Take a walk through the Garden of Artistry

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Art and gardens go together like peas and carrots. For this reason, the annual Garden of Artistry Fine Art Show is always a July activity that brings people out of the woodwork.

Held at the Ponderay Garden Center just north of Ponderay on Highway 95, the fine art show features more than 25 fine artists from every medium; painters, sculptors, photographers and jewelers.

The show takes place July 21 from 1-5 p.m., July 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

There will be an opening reception on Friday from 6-8 p.m., hosted by The Carousel of Smiles. Come meet Clay and Reno Hutchison, who have made this future attraction possible, plus see some of the horses and check out the miniature bronze horses offered for sale to help raise funds toward the Carousel’s restoration.

The Garden of Artistry presents many nationally-known artists such as Valeria Yost, known for her historical and wildlife paintings; Betty Billups, a Sandpoint-based plein aire painter; Robert Walton, whose mountain scenes are brilliant; Sandra Hiller, who brings a different style and media with her carved leather paintings; Linda Wolfe, who offers classic botanical illustrations and Maria Truhillo, who will showcase her encaustic paintings. Jewelers Lora Merz and Jay D. Baker will be on hand, as well as Ron Adamson’s stone and wood carvings, Gabe Gabel’s bronze sculptures, T Kurtz’s pastel paintings and photographers Nancy Russell and Chicky Gorat among others.

The Panhandle Fine Art Advocacy thanks the following sponsors for making the show possible: The Co-Op Country Store, Route 66 Autobody, Steve’s Import Auto, Marilyn Moyle DVM, The Paint Bucket, Fiesta Bonita, The Wildflower Day Spa and Mollie June II, the Artisan Gallery, The High Eagle Ranch.

“And special thanks to the Ponderay Garden Center and their wonderful staff who help us in so many ways,” said Gabe Gabel, who coordinates the show.

For more information, call Gabe Gabel at 265-9613 or email gabegabel@hotmail.com