Our featured artists this month share a passion for pastel. No, they don’t paint in soft pinks and baby blues -- quite the contrary! Pastel is pure pigment that can express intense color as well as subtle, hazy hues. Come see for yourself what skilled artists can do with this versatile medium. Our Guest Artist Bruce Gomez paints exclusively in pastel on cold-pressed watercolor paper. His works glow with rich color, often winning awards in prestigious pastel and plein air invitational shows, and hang in major corporate collections. A dynamic and engaging teacher, he has taught here in Moab as well as in Telluride, Colorado, Sedona, Arizona, London, England, and Cortona, Italy. He is currently a regular instructor at the Abend Gallery of Fine Art in Denver, and exhibits at the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. Gomez is entirely self-taught. His artistic influences range from Paleolithic art to Alfred Sisley, Maxfield Parrish, Juan Gris, and Gustav Klimt. He states “I go out and look to capture that one unique and spectacular moment of life, whether in the mountains, in an urban setting, I might be slogging through a deluge, snowshoeing in minus 10◦F, or painting plein air in 101° F. In spite of all those obstacles, I get to distill it all down to that essential instance of striking allure and there you have it. I pride myself in painting something that anyone can see themselves if they hang around: no exaggerations, no symbolism, and no implied metaphor.”

Sarah Hamingson, our Featured Gallery Artist, discovered her perfect creative medium in pastel, which she loves for its immediacy, vibrant colors, and tactile nature. “Moving to Moab in 1996 was a turning point in my artistic journey,” Hamingson says. “I found myself in a place which, more than twenty years later, provides endless inspiration. I love being able to be outside hiking or painting in minutes. When a storm moves in, and the clouds and light are exciting, I grab my camera or my pastels, and head out to be part of it. My time spent exploring the land informs my painting both directly and indirectly. Hours spent hiking and cloud-watching may not immediately result in a painting, but they are threads running through the fabric of my creations.”

Art Walk resumes on Saturday, September 11. Gallery Moab will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the event. Join us to enjoy a diverse selection of original, locally made fine art and artisan crafts and meet Hamingson and our other talented artists.

Open Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 12 noon - 7:00 p.m. Call 435-220-0891 and we will gladly open by appointment during other hours. One of the artists is always on hand to answer your questions or help you find that perfect gift or memento of your visit.

Gallery Moab LCA, 9 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 Gallery Moab in the Moab Happenings

Gallery Moab LCA 59 South Main Street #1, Moab, Utah 84532 • 435-355-0024
gallerymoab.com - Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.

Dance is a unique and individual expression. Music and dance have been vital to all cultures around the world. Deb Slechta, the force behind this show, has been involved in all forms of dance since she was 4 years old. Dance and quilting have been two of her passions and she knows that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to express your art. That’s what makes this quilt show so unique. The entries range from beginners to professional quilters. You will be surprised and impressed by the creativity shown at this 2021 DANCE! themed quilt show.

This is not a judged and juried show. What is unique about this quilt show is that all of the quilts are miniatures! All of the labels are covered over so that through a viewer’s choice vote, one does not automatically vote for the person’s quilt whom they may know. This small detail in voting leads to a more dynamic voter’s response. In general, more people have shown interest in participating because the show is anonymous.

Throughout the month of October, quilts will be on display at Gallery Moab (59 S. Main Street) Monday-Thursday Noon-4pm, Friday & Saturday Noon-7pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. You will also find a slideshow presentation on the website along with online voting at www.itssewmoab.com.

Please mail your quilt submissions to:
It’s Sew Moab LLC
2760 Calle Puentes Drive
Moab, Utah 84532

Winners will receive
First Prize: $100
Second Prize: $75
Third Prize: $50