Artists in Profile

Nora & James McDowell

Surprising the number of times you're visiting someone in Creston and look over to see one of James's paintings. Instantly recognizable. I think it says a lot about the quality and diversity of his work. I visited Nora and James at their farm/studio in late February. What an alive place. Maybe we over-use the word organic but their place is truly alive. These are just some of the photos I took around the farm. They're always open to people stopping in to see more of their paintings but just phone ahead. 250-428-9391. Oh, the mandolin James is playing is one he just finished building. He's doing one a winter as an inside project and this is number three.

Bruce Paterson

Bruce has such a diversity of work that you never know what to expect. 'Way back he was doing pen and ink drawings of historical buildings around the Kootenays to go with a little write-up for a newspaper. I think you can tell he's a science fiction fan and enjoys those old covers from the '50s. He did a show in the store for us in 2012. That was before this web site but I still wanted to show off his work here so I made a trip over to his studio. Mostly photographed the ceramic sculptings but he still does pen and inks of animals. He's also recycling flooring tiles to paint on and re-glaze. I hope people see the fun in it. Call Bruce for a tour of his studio at 250-428-4138.

Jim and Howard Smith

This is just a small sample of photographs by our talented local father and son team. Their work at the shop was a big hit and we're looking forward to having them back. As you can tell they're not just fair weather summer hikers. We always look forward to the their work at the annual Wildsight slide show just before Christmas every year. To see more check out phototide.com . Howard made the site himself and I must say it's quite stunning. These two and the Wildsight gang are the ones I always ask for suggestions if we're heading out for a hike in the summer. We sell a lovely packet of five of their greeting cards at the shop for just $12.

Rindy Stalley

Rindy is one mad keen fisherman. Over the top mad keen. In a good way. I mean when was the last time you saw a young guy who was nuts for getting out like this? Regardless of the season, he's out there, mostly catch and release but he has brought us some choice treats. Oh, he has his guiding license. You want to spend a day around Creston catching fish, give Rindy a call. 250-428-2987. Not only will you be out catching fish but you'll be learning about catching fish. Guaranteed a fun time.

CAROL SCHLOSS

Carole has been a regular with us for four or five summers now. She spent 30 years in Philadelphia as a graphic designer/art director. The last 10 years she's spent working with pastels. Her work is so alive, vibrant and colorful. We're really lucky to have her here in the shop to brighten the place up. Her work is also on display at the Wyoming Print Gallery in Cody, WY and the Tutt Street Art Galleries in Kelowna B.C. If you'd like to commission an original pastel piece from her or see more of her work email Carole at info@carolschlosspastels.com

Mary Nicol

Mary has hung here work here at the shop a half dozen times now. Her art is always new and fresh and different. This latest show is mostly abstracts done in acrylic on board. "I love to experiment with my colors and I've come to love painting abstract, you learn so much doing them." We're happy to have her work here in all its variety and I am sure you'll see more of it next year as well. To contact her simply give her a ring at home, 250-428-7669.

Mary Johnston

I just think the world of both these quilted birds and the quilter, Mary Johnston. Not only has she made these beautiful pieces but she's donating all the money to the Wildlife Centre. It's her contribution to the Bird Festival. But that's Creston for you. Volenteers truly make this town such a special place. You've got to come into the shop and see this art work in person. I must say it looks particulary good on our red walls. If you hurry there may even be a few left for sale.