October 3-27, 2024
Artist Reception:
Saturday, October 5, 2024 3-5 pm
Carly Brock | Kris Ekstrand | Lesley Frenz | Patty Haller
Lisa McShane | Camille Nordgren | Lori Vonderhorst
Our current exhibit at Smith & Vallee Gallery features a diverse collection of artwork by talented women artists, each offering a unique reflection on nature, memory, and the passage of time.
Carly Brock revisits a nostalgic landscape that holds a special place in her artistic journey, the Chuckanut’s. Through painterly mark-making and crisp compositions, she skillfully portrays the intricate play of light and shadow on the mountainside, showcasing the beauty of temperature and contrast in nature.
Brock’s dedication to capturing fleeting moments of wonderment in her paintings reflects her admiration for the Impressionists and their ability to convey the spirit of a landscape. Her art serves as a bridge between the personal and the universal, inviting you to connect with the scenes she paints and sparking feelings of nostalgia and gratitude.
Kris Ekstrand's monotypes portray mysterious coastal landscapes, inviting contemplation on the "tipping points" between calm and chaos, the influence of chance, and the ancient pasts of landscapes. Through her daily practice in painting and printmaking, Ekstrand presents compositions that reveal the inherent beauty of tonality and texture.
Lesley Frenz's art celebrates the healing power of untamed places, guiding minds and hearts through emotionally charged landscapes. Her work serves as a restorative act, connecting memories with paint to create compositions that act as prayers and invitations to a sojourn.
Patty Haller's oil paintings explore forests as complex natural systems, blending science and mystery into spiritual experiences. Her use of vibrant colors amplifies nature's role as the true source of health, reflecting on the damage to our soil and bodies caused by modern food systems.
Lisa McShane's art beautifully captures the essence of the world around her, immersing viewers in moments of deep beauty and soul-stirring emotion. Her oil paintings are a visual ode to the landscapes and memories that move her, inviting others to share in the achingly beautiful world she sees.
Camille Nordgren’s work invites viewers to explore the intricate connections between experience, emotions, and memory through her intimate visual responses to nature. Her "Relics of Nature" series delves into the symbolism and beauty of natural forms, capturing the essence of freedom, fragility, and various stages of existence.
Lori Vonderhorst’s art weaves a profound connection to nature and memory, stemming from a childhood in Northern New Jersey and an enduring fascination with the mystic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Utilizing collected artifacts and her self-taught background, she crafts intimate works that resonate with emotion and experience, now devoting herself fully to fine art after a distinguished career in graphic design.
Each artist in this all-women group exhibit brings a distinct perspective and technique, inviting you to embark on a journey through the beauty, significance, and interconnectedness of the natural world. Visit Smith & Vallee Gallery to experience these diverse and thought-provoking artworks firsthand.
Thank you for visiting,
Camille Nordgren | Curator
