The canyon country has long been a magnet for adventurers of all sorts, artists included. Creating art takes an adventurous spirit whether you are a rank beginner taking that first step of making your mark on paper or canvas, or you are already an accomplished artist pushing your boundaries toward new ways of expression. At Gallery Moab there is always something new and intriguing on our walls, as our artists explore and push into unfamiliar territory, experimenting with new and different styles, mediums and processes. As in life, art is so exciting if you never stop exploring!

Sarah Hamingson, skilled as a realistic landscape pastel artist, has lately forged into new territory, creating striking new works by using pastels on different surfaces and combining them with other mediums. She says “My journey as an artist has taken me on a path of exploration, both geographically and artistically.” She describes her process in creating “Moonflower,” a recent painting: “I used some different techniques to create this painting. I started with a layer of white oil paint over the whole paper. Next, I layered pan pastels on top of that, and scraped away with a razor and various other tools to create texture. Last, I added more pan pastels and some stick pastels. I’ve been exploring this method lately and have been doing some landscapes as well as florals.”

Helen Becker, after years of painting abstract oils and impressionistic pastels, now creates whimsical contemporary art collages using layers of acrylic, paper, fabrics and foil. She explains, “The sound of music in my studio orchestrates how my brush combines glue and acrylics into unique collage paintings. Music is an inspiration that allows ideas to flow into the final work. I like to show how my internal rhythm affects collaging and painting; and how creating the best beat for each part of the work is instrumental in successful art-making. And so, my title and process direct me. How do I know when the collage painting is finished? When my mind hears the painting play a lively finale.”

Our gallery artists are taking the leap into spring with a showing of new works on the theme of “Emergence.” Come in and join these creative adventurers along their journeys. Besides fine art, you’ll also find a colorful diversity of unique prints, photography, ceramics, wood carvings, fused glass, sculpture, jewelry, fabric art, cards and more. One of the artists is always on hand when the gallery is open to help you or answer your questions. We love to talk art!

For your safety and ours, Gallery Moab follows COVID safety protocols by requiring masks indoors, social distancing, and sanitizing. We offer a colorful selection of 100% cotton masks in different styles made by our artists. Sale of these masks helps us keep the lights on!

Open 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 12 noon – 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Call 435-220-0891 and we will gladly open by appointment during other hours.

Gallery Moab LCA - 59 South Main Street #1, Moab, Utah 84532 - 435-355-0024 - gallerymoab.com - Visit us on Facebook and Instagram. And be sure to mention you read about the HMK artit show in Moab Happenings.