten works of art on display this year. The types of art include acrylic, oil and watercolor. One acrylic piece titled “Montana Fall” is painted onto the blade of a saw. Raquel says painting on a saw takes a lot of preparation.

“You have to clean it up and sand it,” said Raquel. “Then you have to put Rust-Oleum on it so the rust doesn’t come through. Then you are ready to paint it.”

Her son Andrew works at Clark Fork Valley Hospital and has his own set of works on display. Unlike his mother, who is a painter, Andrew is a photographer. Andrew started taking pictures for his paper in high school of sporting events. From there, the love of photography only grew.

“I eventually got my own camera and just started taking pictures just for the fun of it,” said Andrew. This year Andrew has eight photos on display.

Raquel began her hobby of painting simply by gathering the supplies needed and began to create.

“I didn’t take any lessons,” said Raquel. “I just paint what I think it should be.”

In addition for the chance to sell their art, there is a “People’s Choice” Award that is chosen at each “Art on the Walls” event.

The winner of the last “Art on the Walls” event that was for students, Sophia Brown won for her work titled “A Winter’s Day.”

The works of art for the spring season will be on display at the CFVH through June 27.