Our  featured artist breaking into the New Year.

Kathy Baldwin  presents her sister’s photographic genius. Teresa Marie is gone now but she was a photographer with great passion and lived life with her heart wide open.  As her photography matured she explored a new world – that of macro photography. There was an explosion of color and forms that echoed Teresa Marie’s wide view of life. These photos are reproduced in several ways to fit most everyone’s purse from the very large, gallery wrapped canvas, regular framed pieces and matted prints.

Kathy cared for her terminally ill sister to the very end of her life and now represent her in the Golden Art Gallery. You can contact Kathy at Katou2@aol.com or contact the Gallery at 509-773-5100 for more information.

Leroy Schoot brought in four new “Wines of the Neighborhood” and all were good choices. My own favorite was Maryhill’s “Cabernet Blanc”, a double platinum medal winner.  Sometimes Cabernet wine is acidic but his one is super smooth and very polished.  It pairs well with rich foods.  All the wine choices may be purchased locally by special arrangement with the distributor and Red Apple Market here in Goldendale.

Leroy is always very happy to tell you all about the wines and answer questions about them and the various local wineries.

Everyone enjoyed the exquisite photography, assorted hors d’oeuvres, and the wonderful  guitar music of Star Meichtry.

Coming up in February our show will feature Mardi Gras, a pre-Lenten celebration.  Though we are far from New Orleans we do know how to party. Circle February 12, 4 to 8 PM on your calendar and plan to have fun.

A very special evening with an interested crowd of about 50 persons came to enjoy the evening with Ron and other artists.  People were very impressed with Ron’s new watercolor works that are framed sans glass.  This is a big innovation only recently available to artists.  Ron carries this a little further by mounting the paper onto a regular canvas, the final result is sealed with a relatively new product that protects the art.   Who knew , glass free watercolors at last! Ron was very successful in his sales that night and four of his trios went to new homes.

Great wines were served by Leroy Schoot, resident wine expert.  He had three lovely whites featured in his “Wines of the Neighborhood” – Spicy White , a blend of Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer and Big White, a lovely Chardonnay, were both from White Salmon Vineyards. A Late Harvest Riesling came from the Hogue Cellars and is a great wine with good balance of sweet and acidity.  The reds were equally outstanding with a full bodied Pinot Noir from White Salmon Vineyards, a classic Syrah from Maryhill, very rich with a peppery finish, and a stand out from Sagelands with the name of the winemaker, Freddie’s Blend.  This is the creation of Frederique Spencer, their very lovely female winemaker, and it is my choice from the selections offered, a very fine wine.

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid eating carrot sticks.  Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.  Go next door where they are serving rum balls.
2. 2.  Drink as much eggnog as you can, and quickly. It’s rare. You cannot find it any other time of the year but now.  So drink it up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you are going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat, enjoy it.  Have one for me.  Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they are made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have  a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free.  Lots of it!
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Years.  You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you will need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10 pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself  near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. If you leave them behind, your never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat.  Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two Apples and one Pumpkin, always have three.  When else do you get more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost.  I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip : If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read the tips: start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

Have a great holiday season.

Author unknown

So drink up!

Sue Krigsberg is our featured artist of the month and her reception was very well attended. The reception high lighted many of Sue’s latest works.  Her intense colors , textures, and free forms have attracted attention from gallery goers.

About 50 folks came by to enjoy the wonderful snacks and the special wine tastings hosted by Leroy Schoot.  What Leroy does is select five or six very special wines from the Gorge area for us to sample.  He calls his offerings “Wines of the neighborhood” and has maps showing the location of the various vineyards.  My personal favorite is Satin by The Pines 1857 winery. This is a crisp and delightful wine with flavor and character.  I was amazed to learn that this particular vineyard was actually established in 1857 and it is located in the hills south of The Dalles.

We were further entertained by the excellent guitar music by Star Meichtry.  Low key and soothing notes underscored the ambiance of the evening and everyone enjoyed it and the opportunity to visit with Sue and talk to her personally about her art.

Next month we will feature Ron Sheldon and his excellent watercolors, Ron has developed a wonderful way of presenting his vivid watercolors so that they need not be covered with glass.  Circle December 11 on your calendar and join us. Wines of the Neighborhood will be offered and Star Meichtry has offered to return with his wonderful guitar music.

 

Some of the childrens entries, how cute is that?

 

Baby is enjoying this eve and wants his treat

 

Gallery member Beth Poirer and little tricksters looking for a treat

It was a total success and the gallery members served up litle bags of goodies to about 600 little ghosts, goblins, turtles, fairy princesses, Superman, Dorothy of OZ fame.  Strangley no one did a Sarah Palin or other candidate. The newest scare was the masks that had dripping “blood” running down hollow cheeks and bony foreheads, YIKES !! This event is called Trunk or Treat because cars are backed into the parking slots and treats are served from the ingeniously decorated trunks.  The section of Main Street in front of one block was barricaded so there was more safety for all. Hay rides were given free to any and all comers who wanted to sit in the old Datson bed that served as the wagon pulled by an ancient John Deer tractor.  It was driven up and down the street for a good view and just the fun of it. 

 

 

 

The Pumpkin Carving Contest was popular with more entries this year, lots of prizes for winning entries too.  We had an adult division and a youth division.  It was hard to judge as each entry was so well done and very creative in many cases. This contest was sponsored by several merchants.  Hot dogs and a pop were offered by the General Store in exchange for cans of food for the Food Bank.  You could also have your photo taken for the unforgetable event.  Hundreds of kids and parents showed up making this a great Family Pumpkin Night.  This yearly event has grown in popularity each year and makes for a safe way for family participation.  Moms and dads and older siblings were dressed for the fun of it too.

This 2nd Thursday Night we celebrated the incredible beadwork of Jean Ashley.  Jean is so talented and creative in her designs that her works are quickly sold.  She is always on the lookout for some unusual little baubles to include in her creations, agates, seashells, etc.  She showed us one of her latest, a tiny hand carved rabbit which she set off with matching wood beads, very lovely.  Check out her designs on her Artist’s page.

My tiny origami box creations

There were five of us that gathered around and learned something new at this fun time origami class. Cindy Bluemel was patient teaching those of us with fumbling fingers to make crisp creases with our little squares of colored and patterned paper.  The goal was to create several attractive tiny containers using paper only. Cindy made sure we all succeeded.

The Gallery also featured Wines of the Neighborhood, an opportunity to try various wines of the Columbia Gorge.  Leroy Schoote serves the wine and shares his knowledge about the wines and wineries represented.  A great way to learn more and try out very select wines from several wineries.  My personal favorite was the Waving Tree Winery Syrah, 2005.  Very smooth wine full of rich flavor.  A table is set up with comfortable chairs and there is a selection of goodies to munch on while you savor the conversation and wine.

Our featured Artist of The Month is Jean Ashley and she has created a wonderful collection of hand crafted bead works and more. Check out her artist page. Much more of her original works may be seen in the Gallery. Don’t wait around too long as her stuff sells out fast. 

This month we are also showing original art showing Scenes of Klickitat County featuring our own artist’s interpretations of the County. We are participating in a contest that will be on the local radio station, folks will have a chance to solve a puzzle with the hints being broadcast locally. Answers are to be found in a tour guide brochure.

October is the month that all the little ghosts and goblins have a chance to be seen and collect the candy treats during the Trunk or Treat event that is sponsored by the Goldendale Merchants every October 31. This year it falls on a Friday and the Golden Art gallery will participate with fun and treats for the kids. This year we will sponsor the Pumpkin Carving Contest and you can pick up an entry form at the gallery now. Entries are to be brought to the Gallery Friday, October 31, between the hours of noon and 5:00 PM. We will have prizes for the scariest, cutest and most creative pumpkins. See you there.

Beth Poirier (L) and Sandra Choate with a prospective customer

Emily tries out a scooter while clutching her new friendly dragon

Friday, September 19 was just great, lots of sunshine and shoppers spilling over from the town wide event, Festival of Wheels.  The Gallery was very busy with the visitors checking it out.  Saturday was affected by unpleasant wind and rain which kept visitors huddled under the front awning of the gallery watching their antique cars get a free washup and trying to stay warm.  The Artist Flea Market had to shut down early  but everyone pitched in and it was all done and under cover in an hour.  So that part was a disapointment but the Gallery had lots of folks come in to browse around and sales were still quite good.  We decided it was a worthwhile venture when we met on Sunday afternoon and we will schedule another one just little earlier next year.

The Golden Art Gallery participated in the Second Thursday Night event and it was quite successful for us.  People were out and about enjoying the mild weather. Many attended the American Legion tribute program to the 9/11 First Responders, Police and Fire Departments who acted so heroically during and after the infamous attacks on N.Y.C. and Washington DC. After the service another wave of folks came to the Gallery to enjoy the casual shopping, live music, socializing and wine tasting. They had an opportunity to visit many of the other local shops as well as filling out their entry forms for a surprise basket of goodies. There was even a birthday toast along with the opportunity to shop for arts and crafts in the Gallery and live music. The “Contraption”  by Jack Cantrell, was a point of interest for a lot of folks. It is part of the Gallery Recycle show. There are a lot of very clever items that have been made up to show just what can be done with the old and discarded. Hopefully we will have inspired people to make something new out of something old.  Town-wide participation is new this year but the gallery has stayed open every Thursday night for three years so folks who work can stop by and browse or buy and not feel pressured to run somewhere else for that last minute gift. We always enjoy meeting our new and old friends.

    

The Golden Art Guild is planning a new fun event – Artitst’s Flea Market!  Members are going through their closets, attics and garages and finding those unused art supplies that have been tucked away.  Paints, papers, brushes, mediums, frames and mats and maybe even some art pieces that have been languishing in the back of a closet.  Plus they are going to bring other stuff so there could be some surprises there.  Mark your date book September 19 and 20 starting at 8 AM and ending 3 PM both days.  Non members may participate too just call the Gallery and let us know. Come and browse through, the lot is located in back of the Gallery on Columbus and Broadway in Goldendale, WA.

The “Contraption” is a one man band built by Jack Cantrell. It actually plays and will be featured though the month of September as part of the Recycle show at the Golden Art Gallery. Also featured are the wonderful jeans that have been transformed by artist, Sandra Choate, artfully decorated old china by Joan Crice and collage works by Arlene Larison created from torn up water color pictures. Other artists have created something new from something old, stop and see for yourself.