Page 25 - the Noise August 2016

august 2016
by nikki charnstrom
STEP INTO AN ARTIST’S STUDIO
Artists of all trades and talents open their creative spaces to the public for one weekend out of the year for the 19th Annual Flag- staff Open Studios presented by the Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff. Painters, sculptures, photographers, jewelry, ceramic, glass, and fi- ber artists share first-hand their artistic processes and interact with guests.
These 64 artists collaborate in various ways to give the community an insightful glimpse into the life of an artist and demonstrate the support they find in each other through one common thread, art.
Fiber artist, Tammy Kelly says, “Open Studios is so inspiring be- cause the public can view the spaces artists work in, develop more of an understanding of the artistic process, and acquire an appreciation for the hours dedicated to mastering a craft. Flagstaff Open Studios is our gift to the community.”
Since the ‘90s quilting has been an interest of Ms. Kelly’s, from tra- ditional designs to small-scale art quilts termed “quiltspirations.” The artist began to create fiber designs to then mount onto cards to sell at Zani’s, the Flagstaff General Store, and the Arts Connection.
Traveling is one Ms. Kelly’s greatest inspirations along with fellow artists. Through studying textures in nature and visiting galleries in any given town, the artistic ideas begin to take form.
This year Ms. Kelly will be showing a number of functional pieces such as zippered bags, pouches and table runners at the watercolor studio of Catherine Sickafoose.
Flagstaff artist, Marie “Camille” Gearhart is new to Open Studios this year but is anxious to interact with art enthusiasts. From the first cactus crayon drawing to sketching classmates, followed by commis- sioned portraitures, the artist’s work is figurative and focused on the face. “It’s a mixed media using paper, sometimes dried leaves, oil on canvas,” Ms. Gearhart explains, “I’ve been using this technique for the last fifteen years.”
Painter and author of Waxing Life, Katalin Ehling considers herself a professional artist for over 50 years. “I can’t imagine not painting, not being creative daily in the many art forms I enjoy so much,” Ms. Ehling explains, “I still keep evolving, exploring, experimenting. Now I am not ‘bound’ by any gallery’s demands, I finally feel free to create what moves me.”
As an artist who has shown in galleries in Santa Fe, Scottsdale, Sedona, Palm Springs, and Houston, Ms. Ehling’s batik paintings on cotton and paper are regionally recognized.
Mixed media mosaic artist, Carrie Hartley has created art since childhood. Growing up with parents who encouraged artistic expres- sion, Hartley learned it is better to make an item instead of purchas- ing it. The artist has been selling artwork in shows and galleries for 15 years but will participate in Open Studios for the first time this year.
“I think the studio tours are one of the most enjoyable ways to view local art. You can make a day or a weekend of it going from studio to studio,” Ms. Hartley shares.
To meet other passionate artists of Northern Arizona, Open Stu- dios is August 27-28 from 10AM-5PM. For a preview of some of the work included throughout the tour, stop by the Arts Connection located inside the Flagstaff Mall. Brochures of the event can be found at the Flagstaff Visitor’s Center and several other locations in Sedona, Prescott and Phoenix; or it can be viewed and downloaded at flagstaff-arts.org.
marie gearhart
23 • {online at thenoise.us} AUGUST 2016 | the best of arizona | the Nöísẽ