Second Friday ArtStroll

The Second Friday ArtStroll in downtown Thermopolis, May 8, 5-8 p.m., will feature artists and musicians from Thermopolis Laramie, Riverton, and Fort Washakie. Most downtown businesses are open during the event. Several Mother’s Day activities are planned on Still Strolling Saturday, May 9.

Out-of-town guest artists are pastel artist Tad Anderson, Laramie; potter Joy Jones, The Clay Works, Riverton; and Kelli and Timothy Wesaw, Fort Washakie.

Tad Anderson, who grew up in Thermopolis, will be showing his pastels all month at Flying Eagle Gallery, with an artist reception during the ArtStroll. Anderson has been painting for about 10 years. His unusual and bold color abstractions are sometimes labeled “outsider” art. 

Joy Jones uses both a pottery wheel and hand-building techniques to create functional dinnerware and other pieces that bring art into everyday life. She is known for her craftsmanship and interesting glazes. Her work is carried by several Wyoming galleries. Jones will be at Storyteller.

Other area artists include Kelli A. Wesaw and Timothy T. Wesaw, both of Fort Washakie. Kelli does stained and fused glass; Timothy does silver and stone jewelry and art. They will be at Owl Creek Graphics.

The Thermopolis featured artist group is a mother-daughter team, R’lou and Tammy Blackmon, CuddlieKnits. R’lou Blackmon has been knitting and crocheting most of her life. In 2013, she and daughter Tammy started CuddlieKnits to promote the needle arts. They will be demonstrating at Nature’s Corner; children are welcome to come try it themselves.

Other Thermopolis artists include Glenda Ramsey, painting/multimedia (Ramsey Gallery); Sallie Wesaw, multi-media (Wesaw Studio); Cindy Clancy, vintage painted items (Broadway Bygones); Mona Wilson, hand-painted country collectibles; Andrea Linn, spinner, and members of the Old West Fiber Guild (WOW Store). A number of artists featured at the Mother’s Day Bazaar on Saturday will be at Hazel N Pearl’s during the ArtStroll.

Musicians will be playing at several locations during the ArtStroll, including Mike Howland, (Wesaw Studio); Stepheny Butcher (Ramsey Gallery); Jacky and Michael Wright and area musicians, (Broadway Bygones); and Shawn McWilliams and Rick Phipps (City Rags).

Several activities are planned for kids. A hands-on Origami for Youth craft project on Friday, 3:30-5 p.m., is sponsored by Hot Springs County Library, 344 Arapahoe. All ages are invited to participate. For more information: 307-864-3104.

In addition to trying out knitting and crocheting, kids and adults can make bookmarks for Mother’s Day during the ArtStroll and also on Saturday at City Rags. Any extra bookmarks will be donated to the library.

A map of all the downtown activities will be available Friday evening at City Rags.

The Second Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday are organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional help from Main Street Thermopolis and Hot Springs Travel and Tourism.

Other events planned for Still Strolling Saturday include:

• Mother’s Day Artisan Market, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Hazel N Pearl’s and throughout downtown. The handmade and vintage artisan market will feature over 20 artists. Artists will be available during the Friday night ArtStroll and will offer demonstrations on Saturday.

• P.E.O. Mother’s Day Tea and Tour of Tables, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thermopolis Middle School. Mothers, daughters and all women are invited to enjoy lunch, entertainment, raffles and door prizes. Proceeds go to women in the community who are furthering their education. Sponsored by P.E.O. Sorority. $10, reservations contact 921-8945.

• The Bar-N’ Supper Club Mother’s Day Dinner, Saturday evening, 6-10 p.m. The event includes a wine-tasting, a multi-course dinner and dessert. Live music will be provided by the local Music Jammers. Proceeds go to purchase a new fetal heart monitor for Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. For information contact Linda, 805-448-1321.