Billings Artwalk: 22 galleries host receptions
Published: August 1, 2011
Twenty-two galleries participate in the Artwalk, 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in downtown Billings. Participants host free public receptions for local and regional artists, and offer art demonstrations, live music, and refreshments for Artwalkers.
Among the offerings:
Don Tiller of Port Townsend, Wash., displays 10 new paintings at the Toucan Gallery; originally from South Dakota, Tiller captures the landscape of the northern plains, foothills and mountains with expert design and an adventurous use of color. He’ll also teach an acrylic workshop at the gallery Aug. 13-14 (call 406-252-0122 or visit http://www.toucangallery.com).
Navigate Art features photographs by Ronnie Ruiz, paintings by Lindsay Rae Peterson, and jewelry by Valerie Wanberg; Sunrise Studio and Art Gallery includes Montana landscapes by owner Lance Johnson and photography by guest artist Michael Garcia; Q’s Art and Frame shows new work by Elliott Eaton, Mike Capser, Tyler Murphy, Allen Knows His Gun and Erroll Standing, and hosts demonstrations by young, emerging local artists Jamey Mitchell and Grace Bailey.
Veteran photographer Michael Carl explores “What Remains?” in his new show in the Apple Gallery at Good Earth Market through Sept. 30; and Purple Sage Gallery offers new works by a dozen artists.
The new Billings Gallery of Fine Art, located in the Babcock Theater building, shows an array of works by nearly 20 well-known artists from the region, and showcases the gemstone creations of Cindy Lou Smith. In the Arcade, adjacent to the gallery, is the first showing of the juried All Women’s Fine Art Exhibition and Sale – an opportunity for women artists to show as a group and “to stand up and stand out in the arts.”
Dan Burns shows 13 new acrylics of motorcyles at CTA during the August Artwalk, with an emphasis on the ’70s-style choppers.
Susan Germer, who creates jewelry from precious metal clay, opens her studio in the Carlin Hotel during the Artwalk; and the McCormick Café hosts the artistic Mehlhaff family, including works by Jean, Walter and Linda.
The Fun Express Bus departs for a free two-hour tour of the Artwalk galleries from Good Earth Market at 5 and 7 p.m. and from Level 504 at 6:15 pm. There is ample parking at both gallery sites for strollers to park their cars and ride; biking is also encouraged and bike racks are available on the bus.
Pick up a map at any of the participating galleries or download a copy at www.artwalkbillings.com and plan your own tour. Artwalkers who answer questions on the map and leave it at a participating gallery, will be eligible for gallery gifts. The next Artwalk is Oct. 7; for more information, call 406-259-6563.
