Pallet painting party set for Saturday stroll

Photography is the theme for the Second-Friday ArtStroll in downtown Thermopolis, Friday June 12 from 5-8 p.m. featuring artists and musicians from Thermopolis, New York State, Riverton and Fort Washakie. Most downtown businesses are open during the event. A pallet painting party will take place on Still Strolling Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bring your camera along for helpful hints and tips from Dr. Jeb Schenck, this month's featured photographer. Schenck will be located in Owl Creek Graphics on Friday, June 12. Schenck has traveled the world taking pictures and will have on hand his many photo albums.

During Still Strolling Saturday, June 13, Schenck will do camera and photo printing demonstrations from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Owl Creek Graphics.

Other photographers on display include Lauri Olsen at Nature’s Corner. Olsen is new to photography, just recently expanding into wildlife, ballets, theatre, babies and weddings. Debbie Stroppel, Hawkwoman Photography (One Eyed Buffalo Brewery) began her passion for photography years ago. She found her spirit within nature while exploring her backyard and the world she travels through.

Flying Eagle Gallery welcomes the Viewfinders Photography Club from Worland. An opening reception with members from Worland, Greybull, Tensleep and Powell will be held Friday evening. Members will be demonstrating photography techniques. The Viewfinders Photography Club will have their work on display until the end of June.

Strollers on Friday evening and Saturday can visit jewelry designer Barbara Kruger (Broadway Bygones), who is visiting from New York State. Barbara Kruger/BKF Designs specializes in colorful enamels and cloisonné in sterling silver and mixed metal settings, with gem stones to add balance and accent to the designs.  Kruger strives to make hand-made, one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly, high quality jewelry with unique features to help you feel extraordinary.

Jennie Blakesley (Storyteller) has been designing jewelry for 10 to 15 years. Her work began with a lot of medieval/gothic influence but is eclectic and constantly evolving. Throughout the years Blakesley has been inspired by numerous trends but mostly it’s whatever strikes her fancy.

Other jewelry artists include Kelli A. Wesaw and Timothy T. Wesaw, Fort Washakie (Hazel N Pearls). Kelli does stained and fused glass; Timothy does silver and stone jewelry and art. 

Other artists along the stroll are Joy Jones, Riverton, (City Rags) who uses both a pottery wheel and hand-building techniques to create functional dinnerware and other pieces that bring art into everyday life. 

R’Lou and Tammy Blackmon, Cuddlie Knits (Storyteller). In 2013, R’Lou and daughter Tammy started Cuddlie Knits to promote the needle arts. Stop by for a demonstration, children are welcome to come try it themselves.

Other artists include Glenda Ramsey, painting/multimedia (Ramsey Gallery); Sallie Wesaw, multi-media (Wesaw Studio); Cindy Clancy, vintage painted items (Broadway Bygones); Joyce Fletcher and the textile gals (WOW Store);  and Mona Wilson, hand-painted country collectibles (Hazel N Pearls)

Musicians will be playing at several locations during the Friday ArtStroll, including Mike Howland, (Wesaw Studio); Harold Hutson (Broadway Bygones); and Shawn McWilliams and Rick Phipps (City Rags).

Second-Friday ArtStroll host business is Owl Creek Graphics. End your Friday evening stroll at Owl Creek Graphics for a chance to win art pieces and gift certificates.

During Still Strolling Saturday on June 13 will be a Pallet Painting Party. Wear your painting clothes, bring the kids and come next to City Rags between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to paint a pallet. Pallets will be used during the Big Horn Basin Folk Life Festival August 1 & 2.

Got outdoor paint? Consider donating it. Just drop the paint and any painting supplies you can share at City Rags on Still Strolling Saturday morning.

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 & Tourism.