Part of the fun and enjoyment of art is showcasing it. Having others share in the art is part of the experience. Realizing that, we wanted to create a place that allowed local artists to have an outlet for their work. Over the last year, we have had seven members join the gallery, and we’d like to highlight the work they do.

Coming from California, Pam Browning’s style is heavily inspired by Mexican art and artists. Sugar skulls, Dia de los Muertos, and Frida Kahlo are among some of the things she draws inspiration from. Pam specializes in assemblage art, which make for some great plays on texture and dimension. Her colorful shadow boxes never fail to spark joy and add intrigue to any collection.

Paula Rae specializes in fluid painting. Her unique acrylic pieces are mesmerizing as well as beautiful, making them perfect accent pieces for any home or office. Being a self taught painter, she brings with her an approach that is unique to her, and it shows in her work.

From Hot Springs, Trisha Blair spends countless hours creating pieces out of leaver or pine needles. Much of her work is created from a single piece of leather that is cut and manipulated to create three dimensional forms that lift off the surface and move past the frame. They are something you have to see to appreciate.

David Westfall has a very expressive style of painting. He specializes in portraits done in acrylic paint, but ventures into other areas as well. His brushwork gives feeling and energy to each of his pieces. Combined with his use of color, the pieces have an impressionistic quality.

Specializing in watercolor painting, Angie Heinze is definitively finding her artistic voice. Taking scenes from places she has visited, she breathes a new life into them as she puts them to paper. But she also ventures into fantasy, taking real scenes and creating something unique, that stretches reality.

David Lyons works in both watercolor and oil painting. He pains scenery from around the area, as well as wildlife. His fine detail work is what makes his painting special and draws people in. Having lived in Sturgis his whole life, David is retired and finally able to focus on his passion for of painting.

Always coming up with a new creative idea, Dean White specializes in woodworking and metal projects. His excellent craftsmanship and unique creations is what makes his work truly stand out. Typically furniture pieces, his work incorporates found objects and makes them into a truly one-of-a-kind piece of functional art.

Derek, Dustin and Elizabeth also display their art. Combining their passions for the arts as a whole, they add an assortment of different art forms, from photography, to metal work, to more of the fine arts. And they always are continuing to expand their own art forms.