In May the Buds Begin to Spring Forth!

In May the buds begin to spring forth with green shoots and flowers start blooming. It makes us want to get outside and notice what’s growing.

Painting by Gini Smith

Our May featured artists bring out that spring joy we are beginning to feel. Vicki’s jewelry with its brown, rust and orange tones reminds us of earth. Gini’s delicate renderings of ponds and plants makes us feel like we can touch them. And Marisa’s drawings capture the moment in pencil or colored conte crayons.

We are proud to present the May featured artists at our First Thursday opening on May 3 at 5:30 pm. Our gallery has been an integral part of the downtown Longview scene for over 20 years, and you are invited to stop by and enjoy what we have to offer. Scroll down to learn more about our May artists.

About Vicki Brigden

Whether it is making a piece of jewelry, knitting, painting, embellishing one of John’s pots, or putting together a display; the best part is not the finished piece, but the process of combining different materials, colors, and textures together, ~ Vicki Brigden. See more of Vicki’s artwork

Jewelry by Vicki Brigden

About Gini Smith
My interest in art goes back as long as I can remember. As an art major in high school I kept very busy with art projects, both in and out of the classroom. For example, I painted sets for plays and was art editor of the school annual. At the end of senior year I won an art scholarship through the University of Illinois for summer camp and workshop.

Painting by Gini Smith

By then I knew I wanted to be an artist/teacher. I enrolled in Illinois State University and majored in art education. Most of the instruction was geared towart contemporary abstract art.

I taught for only a short time, as I found I didn’t have enough time to paint and create for myself. I find it more rewarding to teach drawing and painting to students who really want to learn.

For the past 40 years I’ve taught in my studio or classes at The Broadway Gallery. I’ve been a member since 1987. Before that my now deceased husband, Loman Smith and I owned and operated the Woodsmith Gallery in Rainier, Oregon.

Like in any field, one must keep up with new materials and ideas. As a charter member of 30 years with the Columbian Artists Association, I keep active and involved. Through the years I’ve taken classes and workshops with various artists, including the late Russian artist Sergei Bongart.

I do some sketching, but usually take photos for my subject matter. My painting style changes with my medium and subject; however, I usually stay with a limited palette.

Over the 50 years I have won numerous awards and ribbons, my work has been included in many private collections, as was as purchased by the Astoria Library, Norpac and Mentor Graphics.

I hope you enjoy the exhibit. Hopefully it will inspire and motivate you towards your own endeavors, ~ Gini Smith. Learn more about Gini’s artwork.

Painting by Gini Smith

About Marisa Mercure

Marisa’s new exhibit of sketches and drawings done in pencils and Conte crayons will be on display this month! “To handle the mediums in a way that becomes a thing of beauty and talent, has always fascinated and attracted me,” ~ Marisa Mercure. See more of Marisa’s artwork.