May 21, 2009

Artists’ reception to serve as

art show preview in Ritzville

Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen

A MASTER. Fred Oldfield, one of the state’s best known western artists, is part of this year’s event. He provided the artwork for the 2009 event poster.

One and all are invited to a pre-event reception this Friday, May 22, beginning at 6 p.m. at the C.J. Newland American Legion Memorial Hall on Broadway Avenue in Ritzville.

The Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show will host an Artists’ Reception featuring live entertainment, a full slate of artists doing live demonstrations and refreshments.

Nearly every registered participant is planning to attend the gathering.

Cost is $5 per person at the door.

Topping the evening’s agenda is 13 artists participating in a quick finish, which is where an artist has one hour to complete a painting already in progress.

At the end of the hour, the painting is auctioned. The artist receives 50 percent of the proceeds while the Ritzville Downtown Development Association, the organization responsible for the art show, will receive the remaining 50 percent.

Shelia Bledsoe, Barbara Conner-Reed, Patricia Cooper, Hulan Fleming, Jack Fordyce, Ted Foulkes, Molly Kubista, Joel Olson, Jerre NightHawk Raven, R. ‘Bob’ Stem, Zella Strickland, Tina Reeve Tharp and Rick Urdahl will set up their stations on the stage at the Legion hall for the quick finish.

Throughout the evening, cowboy singer Hank Cramer and cowboy poet Jake Harder will liven the atmosphere with live entertainment.

Diane Koss and Mike Telecky have rustled up a menu of Cowboy Cocktail Snacks for the evening, and Whisperin’ Palms is handling spirits.