Art on the Walls returns

PLAINS – Local artists mingled in Plains last week as Art on the walls returned to Clark Fork Valley Hospital for its quarterly show.

Opening ceremonies and the initial showing was held on Thursday, Sept. 25.

The community reception opening the show was held from 5-6:30 p.m.

The show will continue to run through Dec.19 of this year and it is the fourth and final show put on at the hospital for 2014.

The first night of the art show was well attended and several different groups of people made their way down the main hallway, where the works of art stay during the show.

Still other attendees filled the lobby and listened to the live music which accompanied the event.  

The Sanders County Arts Council presents all four of the Art on the Wall shows to the community.

The works displayed during the shows are the products of artists and people who live and work in Sanders County.

During the fall show of the quarterly event Heidi Mack and Friends were on hand to provide live music.

As visitors looked offer the artwork, photography and handmade crafts the piano driven music provided a pleasant background to the viewing experience.

The works of several local artists were on display during the show.

These pieces of art ranged from artistically driven landscape paintings and photos, many of which centered on themes of Sanders County including some beautiful depictions of the Clark Fork River and its geological surroundings.

Other works depicted wildlife and their were also handmade woodcarvings on display during the fall showing’s opening night.

Tom Collins of Plains, a wood-wright had some of his hand carved pieces open for public viewing.

Many of Collins works depicted wildlife settings and one impressive piece focused on a moose and a bear in an aquatic environment.

Gene Johnson a photographer from Plains was also on hand for the show’s opening night.  

Johnson has two pieces of work on display at this year’s fall run.

The two photographs are titled 21st Century and Out the Window.

Out the Window is a particularly interesting photo, which was shot through a hexagon shaped window.

Johnson explained he had taken the photo during a sunny day in the winter, and the light from the sun caused the area around the window to appear dark, while the light out the window remained clear creating quite a visual effect.

“The darkness and the shape of the window create a unique photo,” Johnson said.

In addition, to Collins and Johnson several other local artists had works at last week’s show.

These artists include Willie Brickzin, Valerie Curtiss, Blanche Fried, Andrew Gonzalez, Rachel Gonzalez, Arlene Littlefield, Suen Honts Mann, and Douglas Wilks.

Art on the walls is currently in its seventh year at Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

The show debuted in the fall during 2007.

A picture or work of art form the show may be reserved or purchased by contacting either Barry Fowler at the Development Office or Russell Logan at the Administrative Office.