Local Artisans: New talents and remodel highlight Kirkpatrick

The Kirkpatrick Gallery at Frontier Village continues to change — both artistically and physically.

At the start of the tourism season a remodel was completed inside. Now there is carpet, new display shelves, a rebuilt counter and, because of the changes, more space.

“The floor was a cement floor and we wanted to improve the appearance so when people come in there is a new feel,” said Dina Laskowski, treasurer of the Artisans group.

All art for sale in the gallery is done by local artists. Some volunteer their time to work at the gallery and others consign their work.

“People that bring their product and volunteer, the commission to the gallery is less than if they consign,” Laskowski said.

Those who volunteer also covered the cost of the remodel.

The use of the building was a gift from James Kirkpatrick in 1992 so local artisans had a place to offer their work for sale. As a result the Artisans are responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

All artwork accepted for sale in the gallery has undergone a jury process and is original and decorative.

New this year is Jodie Venter, who has a wide range of different types of oil paintings for sale.

Venter is a self-taught, freelance artist originally from California. She, like all the other Artisans, calls Jamestown home.

Michael Schwartz is another new artist who focuses on wildlife.

“He has an interesting-type form which is a type of pointillism,” Laskowski said.

Schwartz uses many series of tiny dots or lines to create an image from nature with a different texture than a painted piece.

Schwartz’s wife, Jesse Lynne, also joined the Artisans this year. She, like her husband, works with nature. But she uses her photography to share God’s message with spiritual expressions.

Dan Zimney and his blown glass are another addition to the Kirkpatrick this year. Some of Zimney’s pieces aren’t perfect and those flaws make each piece unique, Laskowski said.

“Some of his are primitive and some are nicely done,” she said.

Many Artisan regulars returned to the Kirkpatrick Gallery this tourism season.

They include Bev Dowdy and her scented candles, which look and smell like various beverages and desserts. She also has dreamcatchers and scented soaps this year.

Also with work at the Kirckpatrick:

* Mary Ellen Erickson, a retired teacher/school counselor with 30 years experience, and her children’s books. Her books stress values, character and work ethic.

* Rosemary Gasal creates landscapes done with oil paints.

* The pottery work of Joann Herman is on display. Herman, who is also president of the Artisans, works her clay on the potters’ wheel. Her mother, Florence Pratt Trudell, has acrylic paintings for sale as well. Pratt Trudell paints on a wide variety of materials which include saw blades and rocks to create rock pets.

* Andy Kudrna offers wood carvings with products ranging from pens to gnomes.

* Laskowski creates handmade jewelry with handmade beads, commercial beads, polished rocks and copper and brass wire.

* Jaci Trefz offers stained glass work for sale.

* Drex Young and his scrimshaw work rounds out the Artisans. Young uses antlers for his work.

The Kirkpatrick Gallery in Frontier Village is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week through the end of August. In September the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Volunteers are welcome to sign up to work shifts in the gallery and meet the people that visit from across the country and beyond.

“I think the diversity we have in the gallery is very good,” Laskowski said.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, arts