Visual Arts: Sauer’s work a balancing act
Steve Sauer’s sculptural ceramic pieces reflect a delicate balance of nature and architecture.
“I have found that I am not only influenced by the natural wonders of this earth but also by ancient architecture and archeology,” says Sauer from his studio on the Olympic Peninsula.
Sauer, along with 14 other leading Pacific Northwest potters, is featured in the Art Spirit Gallery’s eighth annual Clay Invitational show opening Friday in Coeur d’Alene.
“My stacked pieces, including ‘Power of Two,’ attempt to evoke balance,” he says.
“It seems like today we all live on the edge,” says Sauer, “No matter how strong or together we are, at any given moment that can change and be gone.”
A potter for 28 years, Sauer fires his artwork in the labor-intensive anagama kiln.
The anagama firing process lasts for about 120 hours, with artists continuously feeding and stoking the fires with wood.
“The simplistic beauty produced by fly ash, flame, time and temperature in the anagama is the most appropriate for my sculptural vessels,” he says. “For me it is the most real and honest way to finish my work.”
Other artists with work in the show are Joe Pintz and Richard Notkin from Helena, and Ryan Mitchell from Missoula.
Representing Pottery Northwest, a ceramic arts institute in Seattle, are Nana Kuo, Dong Wan Kim, Damian Grava, Wally Bivins and Matt Allison.
Other Washington artists are Donna and Jeff Tousley of Loon Lake, and Chris Kelsey of Spokane.
Idaho potters are Susan Rooke of Boise, Beth Cavener Stichter of Moscow, and former University of Idaho art professor Glenn Grishkoff.
The Clay Invitational is sponsored by Quarry Tile Co. of Spokane.
Stop by the gallery, 415 Sherman Ave., on Friday between 5 and 8 p.m. as part of Coeur d’Alene’s Second Friday ArtWalk.
More Second Friday
Downtown Coeur d’Alene’s art galleries celebrate the visual arts the second Friday of each month. The majority of shows opening Friday will be up through May.
“Angel Gallery of Fine Art & Antiques, 423 Sherman Ave.: “Plein Air Paintings” created by local artists throughout the day. There will be a silent auction of their work during the ArtWalk.
“Coeur d’Alene Galleries, Coeur d’Alene Resort Lobby: works by Somerset House Publishing artists Nancy Glazier and G. Harvey.
“Devin Galleries, 507 Sherman Ave.: works from master oil painter Neil Patterson.
“Frame of Mind Gallery and Framing, 119 N. Second St.: raku pottery by Bill Meehan and paintings by Carrie Stuart Parks, Carl Funseth, Barbara Peretti, Jim Carkhuff and Nona Hengen.
“JD Gray’s Jewelry Design, 210 Sherman Ave.: sculptured jewelry by Jon Gray. Eclectic collection of paintings and art glass.
“The Northwest Artists, 217 Sherman Ave.: batik artist Toni Spencer and steel artist Amy Hanson.
“The Painter’s Chair Fine Art Gallery, 223 Sherman Ave.: wildlife artist Jennifer Batey and contemporary works by Hayley Shortridge, plus the latest by owner/painter Stephen Shortridge. Live music.
“Story Woods Gallery, 206 N. Third St.: blend of furniture and art; reclaimed wood that tells a story.
“ Studio 107, 107 N. Fourth St.: works by Kate Weisberg and Philippa Roberts.
“Summer’s Glass, 211 Sherman Ave.: funky, colorful fused glass works by local artists. Free fused glass workshop.
Downtown restaurants featuring art include Barrel Room No. 6, Brix, The Beacon, Cricket’s Steakhouse, Pita Pit and The Wine Cellar.
Moscow ‘Images’
“Images From Farmer’s Market” unfolds Friday at the Third Street Gallery in Moscow City Hall, 206 E. Third St.
The exhibit, organized by the Moscow Arts Commission, features the watercolor paintings of Carla Kappler and photography by Linda Pall.
An opening reception is Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. The images are up for view through June 15.
Bank Left Gallery
The Bank Left Gallery in Palouse, Wash., is showing works by Lewiston artist Ellen Vieth from Saturday through June 2.
“Ellen’s exhibit includes a new series of oil paintings, ‘Pink Houses,’ ” says gallery owner Nelson Duran.
Meet Vieth during a reception Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Live music will be performed by John Elwood.
The gallery, 100 S. Bridge St., is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call Nelson or Pamela Duran at (509) 878-8425.
Deer Park Gallery
“A Day at Melda’s,” an exhibit honoring the late artist Melda Marr, is up in Deer Park’s Crawford Gallery through June 1.
The show includes the work of area artists who participated in a July 2006 plein air painting day at Marr’s farm.
Participating painters included Robert Stem, Shirley McRae and Brenda Lippert of Deer Park; Julie Lederman of Colbert; Shirley Hackett and Conrad Bagley of Spokane; and Steve Knudson of Post Falls.
The Crawford Gallery, located in Deer Park City Hall’s lower level, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Call (509) 276-8884 or (509) 276-5938.
Other galleries
“Ken Frybarger will demonstrate marble making by lampwork in the Tinman Gallery, 811 W. Garland Ave., on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
“The Entrée Gallery at Priest Lake is hosting its annual Mother’s Day open house on Sunday. The featured artist for May is Sandpoint painter Janene Grende. The gallery is two miles east of Nordman, Idaho, on Reeder Bay Road.