Best of Show, 2D Senior Art award 2-25-17

This last weekend was the Kansas Bowhunter's Association convention in Hutchinson, KS.  I took 10 pieces to enter in their art show.  The one I almost didn't take since it wasn't wildlife, won Best of Show, 2D Senior Art Division!  It was 'Spirit of Days Gone By', 24"x24", mixed media--acrylic, pastel, on stretched canvas.  

Spirit of Hidden Places, 2-9-17

Second painting of 2017, Spirit of Hidden Places, 24"x24" , acrylic on stretched canvas.  I love the calm and quiet of this piece.

Spirit of the Protector, 2-6-17--First Painting of 2017

I am so excited about my first painting of 2017.  I had taken January off after the opening of my show but the KBA Convention is coming up in 3 weeks and I want to enter some new pieces for the art show.  So I'm trying my hand at wildlife again.....not my strong suit, but I am thrilled with the way this first piece turned out.  i hope you enjoy it also.

Spirit of the Protector, 24"x24" on stretched canvas, mixed media--acrylic and pastel.

Deines Solo Show 1-13-17

My solo show at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell, KS opened on Friday, January 13th, 2017.  The biggest ice storm to hit the state in years was forecast to hit Russell at 6pm and last 3 days.  We were not to get the ice until Sat. night, so Charlie took me to Russell and Josh and his family also were able to make it along with 5 others from Downs.  None of my friends from eastern Ks. as well as Seth and his family were able to make it.  There was a nice turnout of people from Russell so there were enough people there to make a nice celebration, but I have to admit that it was a disappointment that my friends didn't get to come celebrate as we had planned.  I do so appreciate all of those who made the effort to get out in that awful cold with the threat of bad roads just to be there with me on opening night!  I will never forget it.

There were 173 pieces total, both mixed media 2D pieces and my ceramics hand built sculpture.  The pieces filled both large galleries and Shannon did an outstanding job of displaying the pieces to show them off at their best.  It was a thrill to see my pieces up on display as probably at least 85% of the pieces had never been on a wall.  

Reception area in main gallery

Joshua and Calleah looking at the ceramic faces and feather paintings.

The big surprise of the evening was Kelsey Kahrs and her boyfriend, Eli, showing up.  It was so good to see her again.  She had been my work-study and student at CCCC in 2013.  

Mary Kottman, from the Artists at Large group out of Great Bend of which I am also a member, and her husband were in attendance also!

The upstairs gallery.

Miss Lillee and I discussing one of the faces.

The opposite end of the main gallery from the reception table.