Hot Springs Artists Society hosts party and auction

HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Artist Society came together last weekend for a night full of cheese, chocolate and art.

The artist society’s big party took place at the Symes Hotel on Saturday, Nov. 15, starting at 6 p.m. and running throughout the evening.

The cold temperatures outside did not deter visitors as guests packed into the hotel to view the displayed works of art and to take part in the event’s silent auction.

Wine, cheese and chocolate samples were also available for visitors to enjoy as they circulated through the interior of the hotel on Saturday night.

The silent auction began at 6 p.m., with bidding for the works of art staggered for a few hours until the auction came to a close around 9 p.m.

In addition to the art up for grabs during the auction, gift certificates, jewelry and collectables were also some of the night’s featured items.

The artwork of several artists including Marla Brown Robbins, Vonnie Nuthak, Olivia Lynn Olsen, Juanita Small Salmon, Joan Neverez, Jo Rainbolt, and Quincy Tahoma were on display throughout the building’s interior.

The 2014 featured guest at this year’s art show was Ed Wolff.

Wolff, a resident of Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley of Ravalli County specializes in outdoor paintings, including those, which emphasize landscapes and depictions of wildlife.

Wolff is a self-taught artist who began his artistic career when he was in his early 50s.

According to Wolff, his love of nature and the beautiful views of this portion of the country inspired him to begin his artistic career.

“I am so infatuated with Montana’s landscape and wildlife, I just wanted to share it with people,” Wolff said.

He is also an enthusiastic backpacker, who combines his passion for the outdoors and arts through his artwork.

Wolff said he often carries a still camera and video camera on his hikes so he can photograph beautiful views or animals he comes across during his outdoor adventures.

The artist stated that early morning hours and the late afternoon provide excellent opportunities to capture the beauty of nature.

“I take photographs of whatever strikes me. The early morning and late afternoon provide soft warm light, which is great to work with,” Wolff said.

One composition technique employed by Wolff involves using slide photography to capture a natural scene, composing as close to the scene as he can through the lens, and then returning to his studio to construct the captured scene on canvas.

Wolff’s medium is oil and on the night of the Hot Springs Artists Society event many of his works of art were on display.

Several wild scenes from throughout Montana and neighboring states and Canadian province were on display including depictions of elk, snow covered mountains and some of the beautiful vistas of the Bitterroot.

In addition to his artwork, Wolff has quite a bit of experience as an author.

He has penned books on Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer and on his 40-year veterinary career, which proceeded his entry into the field of art.

The Hot Springs Artist Society is a 501-C3 non-profit organization that brings musical events, sponsors art and education workshops in Hot Springs.