MARCH 2025 BARI FEDERSPIEL

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

Raspberries in Glass by Bari

Raspberries In Glass by Bari Federspiel

Watercolor painting was something I always dreamed about doing. But I didn’t have time; I was too busy working as a different kind of artist. Life changed, and I knew I needed to make my dream a reality. I’ve been painting since 2003 – my work constantly changing as I keep learning and doing new things. I paint subjects I love and strive to glorify God through my work which includes series of still life, pet portraits, and florals. You may notice a few chickens! Lots of different subjects and styles – attribute that to my ADHD. I have fun painting, but take it very seriously – learning as I go, trying new subjects and different ways to look at everyday scenes and objects. I’ve won a few ribbons here and there – many of them “First Place” and some “Best of Show.” It makes my heart happy when others relate to and enjoy my work.

BARI FEDERSPIEL

ARTIST’S BIO:

I was born in Arkansas to two struggling college students, including a dad who had just returned from WWII and was getting his education on the GI bill. Because he returned to the military as an officer after earning his degree, we lived all over the world. Both parents are artists; my mother did oils, dad did watercolors, both painted in acrylics. I married Pete Graves in 1967 – a government employee who moved us all over the United States while our children were growing up. During that time I worked as a cake decorator, a splash artist, a piano and theory instructor, and a pre-school teacher. Pete passed away after 36 years together. I realized how short life is, and my dream of watercolor painting needed to happen. I retired from my sign painting/graphics art/splash art 28-year career and found watercolor instructors. I remarried in 2004 to Frank Federspiel who lived next door and had lost his spouse as well. Besides painting, I enjoy crocheting, camping, being in the water, and making messes around the house.

FEBRUARY 2025 MEGHAN JONES

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas or denim, and graphite on paper, Megan uses her Bachelor of Fine Arts to create a high realism show depicting unusual ocean animals. After 15 years designing knitting patterns for companies like Vogue Knitting Magazine, Meghan takes her attention to detail into the deep ocean. She nurses her obsession with deep sea animals by painting and drawing their portraits on canvas paper and even jean jackets. Her high realism and scientifically accurate images bring the creatures of the unusual ocean to cards, prints, earrings, key fobs, jean jackets, original paintings and more! You might even find some sweet shorebirds and freshwater fish scattered among the unique and rare creatures of the abyssal depths. Join her in the deep; you never know what you might discover!

DECEMBER 2024 NICOLE NUTT

I am a mixed media artist who blends the art of embroidery with the vibrant world of painting. My creations are a celebration of the natural world, with a particular focus on flowers. Flowers, like life itself, undergo cycles of growth, transformation, and eventual blossoming. I find deep inspiration in these parallels to the human experience. The use of embroidery, with its tactile texture and depth, is an added medium I use to bring my floral visions to life.

NOVEMBER 2024 LORI ANN WALLIN

NOVEMBER 2024

Lori Ann Wallin

Mountain Girl Fiber Arts

In French, “tricoteuse” describes a woman who sits and knits, whatever the external circumstances, and the term describes me accurately; I knit everywhere and all the time. The apparent alchemy of knitting -- using sticks and string to transform thousands of tiny, discrete stitches into a single piece of fabric -- charms me, and I love the practical magic of transforming raw material into functional objects.

I work primarily with natural fibers -- wool, silk, cotton -- materials with texture and warmth which can’t be reproduced in synthetics and which appeal to the hand as well as the eye, durable as well as beautiful. I prefer to use locally sourced materials from small, artisan producers, incorporating their love of craft into my finished projects. I often select deep, heathered, greens, browns, roses, and bronzes for their associations with the forests, farms, and mountains of my childhood.

My designs stem from the tactile experience of handling the yarn and playing with its drape and weight -- I let the fiber guide me. Knitting at its most basic creates a flat, two-dimensional rectangle of fabric, but bodies are rounded, and I enjoy the challenge of coaxing fabric which wants to lay flat to instead smoothly curve around a lush, three-dimensional form. Knitting is a contemplative practice for me – I find harmony in the rhythmic clicking of my needles, the smoothness of yarn gliding over them, the fluid motion of fabric slipping onto cables.

I focus on wearable art and believe the mindful creation and use of everyday objects can tangibly connect us to our history and the resources we rely on. Knitting is a slow process which results in heirloom objects which will remain beautiful and useful for decades, pulling the best of the past into a sustainable future, celebrating the craft and mastery of those arts traditionally – and often dismissively – labeled “women’s work.”

OCTOBER 2024 DONNA KULIBERT

Donna Kulibert

Common Ground Pottery

 

I did not start out as a potter.  My first art degree was jewelry design and photography from the

University of Wisconsin.  I earned a second degree in Art Education from EWU.  It was at

Eastern that I discovered clay. I consider myself a production potter and teacher.  It’s not about

the number of pots I make but more about the process.  I love to decorate and want each piece

to stand alone.

 

When you throw, paint or carve the clay you became more aware of the changes on the

surface, both the tactual and visual  quality of each piece.  My carved pieces have a rippled

surface like flowing water.  The texture is intended for the person to rub their hands over to

make them aware of nature.

 

Clay is a very demanding media to work in both physically and mentally.  A good day is

working in my studio and becoming lost in time.  I will never have enough time to explore all

the things I want to do in clay.  Every firing brings excitement, much of my new work is Raku,

and Raku is primarily decorative.

 

 I want the pot to be held and visualized as they use a piece. or caress the rough surfaces of a

carved piece. To smile as they drink from their favorite mug.  That small second of connection

is another thing that drives me to create.  I think being aware of that moment in their day, in a

society so full of technology, being super-charged to get everything done as quickly as possible

will help focus on the now, or ground a person in the moment so they can look inward, if only

for a brief moment, and have an appreciation for what’s around them.

 

I have been blessed to travel extensively and have visited with potters around the world.  Clay

is timeless and potters have played a major role in civilizations.  Archaeologists study ancient

pottery to understand lost societies. I make pottery to be passed on for generations.  I started

making pottery in 1976 and for 35 years was a member of the Pottery Place.  Sometimes I think

about retiring but I cant imagine giving it up completely because it is in my soul.   I did

not start out as a potter but will forever love the process.

SEPTEMBER 2024 Dianne McDermott & Jacquie Robinson

Dianne McDermott

MARRIAGE OF ART AND PRACTICALITY


‘I wanted to make something that is practical and usable, yet expressive as art.’ Backpack/purses… As a semi-retired illustrator and graphic artist, I use my art background in designing these bags. And I often research designer fabrics to compile a theme. Beadwork nd embroidery add to the uniqueness of each creation. The adjustable shoulder straps don’t slip, and the bag hugs your back beautifully when you ride a bike or hike. I’ve come a long way since that first bag I designed. Making art that is functional and practical gives me joy. I have always admired fine artists who create from their heart and hope someone hears their message and enjoys it. These artistic bags make a statement and are proven to get you lots of notice… My mission is to make a comfortable, durable backpack/purse that will last for years. And it is fun to wear!



Jacquie Robinson

I’m a visual artist who loves exploring stories, imagination, and creativity. For the past decade, I’ve been honing my photography style and working on projects in places like Mexico, France, and Ghana. This year, I’m using Washington and Idaho as my canvas. My inspiration comes from various sources, including classic literature, the fleeting beauty of nature, and childhood memories. Through my work, I want to transport viewers to a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I hope these images inspire others to find wonder around them and within their imaginations.

-   Jacquie Robinson

AUGUST 2024 THOMAS CRESSMAN

Thomas Cressman

Thomas Cressman is a metalsmith and jewelry artist currently living in Mead, WA. He received his Bachelors of Fine Art at California State University Long Beach, after having explored metalsmithing and jewelry classes in high school. He grew up in Southern California and resided in Colorado for two years, until he and his wife moved to Spokane, WA.

He creates wearable and sculptural art and jewelry that reflect the details and structural features of organisms around us. His work is abstracted interpretations of his inspirations and consists of both sculptural and wearable pieces. However, he strives to make every object stand on its own as a unique work of art. He explores the way that metal can be moved and manipulated to reflect these organic shapes and contours around me.
 

Most of his inspirations are drawn from ecological and oceanic life. He studies how these organisms exist in their own world, and he sees the beauty in the shapes, colors, and textures that they display. He brings these features into his work by using metalsmithing and patination techniques to show a contrast of color and texture. Using metal as a medium allows him to have control on how he creates his own living forms. This life that dwells around us inspires me with their beautiful and unexpected forms, and he aims to connect to his viewers by allowing them to see the natural world as he does.


JULY 2024 GAY WALDMAN

WALDMAN ORIGINALS

This is original artwork by Gay Waldman. Her artistic approach evolves from her carefully

composed and original photographs. In a significant way, her work expands how the

viewer perceives, considers and interprets photographic media as art.

“My photo-art developed during the 1980-90’s while working in my darkroom and

manipulating photos with oil, pencil, and collage. I retired the darkroom in 2002 and

I exclusively manipulate digitally. My photo-art is not finished when the shutter is

pressed; it is accomplished after hours of intuitive exploration and innovative

enhancements that bring them alive with color, texture, and implied motion.

My work relies on a multitude of photographs rich with color, translucent qualities,

layering, and overlapping. My garden as well as travel provides a plethora of

images; including flora, landscape, seasons, water, and frequent introduction of

geometric shapes. I draw with a stylus pen directly on screen using Adobe

Photoshop and Corel Painter with FX extension effects. I occasionally paint with

acrylic or pastel to create backgrounds on paper or canvas and then photograph

them to use as integral components of my finished work.”

Her large digital images are archived and printed at professional color labs using

traditional color processing, small images and cards are printed using an Epson XP-

15000, with ink & papers rated at a 100 year life span. Her portfolio also includes dye-

infused satin aluminum prints and artistically designed fabric yardage, fabric scarves, and

headbands. For sculptural expression she adds an intentional hand-bent curve to her

aluminum prints.

Gay is primarily self-taught in photography, and earned her Bachelor of Arts, with

emphasis in design from Lewis Clark State College. She lives in Spokane with her

husband Brent Hoogner. She has been a professional artist since 1985 and from her

home studio she provides professional custom framing, interior design consultation,

commission art work, and participates in juried and solo exhibitions annually. Gay has

completed several permanent public art installations including in the Spokane Convention

Center Ballroom Lobby and North Corridor, Rockwood South, and Gritman Medical

Center Women’s Imaging Clinic in Moscow, Idaho.

Gay’s artwork is for sale online at gwaldman.com, in local galleries, and in Spokane at her

home retail studio-frame shop. Her artwork may also be purchased and rented by

businesses and private parties through the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture’s Art

Source program. Thank you for supporting the Arts, enjoy!

- special requests and commissions gladly accepted 509.456.7240 by appointment

JUNE 2024 LEELA FRANCIS & SHELLY MATTHEWS

LEELA FRANCIS

Forest for the Trees Series

 

I use acrylic mixed media and collage to remind us of a child like sense of

exploration and wonder as I discover the tree characters in each work. I invite

you to wander with me in these imaginary arborscapes inspired by the forests

that surround me in my half year home on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. 

Blessed to journey deeply with trees, I have trekked through forests on 5

continents, learning to find and re-find my essence self by bowing to the wisdom

and ancient presence of trees. 

​

Perhaps you too will find what you didn't know was missing. That's how it

happens with me, humbly dwarfed by these wise giants, when I discover I

haven't been seeing the forest for the trees.e you to look closely and enjoy the texture!





SHELLY MATTHEWS

I grew up on a lake in rural Indiana surrounded by farmland and rolling hills of green

pastures. As a young girl, I was the one who planted, watered, and weeded the flowers.

When I wasn’t mowing yards or cemeteries ;) or helping bale hay, I was riding horses or

swimming in the lake. Hard work and sunshine have always agreed with me.

Thirty-eight years ago, before moving west, I married my husband Paul, in a huge

garden under a grape arbor. We soon moved to North Idaho, to a then vacant wooded

spot overlooking Twin Lakes. It is the place where our boys grew up, helping take care

of flowers, chickens, goats, and family pets. The summers were filled with art camp and

swimming.

My degree is in art education. God took me on a different path for over twentytwo years

as founder/principal of a Christian school. Upon retiring in 2019, I opened Art on the

Roof teaching studio in Rathdrum. The rooftop garden inspires both my students and

myself.

Flowers are God’s gift to give us joy.

I paint to adorn our walls with that gift throughout all seasons. The greatest compliment

I can receive is “Your paintings make me smile . . . “

To God be the glory. 

Shelly Matthews

Owner-Instructor Art on the Roof-A Teaching Studio

Art on the Roof-Facebook

ShellyMatthewsArt-Instagram

Artontheroof.com



MAY 2024 CHERYLEE DUNCAN


CHERYLEE DUNCAN


There is a school of thought that artists must have only one recognizable style but I have too

much artful energy to adhere to that “rule”. If I have a distinct trademark, I would label it “eclectic”.

I abhor waste and therefore get excited about reusing and upcycling as much as possible.

When I crochet rugs from all recycled fabrics (see my regular display here within the gallery), I

save bits and pieces for use in my mixed media paintings. This method, along with using

only what I already have on hand, is how I’ve created this series, Threadscapes. I am elated to

find the perfect scrap of lace, thread, rope, shoestring, yarn, dried flowers from my garden,

pencil shavings, dried paint scraps, old gel medium I’ve sculpted, stamp-carving remnants,

upholstery samples, curtains, doilies, bits of jewelry, etc, to emulate nature’s delight in each

piece; the options are excitingly endless. I invite you to look closely and enjoy the texture!

APRIL 2024 CJ MORRISON

CJ MORRISON

WOOD ARTIST
 

"I believe our homes are a sacred space that we curate with goods that inspire and ground us."

CJ Morrison is a Spokane artist who creates artwork out of wood strips that are stained and formed into intricate geometric patterns, and mountain landscapes. CJ will be the guest artist at Pottery Place Plus for the month of April. Stop by on First Friday April 5th from 5-9pm to see CJ’s work and meet the artist in person!

MARCH 2024 JEFF CAMDEN

JEFF CAMDEN

"My inspiration for my art comes from these great places and the deep respect and love I have for them."

-Jeff Camden

"I was born in a small rural community in Salmon, Idaho.  Growing up, I was lucky enough to travel all over the northwest, riding horses, hunting, and fishing.  The states of Montana, Idaho, and Oregon became my first love.  My inspiration for my art comes from these great places and the deep respect I have for them.  Art to me is about sharing my experiences in my life; sharing my dreams.

Art has always been a major part of my life. My first memories of drawing were at a very young age. People responded well to what I was creating, so of course I created more. My first publication came from a contest I entered for the Missoulian newspaper.  

My commitment to creating art is who I am. My goal is to create as much as possible with my main focus on landscape scenes. I create images of real places and animals as well as imaginary places. I hope you enjoy the images I create, and thank you for your support."

– God bless, Jeff Camden

FEBRUARY 2024 LORETTA ETCHISON & MELISSA ISAACSON

LORETTA ETCHISON

"I have been creating art work and selling it since I was 15. In 1972, when I was in high school, my best friend and I had a booth at the first “Art on the Green”. I have been creating in some form or another since then. I had a 35 year career as a florist, and also taught floral design at Spokane Community College. I have always considered myself an “Out of the Box” designer.

I started my little card company Retro Blooms about twenty years ago. I design the originals from flowers I press from my garden, the cards are made from prints.

I retired three years ago and started making wool felted purses and decorating them with needle felting. I find joy in creating and learning new avenues to grow in my art life."


MELISSA ISAACSON

"My best work starts outside the studio, when I take the time to slow down and really look around me. I start noticing themes in the space: patterns, lines, colors, light and shadow, textures, etc. I'll start sketching on site with whatever materials I have on hand. Sometimes it's a No. 2 pencil on the back of some old mail. If I planned ahead, I've got my sketch bag stocked with a few types of papers, drawing pencils, markers, colored pencils, and gouache. While I sketch, I'm focused more on what I see in front of me than on how the sketch turns out. It's a way to focus my mind and pay attention to the details rather than an attempt to complete a finished piece. I keep my phone handy, and capture images of things taking place within the space while I'm sketching. My goal in the studio is to tell the story of the place I was in, combining the technical visual details with the events taking place to capture the essence of the place. I attempt to tell the stories of places, and the people passing through them."

JANUARY 2024 JUAQUETTA HOLCOMB

JUAQUETTA HOLCOMB

Juaquetta has been hand spinning yarn since 1992. The wool and alpaca she uses are from local PNW farms. She does all the processing herself; washing, dyeing, preparing to spin. Check out her rustic handspun yarn, hats and shawls at Pottery Place Plus this January.

DECEMBER 2023 GINGER OAKES

As a ceramic artist for near 30 yrs, I’ve transformed stoneware and porcelain into 3D images from my mind. I have worked and experimented in the privacy of my own home studio and have been honored to show my work in galleries and shows across the US. In recent years I’ve shared my studio with private students and peers who love to relax and play with clay. It has been my favorite creative time so far.
Each piece of work in this show is hand built and one of a kind, fired in multiple firing processes. While creating every sculpture, my appreciation of life stories in nature, the human body, mind and spirit has grown. Sometimes the details and messages in the work are hidden, so it’s been fun to find the story below the clay surface, I hope you enjoy finding things too.
2023 has been the Chinese year of the rabbit which is full of luck and I have been incredibly fortunate. May 2024 bring more Peace and Joy in our beautiful world.

Thank you for coming.

Ginger Oakes/GoArt

NOVEMBER 2023 STEPH SAMMONS

I AM STEPH SAMMONS, A LIFE-LONG RESIDENT OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.

My road to making art has been a long and winding one, and my artwork bears evidence of all my stops along the way...

You may notice strong line-work from my stints in drafting and graphic design; you’ll see vivid colors, textures and sharp contrast from years working with visually impaired students. You also witness the geeky subject matter of a former English major. I hope you’ll feel a reverence for joy, from my years spend crafting with pediatric oncology patients and facilitating art with at-risk youth. Finally, I hope you’ll sense a love of magic, unconventional methods and unorthodox materials, from my time in theatrical design.

My current obsession is an Alphabet of Mythical Beings. I recently completed these and made them into a book, which I published in partnership with Gray Dog Press, here in Spokane.

SEPTEMBER 2023 BEVIE LABRIE

BEVIE LABIE

Bevie grew up in Washington State in the foothills of Mt. St. Helens. Exploring the woods as a young girl began her observation of and interest in the color and intricacies of nature. Climbing trees and running through the woods sparked her love for adventure, movement and creation.  

Her artwork is influenced by her life as an art therapist, educator, youth worker, wilderness instructor, and through exploration of the world through climbing rocks, travel and mountainous beauty.  She is inspired by life and nature in all its forms--calm, chaotic, dry and abundant. She works with mixed media, is often inspired by found objects, and is led by presence through her process.

Bevies passion and hope is to inspire and open up wells of creativity, courage and life in others through her art and its process.