Plein Air on Orcas features local artists

Crow Valley Pottery has invited some 15 artists to participate in the upcoming ‘Plein Air on Orcas’ show.

Long-time local favorites like David Ridgway, Frank Loudin, Steve Hill, Glenn Raschick, Cleo Forbes, Carl Buttke and Jackie Kempfer will be featured. And artists new to Orcas Island, such as Alfred Currier and Ann Schreivogl will be introduced.

David Ridgway, perennial favorite at Crow Valley, recently returned from a painting tour, traveling abroad. Ridgway’s workwill include new styles for him, such as smaller pieces painted along the coast of Ireland, as well as numerous new paintings in his traditional style – many just completed earlier this summer on the island. Ridgway is frequently seen along the roads and waters of Orcas.

Steve Hill, of Lopez Island, has also just retuned from European travels and he too will be presenting fabulous new work painted just for the Plein Air Show. His paintings reflect both his travels and local Lopez and Orcas scenes.

Hill works in pastel, which allows his palette to show a depth and richness not found in many other mediums. In fact, his skill, use of color, and ability to “capture the moment” have earned him prestigious awards from the Northwest Pastel Society for numerous national and international juried exhibitions as well as Plein Air contests. Hill has also been named among the “Best of American Pastel Artists and Artisans”, and his work hangs in a number of excellent collections, including the Lambiel Home Museum on Orcas

Jeffri Coleman and Michael Rivkin, owners of the historic Crow Valley cabin/shop, have long brought together both well-known and newly discovered talents for their galleries. The ‘Plein Air on Orcas’ show has drawn such support and excitement that they are hopeful it will become an annual events.

Says Coleman: “Plein Air (literally ‘in plain air’… or out-doors) painting is enjoying fabulous popularity among artists and collectors just now. It represents what I think is the quintessential American style – really the spirit of American art today – simple and loose. It really reflects the mood and hopes of the country right now.”

‘Plein Air on Orcas’ opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., and hangs through July 27th. Will Squire will provide live music for the opening.

The show is presented at Crow Valley’s historic ‘Cabin’ location. Call 376-4260 for any additional information.

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