The Hunt for Local Art

We've spent some time the last few weekends in search of original works of art by local and Eastern Washington artists. Spokane has several nice galleries, notably The Tinman Gallery in the Garland District http://tinmanartworks.com/ and the new Bozzi Collection in the old city hall building downtown http://www.bozzicollection.com/. Yesterday we found this whimsical original drypoint monoprint by veteran Spokane artist Mel McCuddin at the Tinman. Very affordable and looks great on our wall.

Today we took the 20-minute drive up to Soap Lake for the annual Winterfest Art Show, which draws artists from the Okanogan, Methow Valley and other artistic pockets around the area. Had a nice chat with Al Lundberg, a long-time art collector who co-founded the Soap Lake Art Guild when he and his wife retired to "The Land of Healing Waters" ten years ago. Al is tied into a network of dozens of artists throughout the region. His goal is to get their works out of their bedrooms and garages and into the public eye.

For our next art trip we are heading to the Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp, recommended by Mr. Lundberg.