Otis Orchards event brings fine art to everyone

We search for what moves us and decorate accordingly. Well, search no further because coming next weekend is the second annual Spring Art and Craft Event in Otis Orchards.

Artist Linda Christine is organizing and promoting the event. This year’s theme is “Be original, buy original.” Christine noted that this year the show is evolving into a fine art event.

“Why Otis Orchards?” she asked. “Why not? This show is an indicator of how things are progressing in the area. More people are moving here, and there’s a higher demand. We’re trying to meet the need by presenting area artists.”

Large homes, screaming for one-of-a-kind art by regional artists, are being built in the area. More than 20 local artists are participating in the art event, hoping to touch and inspire others with their creations.

Isaac Smith, who creates art glass and oil paintings, is involved in the show because he wants people to come and see how they can enrich their lives and surroundings with art. “I want people to know that there are great artists in this area. I want them to see something that they have never seen before, something that makes them say, ‘Wow.’ “

Nathan and Mary Eberle will be showing their handmade paper flowers. They established aNeMonE, a business that bloomed after they made more than 600 flowers for their own wedding. “The pistils and stamens are made with wire, beads and gemstones. Often the petal is painted individually with different coloring media … each petal is then curled with a wire to bring the flowers to life.” They currently sell their work at the Paper Garden in downtown Spokane at Main Avenue and Wall Street.

Judy Meddaugh transforms plants into art and will be showing her mixed media work at the event. She uses pressed plant material with shells, beads, acrylic paint, pastels and rice papers. The material is mounted on acid-free paper, sprayed to protect the integrity and color of the design and then framed under glass. “My art is influenced and inspired by nature,” she said. Currently, she is a member of Pottery Place Plus and one of the featured artists at the William Grant Gallery in Spokane.

Jewelry artist Lisa Moss wants to make a difference to the person who wears her pieces by reflecting quality, balance, flow and materials that work well together.

Food also will be available, including gourmet pizza, wraps, desserts and espresso. Blues musician Mark Rhodes will entertain.