Artists in Paradise brings in large numbers

PARADISE – Over a four-day exhibit, approximately 300 people came to the Paradise School to help support local artists in the area.

There was a little bit for everyone, with paintings, fused glass, quilts and felt hats on display. Overall, 15 artists displayed their work, filling the walls and shelves with their masterpieces, some of them for sale, while others were loaned back by the artists so they could display some of their favorite pieces.

Organizer and member of the Sanders County Arts Council Karen Thorson said the numbers were far more than they had expected for the event.

“That’s high because this is our first year and nobody was really expecting us,” Thorson said.

Judy Woolley had her section decked out with quilts of all different kinds, many of them with 3D elements sewn onto them. Her quilts are a pastime she thoroughly enjoys and Woolley has put in between 1,200 and 1,500 hours into some of them.

“(My favorite part) is just playing with fabric,” Woolley explained. “It doesn’t matter what the outcome is. I really just enjoy the feel of fabric, the textiles, the colors.”

Woolley was impressed with the Artists in Paradise event, stating it surpassed the expectations she had.

“I think it’s very impressive,” Woolley said. “Everybody just stepped up to the plate and just did a great job. I’m in awe of the work people have brought. The skill level, the dedication, the artistic talent is just amazing.”

Woolley’s father also participated in the event, showcasing his handmade bowls and vases, all made out of wood.

Joe Ducharme picked up his craft at the age of 79, when he gave up his beloved sport of golf. From there, he needed to expand his hobbies and decided to begin making wooden bowls.

Ducharme started his craft in 2008 and has continued doing it ever since. The intricate patterns and the meticulous planning keeps him busy from one project to the next.

“It keeps you sharp when you get older,” Ducharme said.

Now 88 years old, he uses the craft as a way to provide people with presents. Ducharme was happy to be involved with the exhibit and hoped to see it grow in future years.

Among the many painters present at the exhibit were Rick Harter and Kyle Sivertsen. Both artists painted mostly landscapes, with Harter focusing some on wildlife, and Sivertsen occasionally throwing a building into her paintings for a challenge.

Both enjoy the escape it provides them, taking the painter to their own place where they can focus on their work.

“It takes me away from everything, just me and my little world,” Harter said.

Sivertsen echoed the same enjoyment for the escapism painting provided.

“It just shuts out the rest of the world. It’s nice to go into that zone,” Sivertsen said.

Another artist on display was Sandy Davis, who showed off her felt hats. Davis has been creating the hats since 1979 and enjoys the challenge of them. She spins her own wool, uses patterns to make large hats that are later shrunken in hot water to the proper size.

Davis spun wool while at the exhibit as she reflected on the event as a whole.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Davis said. “It’s a good deal and I think it’s a wonderful building.”

Davis hopes the building can be turned into the community center the group has envisioned. In order to help bring that vision to life, Thorson and her crew were handing out tours of the school to hopefully show people the potential the building has.

“That’s a really big piece of it because it’s about getting people into this building to say we should save this space,” Thorson explained.

Throughout the day, the artists provided tours, while those in attendance strolled the gymnasium looking at the different pieces of art.

Student art was also on display after the students competed in a challenge, bringing artwork to the canvas that was inspired while listening to baroque music. Live musical performances and food were also available, as well as raffle tickets for some of the works present at the exhibit.

The Artists in Paradise exhibit marked the first of three. The exhibit will run on an annual basis and hopes are to continue expanding the event for next year.