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In the Cabinet. . .

Bruce Richardson: Wood Carvings

Wood Carving has been a fascination of mine for many years, but discovering Native American crooked knives changed my creative life. As I learned to use them making masks and bowls, my appreciation for Native work inspired me. Numerous classes at Greg Blomberg's Kestrel Tool Workshop learning from today's best Native carvers was an invaluable help.

More recently I began working in the style of my own Swedish heritage carving Viking style "ale bowls" that were filled with beer or mead for ceremonial occasions in the Viking era. Most of my work is with local alder or maple and sometimes red cedar for masks. Both Viking and Native styles have highly developed design conventions which make creating original designs challenging and rewarding. Carving with adzes, crooked knives, and chisels by a warm wood stove on a wintry day in my Lopez studio can be truly a "spiritual experience." ~ Bruce Richardson

Contact: Bruce Richardson

Phone: 468-4658

Email:ravenrich1@gmail.com

Upcoming Art Shows... 2013

• June 3 - July 15: Gayl Beller: Pressed Botanical Cards

• July 16 - Aug 27: Ralph Bladt: Industrial Design Renderings

Upcoming Cabinet Exhibits ... 2013

• June 3 - July 15: Iris Graville: Handmade Books

• July 16 - Aug 27: Patie Savage: Clay Animals

In the Main Salon. . .
Shannon Hoffman: Beachcomber's Artwork

I love to create. It is my relentless need to create that guides me through life. I find my inspiration in the processes and perfection of the natural world. There is so much amazing art in this world but to me it all pales to the unsurpassed talents of Mother Nature. I feel it to be an honor to take a gift from nature - a well-tumbled piece of sea glass, an interesting stone or an eye-catching agate and turn it in to art that someone is proud to display.

Shades of Green bracelet by Shannon Hoffman

I strive for the imperfections that give hand-made work its' character. I do not want the wearer to wonder if a piece of my jewelry was stamped out of a machine or made under unthinkable working conditions. Each stone you see in my collection was cut and shaped by hand, by me and all the silver work was done sustainably without the use of fossil fuels.

Chrysoprase Slab and Beach Pebble earrings by Shannon Hoffman

I tell people that I am lucky, I consider myself to be a professional beachcomber. All that nature and fresh air, does it get any better? Not for me. ~ Shannon Hoffman

Deep Amber necklace by Shannong Hoffman

Display case at the library

In the Quiet Room ...

Quilts: April 9 - July 9

The quiet room is a beautiful place to read, study, and reflect. It is a peaceful and now more cozy than ever with these beautiful quilt creations hanging and changed each month. Come visit the "quiet room." Thanks to Anne Dawson who swaps out the quilts every now and then.

"Dragonfly Dance" by Darlene Demetrick

"Epicenter" by Barbara Nepom

Art Gallery Coordinator

Meg Ryan has graciously accepted the task of coordinating artists to exhibit their work in the library's main salon and in the display cabinets that face the entry into the library. With a professional background in art and design, Meg has an exceptional eye for form and color, and has assembled an amazing line up of artists to display their works each month into 2013. Among her volunteer duties are placing the advertising for each art show, offering assistance to the artists when their work goes up or down.

Seeking and selecting the artists for each show is her primary role. We look forward collaborating with her as she keeps the library gallery as one of the premier places for artists to show their work. Meg Ryan is always on the lookout for artists, seasoned or new, that have a connection with Lopez, to show their work. Contact Meg if you have interest in exhibiting your work.

Meg Ryan - 468-4330

Email: meg_environmentdesign@centurytel.net

We want to thank Carolyn Cameron for her contributions to the library during the last year. She has recently moved off the island.

Spotted at the Lopez Library on Fisherman's Bay Road

This recent addition to the library's permanent collection was donated by our local artist, Marc Foster Grant (thank you, Marc!) This acrylic on handmade rag paper can be seen along with many more of his whimsical creations at www.marcfostergrant.com

History of a Painting

This Triptych Pastel was painted in 1993 in the upstairs studio space at Shirley Wright's Grayling Gallery at the request of the library. A large image was needed to be displayed over the then existing steep staircase behind the circulation desk.

A makeshift scaffolding was erected and a large plank spanning the stairwell was used to balance on while hanging the three framed pieces. I think because of these difficulties, the paintings hung there for quite some time.

When remodeling of the library was imminent, they were taken down and Robert Hermann purchased them shortly after that and displayed them to great advantage in his Hunter Bay house over the fireplace.

Now here it is*, once more in a perfect setting.

~ Christa Malay, Artist

* The library would like to thank the Friends of Lopez Island Library, for purchasing this triptych for permanent display in the new Reading Room (Quiet Room - Shhh!). It is lovely and very much at peace now that it has returned back home.