ArtStroll hits downtown

The Second Friday ArtStroll/Still Strolling Saturday in downtown Thermopolis will be June 8 and 9, celebrating our picture perfect local galleries and flourishing arts community.

Stroll hours on Friday evening are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The ArtStroll continues Saturday during regular business hours. 

Smoking Waters Art Guild and Main Street Thermopolis proudly present this kick-off for the summer season, a great opportunity to see some new art and artists and learn from the artists and gallery owners who support them.

Be on the lookout for Gretchen O’Bleness who does mandala rock painting. O’Bleness, from Idaho Falls, discovered rock painting a year ago and quickly became enthralled with the dot mandala painting technique and the variety of colors and patterns one could make with minimal tools and supplies. She has become known among rock painters and collectors of all ages.

She started college as an art major, felt ‘awkward’ selling her work, switched majors, and ended up working as a computer nerd. She explains, “It’s been fun to exercise my art muscles this past year, and I enjoy getting to give away my art by hiding rocks in the least expected place!” 

Andrea Linn, who is O’Bleness’ sister, and friends will be demonstrating knitting and crochet.

Check out One More Spin – new recycled record clocks and earrings by Jondi Alcorn and gallery owner Tom Butler along with other artists and medium. 

Owl Creek Graphics is this month’s host business and is where you will see Cindy Clancy’s painted saws and other rustic painted items, and right next door, Douglas Nelson’s photography will be on display. 

While you’re there, see the paintings and fish taxidermy of Allen Darlington.  Jennie Blakesley will also be on hand with her jewelry and there is a variety of other art to admire. 

Just down the street, Jewelry by Ana Mosser, the Hospital Auxiliary Bake Sale and  repurposed and eclectic items can be found.

Across Broadway on Fifth Street, Stephanie Conrad and friends plans a kick-off to summer sale of handmade and repurposed items. 

You’ll want to explore the other side of Broadway, too where a new mural by Karyne Dunbar will be unveiled as well as Debbie Stroppel’s award-winning photography in the gallery.

There will be an Open Mic from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday evening after the Stroll.   

Still Strolling Saturday continues the ArtStroll with artist shows in downtown businesses.  Stroll to the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center to attend Gretchen O’Bleness’  mandala rock painting class from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a fee for the class which will benefit People to People. To reserve your spot, call Andrea at 921-9567.

Later on Saturday, Smoking Waters Art Guild members will lead a Sunflower Sip-N-Paint from 1-4 p.m. at the Bar-N. There is a fee which will benefit the Guild and pre-registration required. Contact Cindy Clancy at 921-8599 for more information.

Stollers are encouraged to pick up a map at any stroll business to find the location of artists and activities. Return the map to the host business, Owl Creek Graphics, at 527 Broadway Street, at the end of Friday evening’s stroll to be entered to win a piece of art work donated by the artists.

The Second Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday is organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional help from Main Street Thermopolis, Hot Springs Travel & Tourism and local businesses and individuals.