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The 2004 Trout Creek Art Show
“Wow!” “Fantastic Art!” “Loved the show!” These were but a few of the enthusiastic comments by the record number of more than 100 guests attending the third annual Trout Creek Art Show on May 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, where the basement was successfully transformed into a one-day art gallery.
Many commented favorably on the show’s variety of artistic expression. “It gets better every year, but this year was a quantum leap,” said one Ewen guest. “I came to see Pam Laitala’s new painting,” Jackie McMullin of Silver City remarked. “I loved her Winter Discontent.”
Variety was the theme of the day, which highlighted both the work of new artists to the show and new work of returning artists. The 45 artists ranged in age from the youthful Watersmeet students of Wanda Pietras and Joan Game of Iron Mountain, to several grandmothers and at least one grandfather. Visitors to the art show admired a wide range of paintings and photographs, many reflecting the natural beauty of the U. P. while others showed exotic scenes from Finland and Sicily.
Diversity of media, subject matter and style were evident throughout the exhibit which featured nature scenes, still lifes, western scenes, fantasy pieces, flowers, and avant guard modern art. Everything from painting and photography to woodcarvings, sculpture, art jewelry and even quilts were represented. A few favorites included June Kotila-Treptow’s paintings of the interior of Finnish cabins, Mary Shegan’s wild geese across a dark landscape, Marianne Brady’s miniature photographs, Lorri Gunn’s colorful circular shapes forming imaginative images, Ruby Rydezewski’s delightful carved birds, Pam Laitala’s jarring Torn to pieces.
Activities scheduled throughout the day gave everyone something new to see and do. Upstairs, artists and public alike enjoyed demonstrations of art techniques by Joan and Catherine Game while downstairs visitors admired the mosaic pieta from the Vatican and an exquisite Iris mosaic tile on loan. “Artists at Work” once again proved to be a popular return attraction. Ruth Morris and Wanda Pietras worked magic with their paintbrushes throughout the day, each painting flowers in greatly different styles.
Marney Polkky’s two young daughters and their friends from Bruce Crossing each managed to sit excitedly for 5 minute charcoal portraits by Catherine Game, and were delighted at their artistic likenesses. Later the girls enjoyed Harland Smith’s elegant harp music. “They love this!” Marney said. “What a wonderful afternoon!”
“It was a great show, and quite different from last year," one of the artists said. “I can’t wait to see what next year brings.” The Trout Creek Art Show is sponsored by The Library Committee, Inc., of the Trout Creek Library.