March ArtStroll hits downtown

The Second Friday ArtStroll/Still Strolling Saturday in downtown Thermopolis takes place Friday, March 8 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 from around 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Smoking Waters Art Guild invites you to come stroll and support the artists and the shops. 

Host business, Discover Thermopolis/Thermopolis Print Zone, along with select retail businesses, will house artists showing and selling their creations, along with musicians. Still Strolling Saturday will include the Historical Society’s program about Dr. C. Dana Carter, an early frontier doctor here in Wyoming. Pick up the ArtStroll map/guide at the host business or any of the open shops to see what is going on.

“Members of our Smoking Waters Art Guild have assembled a great roster of artists and event previews. Come stroll with us and enjoy our downtown and see some new artists showing their works”, Guild member Suzanne Samelson notes. “Come out and participate in our spirited community and downtown.”

Andrea Linn and friends will be knitting and talking about their craft on the corner of Broadway and Sixth. The store will also hold a public preview for the poetry and music contest participants. The contest, presented by Friends of the Library, will take place on Saturday, March 16, 7-9 p.m. at the library. There will be cash prizes. If you have not yet signed up for this, contact Maureen at 301-814-1457.

Next door, take in the opportunity to join in on model painting on Warhammer sets, led by Gavin Turner.  See what this is all about and take time to shop in the Gallery too.

The host business welcomes wood turners Jim Leseberg and Bob Stehlin. Both Leseberg and Stehlin enjoy explaining their craft and answering questions. Beth Stehlin will be selling her hand-embroidered cards. Also, Sabrina Annand will display paintings and crafts. Annand does paintings that are great for art enthusiasts to copy and learn new painting techniques. Harold Hutson will be playing music. Also see a display of pillow cases made by local quilters that will be donated to children.

Suzi Richards Shelhamer, an artist and yoga instructor, will show her works across the street. Shelhamer wanted to be an artist from an early age. While she covers many subjects, she focuses on animals.

Strollers can also preview bird houses that are being made for Smoking Waters Art Guild’s “For the Birds” contest which will be held during the April ArtStroll. Members of the community have been invited to make birdhouses, bird feeders, or bird decorations and their creations will be on display at our local businesses. The bird creations will be donated to the Community Garden following the April ArtStroll. It’s not too late to submit an entry – contact Marcia Nelson at 921-8496 before this Friday.

Still Strolling Saturday is a good time to revisit the shops and artists from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center at 2 p.m. on Saturday for the Historical Society’s presentation “ Dr. C. Dana Carter: Frontier Doctor - A Man with a Dream” by Terril Mills. Mills, who hails from Ten Sleep, has done extensive research on this fascinating Wyoming physician. Everyone is welcome to attend; the event is free. Bring a friend. Refreshments will be served. Strollers can also take the opportunity to explore the Museum and gift shop, which will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

Stollers are encouraged to pick up a map at any Stroll business to find the location of artists. Return the map to the host business at the end of Friday evening’s Stroll to be entered to win a piece of art work donated by the artists.

The Second Friday ArtStroll/Still Strolling Saturday is organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional support from Main Street Thermopolis, Hot Springs Travel & Tourism and local businesses and individuals.

For more information, please contact Suzanne Samelson 307-864-3002