Artists of the Plains Insights

by Melissa Peterson

March 7, 2003

Kiowa County is fortunate to have a plethora of talented artists. Painters use oil, watercolor and acrylic for their mediums. Other art forms include colored pencil drawings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and woodworking. During November and December there is a craft bazaar that always does well. The gallery is located in the former Our Place Restaurant building on Route 287 and Wansted. They are open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Artists of the Plains Art Club is a non-profit organization, formally founded on April 3, 2001. The idea of forming an art club began in 1996 when Ethel Richards, Lill Penn, and Phyllis McDaniel got together to paint once a week in the basement meeting room at the Kiowa County Courthouse. Before long there were several artists involved and a mutual dream to display and sell their art. They also wanted to teach others their craft. There are currently 27 members and anyone is welcome to join the club. Annual dues are $30.00.

Public support for the art gallery has been excellent. The gallery relies on sales and donations to stay open. They also received several small grants in the past two years and continue to solicit this type of support.

Club officers, both past and present, have done an outstanding job keeping the club focused and the gallery running smoothly. The club meets monthly. Recently elected officers are: Sandy Jones, president; Dwight Lessenden, vice-president; Debbie Immer, treasurer; and Kim Barlow, secretary. Each of these members has won awards and ribbons for their art work.

On March 15, Jeff Brooks, Director of the Lincoln Gallery in Longmont, will be teaching an oil painting class at the gallery. Mr. Brooks is a native son of southeastern Colorado and is well respected as a national artist. The course is open to anyone, and the cost is $40, a very reasonable price for learning from one of the best. If you are interested in attending the course, please call Sandy Jones at (719) 438-5583.

A group of interested people met recently at the Cow Palace in Lamar, to discuss forming a regional art group, which would include four art galleries. Artists of the Plains is leading the way as a model art gallery. There will be more information on this new and exciting opportunity soon.

An upcoming quilt show will be held this spring. Local, award-winning quilters will display their beautiful work in the gallery. Everyone is encouraged to come in and see another form of art. Dates for the show will be posted soon.

Sandra Jones is a multi-talented painter, jewelry maker and crafter. Her love for painting seems to be hereditary, with her mother and two of her four sisters also talented artists! Sandy’s painting preference is watercolor. Her eye for detail and color are extraordinary. Two of Sandy’s local paintings represent the old Chivington School and the Eads Elementary School, which was done as it looked in the 1960’s. She also enjoys painting miniatures and using unusual frames, which capture the essence of her paintings. She has won numerous ribbons and awards in fairs and regional art shows. Her paintings hang in several galleries in Colorado and in California.

When Sandy lived in Denver she made and sold fine ceramic jewelry. Many of her pieces are included in the gallery. During the craft boutique in the fall, Sandy makes adorable and clever Christmas ornaments, which have been very popular sellers.

Sandy Jones knows art. She has an excellent sense of arrangement, and hangs and places all of the artwork in the gallery. Many compliments have been received due to her savvy know-how.

Please stop by and tour the gallery and see for yourself what a wonderful treasure we have right her in Kiowa County! For more information on becoming a member or the art club, or to sign up for the upcoming oil painting class, please do not hesitate to call Sandy at (719) 438-5583.