Hometown holiday Friday ArtStroll reflects the spirit of the season

The Second-Friday ArtStroll in downtown Thermopolis, December 9, 5-8 p.m. will feature a variety of art activities for all ages and art and related gifts for sale at participating businesses. The event continues on Still Strolling Saturday during regular business hours. This is the last ArtStroll before Christmas and there are many opportunities to make, create, purchase, and enjoy gifts of all kinds. 

Friday evening art activities include a Make It and Take a Christmas box and Holiday card with the help of Smoking Waters Art Guild members and a Make and Take holiday wood block with Jeri Lynn Rush. An “Up All Night Party” on Still Strolling Saturday from 8 p.m. to Midnight along with an ugliest Christmas sweater party and contest insures there will be something for everyone at the December ArtStroll.

This month’s ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday will include artists and activities, live music, refreshments and door prizes. Most downtown businesses are open during the event. Pick up a stroll map at any participating business to find the location of artists and musicians. Return the map to the host business at the end of Friday evening’s stroll to be entered to win a piece of artwork donated by the artists.

Storyteller is the host business for Friday evening and will feature the work of Jack Beckwith. Beckwith produces incredibly detailed images of history and fantasy. He works with pen and ink, oils, and acrylics. Michelle Palu will be signing her new book, “Gentle Walk,” which is described as an uplifting daily pep talk filled with prayers and comfort for busy folks . Dan Syljuberget, Hot Springs County High School Librarian, will be signing his new book, “Drifting Yukon,” which describes his experience living and working with a family of Yup’ik Eskimos at their summer fish camp in southwestern Alaska.

Tracy Linko and Susan Linko will be available with their Christmas items and textiles. These sisters have made Wyoming their home for the last several years. Susan quilts, does needle arts and floral design. Tracy hand quilts and loves to be in the kitchen cooking and baking.  They are currently making quilted ornaments in many forms. 

Featured artist this month is Jondi Alcorn, multimedia, who makes furniture, instruments, and other items. He describes himself as the Head Dismantlatista of The Sawdust Factory.

Multi-media artist Sallie Wesaw’s work will be on hand. Textile artists Joyce Fletcher, Andrea Linn and Jane Oldridge will all be showing their work. Mike Howland will be performing. Repurposed artist Barbara Rice and Ana Mosser with her jewelry will also be on hand. Gig Riggers, Nate and Melissa, will present their quirky vintage wares, repurposed lighting artwork and more. Harold Hutson and Mike Howland will be performing along the stroll route.  

Diana Scranton will be on hand with her intricate beadwork, Julie Sievers will feature her jewelry, Sherry Stottler will be showing her pastel art and Jamie Warnick will be showcasing her jewelry and chainmaille, wire and metal craft. 

At participating businesses shoppers will also find Stephanie Conrad and Stefanie Gilbert featuring their handmade and repurposed items, Jennie Blakesly will be selling her jewelry, Gudrun and Rodney-Elk Chief Skenandore will feature their carvings, cards, posters and drawings. Enjoy the photography of Jeb Schenck and Debbie Stroppel who will have their work in the 2017 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition, and Claudia Augustin’s gift cards and other art.

Watch for Shailee Harvey Photography who will be doing Christmas photo booth, selling Glenda Ramsey ornaments and giving away free coloring books to children.

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.