Wood, Trees and the Spirit of Nature

Photo of Cherry Tree - Dining Set by Tim Carney

Dining Chair by Tim Carney - Photo by Maureen Shaughnessy

1+1=1 is becoming a reality! On November 8th our little month-long gallery will have an opening reception during the Helena Fall Art Walk. The reception is from 6 to 9 pm.

Photo of Cherry Tree - Dining Set by Tim Carney

The idea of 1+1=1 began when my husband, Tim and I were talking with our friends Mike and Colleen over dinner at their house. We were asking them how they helped Doug Turman get his start as an artist and gallery owner and Mike told us about the popup gallery he and Doug had years ago. Now Doug and his lovely wife, Mary Lee, have the always-happening Turman Larison Contemporary (art gallery) in downtown Helena. And it just so happens that the place we found for our popup gallery is right next door to Doug and Mary Lee’s gallery. Awesome!

We have been wanting a place to show Tim’s studio furniture and my photography and paintings for a long time, and the idea of experimenting with a temporary gallery was enticing.

Sushi Table and Day's End

So we’re doing it! We found an empty retail space on Last Chance Gulch and Mike helped us arrange a deal with the owners of the building for just one month to try out this gallery idea. It’s pretty last minute because we wanted to have our opening during the Art Walk, and be open for the holiday shopping season before Christmas.

Desk and Burn Color

Tim and I share a common esthetic and creative vision, although we have very different ways to express that vision. He works with the spirit of trees through his hands, making functional art furniture. I express my connection with trees and nature through photography, painting and mixed media collage. Our home is filled with art from both of us and our friends and family. We live a blessed, simple life and we both feel lucky that we can make a living creating art that we hope helps others connect with Nature on a deep level.

AspenTrunks-YellowstoneDetail-imp

DreamtimeBeaver-imp

Rocker-PoemGesture-imp

YellowstoneRipples-ForestFloor-imp

Desk and Burn Color

Sushi Table and Day's End

Stool-Texture-imp

Exciting New Thing for Us: a Pop-Up Gallery

Pop-up Gallery Space

I have some good news:  Tim and I made a commitment to renting a space in downtown Helena, for a whole month. We’re going to open a little pop-up (temporary, short-term) gallery the night of the Fall Art Walk — November 8th. The as-yet-to-be-named little gallery will feature Tim’s exquisite hand crafted furniture and my artwork. I will write more about the show and our progress as the time nears, both here and on my Facebook page.

Pop-up Gallery Space

We would be honored if as many of our Helena peeps as possible would come down to our little gallery during the art walk — or anytime from November 8th to December 8th. I’d love to see you and show you my work and Tim’s. You’ve been able to see both of our work online, and at the fall art walks for the past few years, but now is your chance to see a lot more of it  — in person.

And when you come, please sit in one of Tim’s super comfy chairs.  You’ll be amazed.

I will be at the little gallery during the Art Walk and Tim will be there part of the evening. He also has his piece, The Madison, in the Art of Wood show with the Helena Woodworkers Guild at the Placer Hotel lobby during the art walk.

Anyhoo, I’m really excited about this — and a little nervous. It’s a ton of work to put together a show of artwork, and we still have so much to do. I am working on 5 new paintings, and really excited to show them to the world.

Stay tuned for our progress, an invitation to an artist reception (and gallery talk) and more details as we get them nailed down.

LINKS ABOUT POP-UP GALLERIES AND THE POP-UP TREND