‘Uplifting’ Gorbachev Returns Exhibit Features Scenes From Both Russia And Southeast Asia

Russian artist Yuri Gorbachev returns to the Inland Northwest this weekend for the third time, bringing with him all-new paintings that express his dual passions for his homeland and Southeast Asia.

Gorbachev’s exhibit, featuring both traditional Russian life scenes and paintings that were inspired by his many trips to Indonesia, is showing at the Douglas Gallery in downtown Spokane.

“On his first visit to Bali,” says gallery owner Danni Douglas, “Yuri told me that because of all the vibrant colors he thought he had stepped off the plane in heaven.”

Gorbachev has produced a new series of tropical birds, flowers and landscapes.

Creating in what he calls a “naive primitive” style, Gorbachev is best known in the United States for his brightly colored paintings used in Stolichnaya vodka’s annual holiday campaign.

His new works continue his trademark mixture of precious metals and lacquer applied to oil on canvas. The rich texture in his art reflects his 20 years working in ceramics prior to switching to painting in 1990. A Byzantine influence is reflected in the mosaic, stained-glass effect.

While his process may be complex, his subject matter is usually simple and conveys a positive feeling.

“I don’t think a person can look at a Gorbachev painting and not be uplifted,” says Douglas. “They reach out and take hold of people.”

Gorbachev’s style and content seem to have universal appeal, with his work becoming increasingly popular across cultures. He has exhibited around the world, including shows in Kiev, New York City and Hong Kong.

“He’s become so popular we were wondering if he was going to come back this year,” says Douglas. “Spokane is the only small venue he does because he loves the people here. He says his visits are like going home.”

The show runs through November with two open receptions Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. After the exhibit ends, the gallery will continue to carry Gorbachev’s work.

The Douglas Gallery is located at 120 N. Wall. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Art in the Making

The popular “Art in the Making” returns Saturday between 1 and 4 p.m. to the atrium in the Coeur d’Alene Plaza Shops.

In a continuing effort to make fine art more accessible, 15 regional artists come together several times a year to draw, paint and sculpt in public places.

“The whole purpose of Art in the Making is for artists and the public to interact,” says Spirit Lake, Idaho, painter Don Ealy. “It’s an informal setting where people can come around and chat with artists and see them work.”

Other visual artists participating include Dave Clemons, Steve Gibbs, Bob Krogle, Terry Lee, Bruce Pierce, Randy Raak, Stephen Shortridge and Heidi Wastweet from Coeur d’Alene; Naoma Irey from Post Falls; Denise Barlett and Patsey Parsons from Spirit Lake; Rachel Pettit from Edwall, Wash., and Mickey Mank and Stan Miller from Spokane.

Providing a musical backdrop will be a string trio featuring Janet Haakenson and Kristina Lallatin on violin and Allisa Chipman on cello.

Deer Park Gallery

Showing through Dec. 1 at the Crawford Gallery in Deer Park is “The Buck and Doe Show,” a tribute to the city’s namesake.

“We sent out a call to artists to see how many different ways a deer could be portrayed,” says Brenda Lippert, arts commission chair and gallery director.

The exhibit features 30 works in various media. “We have deer made out of forged iron, steel, cross-stitched burlap, ceramics and traditional paintings,” says Lippert.

A public reception for the artists is tonight from 5 to 7 at the Crawford Gallery in Deer Park City Hall, 316 E. Crawford, lower level. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment during winter months.

Colburn’s Art Gallery

“Paintings by Darrel Sullens and Ivan Munk” are hanging this month at Colburn’s Gallery, 213 W. Riverside.

Sullens’ oil paintings include Palouse landscapes, while Munk’s watercolors capture Spokane’s historical buildings, says John Bongard, assistant manager.

Munk has illustrated a book and designed for newspapers. Sullen previously taught painting and drawing at the Corbin Art Center.

The open artists’ reception is Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the gallery. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

ArtWorks Gallery

During November the watercolors of Barbara Janusz are showing at the ArtWorks Gallery, 309 First St. in Sandpoint. “A Unique View of Nature” features intimate treatments of autumn leaves, waterfalls and Lake Pend d’Oreille.

“Barbara has an amazing ability to communicate the fragility, yet the strength of the natural beauty that defines our area,” says Gretchen Albrecht-Hellar, spokesperson for the gallery.

A 3 p.m. Saturday reception honors both Janusz and Kaleidoscope volunteers.

Kaleidoscope provides art education for third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students throughout Bonner County.