Local artists showcase talent at museum

Bigfork’s artistic talent is on display at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

The 2014 spring members’ show opened Friday, displaying pieces from 38 local artists both professional and amateur.

For Bridget Michlig it was the first time in her 13 years as a Bigfork resident she’d attended a member’s show.

“I’m delighted,” she said. She recognized many of the names next to paintings, photographs and sculptures. 

“A lot of these are folks that I know, but I didn’t know them in this way,” she said. “I’m really grateful to be around such talent.”

The museum does two member’s shows every year, which are open to any museum member who wishes to display their artwork. It costs $10 and each artist can submit two pieces. Unlike other shows, the museum accepts all entries. Museum director Marnie Forbis said the member shows are the two opportunities a year for the museum to help promote emerging artists. Over the years she has been able to see the artistic growth of members, and has seen the overall quality of member shows continue to improve.

Joanne Simpson is a new member to the museum. She joined largely so she could participate in the members’ show.

She has two pieces in the show, a watercolor titled “Banana Bike” and batik on rice paper titled “White Angel Peony.”

Simpson is most known for her batik pieces. Batik is a technique where the artist applies wax to the part of the painting where they don’t want color.

“It’s kind of a tedious process, but I really like it,” Simpson said.

She began painting in 1982. Her grandmother, aunt and great aunt were all artists. “I thought if they could do it, I could do it.”

Now retired from teaching Spanish Simpson spends a lot of time working on her art. “White Angel Peony” took her four days to complete.

Showcasing work of artists like Simpson is part of the uniqueness of the members’ show at the Bigfork museum. The show runs until May 31.