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GALLERY HAPPENINGS May 2020

Gallery Moab Looks Ahead
By David L. Brown
Kathy Grossman is pictured at work in her Moab studio. She enjoys “showcasing the lovely diversity of our feathered friends.”

As this issue goes to press uncertainty still remains about the Covid-19 closure. As with so many local businesses, for Gallery Moab, it has created hardship due to lack of customers and closure. The timing was unfortunate, because the co-op gallery had just completed a move to a bigger and nicer location in McStiff Plaza and was geared up for a gala Grand Opening event.

By the time you read this, let us hope that the gallery is open again. The members are eager to begin showcasing their art once more and are continuing to keep a positive attitude.

Assuming that the gallery is able to open in early May, we will see a return to the regular schedule of featured guests. Last month was particularly disappointing as we were to have an exhibition by Salt Lake City artist Mary Pusey, as well as special promotion of the work of member artist Karen Chatham. Due to the closure, only on-line exposure of their work was possible.

Local painter J.C. Borders had planned to put on a demonstration of dry pastel painting during the Grand Opening, and I and Mark Brown, my partner at Moab Printworks, went to J.C.’s studio to produce a video version of that demonstration. It can be viewed on the gallery website at www.gallerymoab.com

This example of Kathy Grossman’s scratchboard art, titled Quail in Juniper, demonstrates her attention to detail and vivid color.

May’s guest is another Moab area artist, Kathy Grossman. Her scratchboard pictures are noted for their fine detail and brilliant colors, as in the featured image titled “Quail in Juniper.”

Raised in California, like so many of us Kathy was drawn to the beauty and peace of the Moab area. “For the last several years … I’ve been exploring the mediums of pastel and scratchboard, showcasing the wood grains, fur, and feathers of the Colorado Plateau’s flora and fauna. I am particularly drawn to birds of the desert, from magpies to condors to tanagers to wrens and roadrunners.”

May’s featured member artist is Thea Nordling, a former park ranger who loves to paint en plein aire (on location), noting that this is “where I feel most intimately connected with my subject, working quickly to capture a mood and fleeting moment.”

This pastel painting of an old truck was made en plein aire by Moab artist Thea Nordling. She is May’s featured artist at Gallery Moab.

Thea is currently working with soft pastel, which she likes for its “vibrant color and forgiving nature.”
She notes that “painting can be a relaxing, meditative state in which I can lose myself for hours in concentrated focus. It can also be frustrating and challenging. It’s a constant learning experience. When I let go and the process flows easily, it’s a most joyful, fulfilling experience.”

When it’s safe to venture out, be sure to check out Gallery Moab and its fascinating collection of images by local artists.
For more information about Gallery Moab, visit their web site at www.gallerymoab.com where you can read more about the artists and view examples of their work.

 


Mountainfilm Goes Virtual

Photo by Ben EngFor 41 years, people have gathered in Telluride over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate adventure, big ideas and indomitable spirit at Mountainfilm. This year, in light of COVID-19, that annual gathering will look a little bit different. With overwhelming support from filmmakers, special guests and a down-for-anything community, Mountainfilm is going virtual, bringing its 42nd annual festival to living rooms around the world. The 2020 festival is also extending its dates to May 15–25 — providing audiences with 10 full days of inspiration.

Riding the wave of this unforeseen adventure, Mountainfilm’s lineup of films and speakers have been carefully curated to touch viewers and bring hope. From the safety and comfort of home, viewers can stream over 100 films, a symposium and additional presentations with the new $75 Bivvy pass, or purchase individual films, shorts programs or presentations for $10 each.

Photo by Melissa Plantz“We hope that making Mountainfilm available to experience at home with family or roommates will be a welcome and inspiring change,” said Executive Director Sage Martin. “Get comfy, grab your popcorn and buckle up for some life-altering films.”

Similar to renting a movie on Apple TV, Smart TV or Amazon, viewers can join in from their desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or through the TV via Chromecast, AirPlay or the Apple TV App. The nitty-gritty can be found in the Virtual Festival Help Guide.

Just as in years past, the 2020 virtual festival will feature an outstanding lineup of films and presentations that will leave attendees inspired and energized.

“The magic of Mountainfilm is that it touches people, inspires change and provides hope. Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to create a better world,” said Martin, who notes that Mountainfilm, like many important nonprofits, is turning to the community for support during this challenging time. By purchasing a pass or making a donation, you’ll help ensure that Mountainfilm comes back strong in 2021.

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