The Idaho 9 Head to the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Like the birds that escape the winter for warmer climates, nine Idaho artists headed south in January for the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale, Arizona. In its 22nd year, the Celebration of Fine Art (CFA) continues to be a fusion of the best art galleries, art shows and working artist studios in the world.

There are over 100 contemporary artists this year including the "The Idaho 9"; sculptor Ken Newman of Cambridge, wildlife painter Debbie Edgers Sturges of Hailey, jeweler Donna Armstrong of New Meadows, mixed media artist Donna Bernstein of McCall, painter Jennifer Bellinger of Ketchum, painter's Greg Sievers of Lewisville and his son Matt Sievers of Rigby. New to the show this year is ceramic, glass and bronze artist Dave LaMure of Kimberly and painter Maia Leisz of Sagle, Idaho. Each migrated to Arizona to set up a studio under the “Big White Tents” for ten weeks in its NEW location (101 at Hayden Rd in Scottsdale) from January through March 25, 2012.    
 
“I am pleased to return for tenth year in Scottsdale," states sculptor Ken Newman.  "The Idaho contingency of artists continues to grow and we are excited to share Idaho's renowned artists with the savvy collectors who also migrate to Arizona in the winter. It's a privilege to be part of a show that encourages artists to share their thought process with people from around the world who love and collect art.”

A wildlife wood and figurative bronze sculptor, Ken Newman recently won the Animal/Wildlife Award at the Idaho Paints Idaho Biennale at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and 1st Place in Sculpture at the Bosque Art Classic in Texas. Ken is a member of the National Sculpture Society, the Society of Animal Artists and several other art organizations. His sculptures have been juried in over 85 different museums across the country. For many artists, working in a public setting seven days a week can be extremely challenging, but after ten years Ken says, "it is an integral part of my artistic journey."

From Hailey, Debbie Edgers Sturges celebrates her ninth year at the Celebration, which is her most successful venue all year.  The show compliments her gallery representation in Ketchum, Jackson and Montana.  "The inspirations for my paintings come from photographs I take in the field in places around the world," says Debbie. Her colorful contemporary bears, coyotes and other animals are show favorites.

A veteran of the Celebration of Fine Art, Gregory Sievers has shown his paintings and talents here for 17 years.  Greg shows in multiple galleries and has served on the Idaho Commission for the Arts.  He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and enjoys studying the art of different cultures everywhere he goes.  His impressionistic style shows his love for and skill in painting like "the old masters."  Though Greg's paintings appear to be quite detailed, a closer look will reveal expressive brushwork and impressionistic textures.  He enjoys painting a variety of subjects and themes ranging from the cities of Europe to American countryside's.  

Metal smith Donna Armstrong first became fascinated with gems while she hosted a foreign exchange student and after years refining her technique she now finds that it is the beauty of Idaho that inspires her work. The jewelry she creates is crafted from the finest gemstones and precious metals in her studio in central Idaho, where she is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes and streams. In her fourth year at the Celebration of Fine Art, she enjoys the social aspect of the show surrounded by artists and art that inspire her.  

Horses are what inspires McCall mixed media artist Donna Bernstein. "Creating my urban equine art is a bit of a bareback ride; I combine mediums in new and generative ways that evoke movement, energy and life. What gives my work its edge is a deep personal familiarity with the physical horse and an expansive sense that the movement is bigger than what you see."  This is Donna's third year and now she keeps a winter studio in the desert of Scottsdale and a summer studio in the magnificent mountains of McCall. "I am so blessed to be able to pursue my art in two of the most inspiring parts of our country. Each year I feel the passion for my work is amplified through this radiant natural beauty."

Matt Sievers' contemporary paintings are inspired by colorful plant and tree scenes in nature.  He uses both brush and pallet knife to apply thick textures and bold colors to his paintings.  His tree paintings are a result of many fond memories enjoying the outdoors near his home in southeast Idaho.  Now in his third year at the CFA Matt appreciates the "working-gallery" setting.  "This show is an upscale presentation of fine art in the creative process.  I love showing people my technique.  It is exciting to watch someone fall in love with a painting as they experience it being created."

A professional artist for over 35 years, this is Jennifer Bellinger's second year.  "It is a show like no other," says Jennifer.  She will be exhibiting new oil paintings of desert botanical garden scenes, still life's and birds. "The most interesting aspect of this show is having a working studio where the public can watch me paint on a daily basis. I love the interaction with the other artists, too… a welcome reprieve from working solo in my Ketchum studio.

This year, two new Idaho artists join the CFA, Kimberly artist Dave LaMure whose works include ceramics, glass and bronze sculptures and landscape painter Maia Leisz from Sagle. LaMure explains that his fascination with Earth and Nature drove him to explore the arts.  He views art as part of the metaphysical world we are all trying to understand.  “A lump of clay spins and with a little gravity it takes chaos to order.” Starting out in pottery, Dave's work has evolved to include bronze and glass sculptures.

Taking her inspiration from the landscapes of northern Idaho, Maia Leisz textural style uses a limited palette, mixing her colors from the primaries, to obtain a harmonious color scheme.  The beauty Maia finds in her travels is the inspiration which allows her colors and technique in oil to be the unifying traits in her paintings.  

If you are heading south for a winter reprieve, enjoy the The Celebration of Fine Art called “One of the West’s Premier Art Events” by Art & Antiques magazine. The show recently won the Sterling Award for the Micro-Business of the Year by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce.

The Celebration of Fine Art opened in mid-January and runs seven days a week through March 25, 2012 from 10am to 6pm and is located in Scottsdale, Arizona on Hayden Rd, just south of the Loop 101 at Exit 35 under the Big White Tents.  Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for seniors and military. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge. Tickets are valid for entrance for all 10 weeks. http://www.celebrateart.com

The Idaho 9
Ken Newman  www.kennewmansculptures.com
Debbie Edgers Sturgeswww.dedgersstrges.com
Gregory Sievers  www.sieversgallery.com  
Donna Armstrong  http://darmstrongjewelry.com/
Donna Bernstein  http://www.donnabernstein.com/
Jennifer Bellinger www.JenniferBellingerFineArt.com
Matt Sievers www.matthew-sievers.com  
Dave LaMure http://davelamurejr.com
Maia Leisz  www.maialeisz.com

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Ken Newman is a nationally reknown wildlife and figurative sculptor who travels the country..observing, interperting and sculpting.