Blogs / SWAG / Winter 2012 / Artists Down Under

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Cool Finds, Deals and Steals

Artists Down Under

 

Artists Down Under

 

It’s amazing how something can literally be right under your nose and somehow still be missed. Artists Down Under is a simply designed gallery that is dedicated to promoting local artists throughout our community. Somewhat hidden in the lower level of Giacobbi Square, it is definitely worth a an outing just to visit the showroom but if you are in the building already, browsing through the gallery on your way to or from the grocery is a must.

 

 

A Family of Glass Blowers

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Narda Pitkethly’s Feng Shui Balls are brightly based on the colors of Feng Shui.  Pictured is one of each color combination in a helix formation. Lovely fluted bowls made by her brother, Rich Pitkethly (below left) .  Mother, Susan Glass, was extremely whimsical as seen below with her yellow floral bowl. 

 

 

Mark Stone   

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Stone is a local photographer in the Wood River Valley specializing in landscape, wildlife and event photography.  Artists Down Under displays Stone's work as framed and unframed pieces.

Left: the iconic "Baldy from Proctor". Middle: a spring day on Silvercreek. Right: "Sage Deer" shot at Silvercreek.

 

Contemporary Tribal Dot Art Makes an Impression

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Marie Stewart, who also coordinates Artists Down Under, is on location several times a week.  Her work is Contemporary Tribalistic Dot Art Paintings in vibrant colors with an endless subject matter and sizes ranging from 2"x2" to 3'x6'.  

Marie loves to paint dot art on canvas floor mats, helmets, clothing, skulls, cards, pillows, tunnels, murals, furniture.  

In her mind, virtually everything is a place for her dot visions and she often has ready made products like helmets and custom painted skis, snowboards, bikes, and para-gliding helmets to painted skulls and conversational art wear clothing.

 

Idaho Mud - Life is Too Short for Boring White Tile

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www.idahomud.com

Years of knowledge in working with clay and glazes gives EJ the opportunity to offer unique artwork that expresses her love of nature and the outdoors.  Her artwork has been installed throughout the country and she has worked for over half her life in the ceramics field. From individual pieces and accent tiles on kitchen back splashes or murals in swimming pools to sinks in bathrooms and bar counters, her hand painted artwork is a distinctive addition to any home.

 

Renowned Computer Artist Brentano Haleen

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Brentano Haleen's work can often leave one wondering what in the world was going through his mind.  Like many artists at the forefront of their medium, Haleen pushes the envelope of computer generated design.  His inspiration began with computer graphics of Melvin L. Pruett. Haleen was something of a childhood artistic savant and he attended the Chicago Art Institute as an early teen.

Haleen's computer-generated and Prismacolor pencil drawings have been displayed Tokyo, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Honolulu. In 1989/1990, Haleen's  computer-generated lithographs (five different images) were the first of their kind to be accepted into the permanent collection of the LA County Museum of Art (1989).

 

Kenn Uhrig 

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Kenn Uhrig’s Cowboy, Indian and Mexican heritage is expressed in his craft works as he repurposes found, discarded and beloved items creating leather bracelets, necklaces and barbwire decor.  He titles his work K Rockin' U Designs.

Take for example, the Idaho Barb Wire Bracelet. It is a taste of Idaho repurposed in these unique wrapped wires, silver beads, barbs and leather for men and women's wrist adornment. 

Or the Fish Lure Bracelets. Wrist adornment for him or her made with leather, beads and wire wrapping. 

And lastly, Barb Wire Designs. Repurposed Idaho barb wire takes form: Indoor or outdoor decor.  Special requests invited.

 

Gordgeous All Year

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Rachel Broderson, local organic flower grower sells her colorful, dried ornamental flowers and hand painted gourds for year round and seasonal decoration.  Requests from restaurants, retailers and special occasions welcome.