Home > News & Notes

Russet Resplendence

Roarke is sharing the current show at the Festival Gallery at Valley Arts with pyrographer, Barb Godwin of Collinsville, IL. Known to most people as “woodburning”, pyrography is the fine art of engraving an image on wood with heated instruments giving a rustic russet quality to the finished piece. Complementing the 13 images by Godwin are 10 digital images by Roarke. Roarke started with a color digital image, stripped away the color and then toned the image to create a russet timbre.

Warren Bridge by Roarke Sharlow

Warren Bridge by Roarke Sharlow

While the two approaches are diametrically opposite, wood versus paper, they work very well together. Besides the coloring, the coordinating element is the subject matter. Both artists intend to provide a window into the gentle nature of wildlife and the rural solitude of old farms and weathered landscapes.

Pyrography by Barb Godwin

Pyrography by Barb Godwin

Godwin will be demonstrating pyrography at a reception for the two artists on Sunday, February 23 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Festival Gallery.

The show continues at the Festival Gallery at Valley Arts, 2 Village Square, Waitsfield, VT through February 29. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. 802-496-6682 for more information.

Much Appreciated

Occasionally Moosewalk Studios receives photos from patrons showing how the art work purchased here at the gallery is displayed in their homes.

When Kathy (last name withheld) saw this small painting hanging in the gallery it was love at first sight. She walked around the gallery but kept coming back to this painting of the pears. She left with her treasure and a huge smile on her face.

We are so glad she enjoys the painting and took the time to send the photo of it hanging in her home. The colors in the painting work perfectly with the beautiful set of china.

PEARS painting

I love this painting! It is much appreciated and is part of our home. – Kathy

Featured Artist

The Art In The Village Gallery is pleased to announce a new featured artist series. Gallery owner, Rita Ioannidis, explains that she intends to feature her artists as an introduction to the public. The first event takes place at the gallery in Warren on Saturday, October 26 from 5 to 7 PM and features watercolor and oil paintings by Gary.

An Early Dusting by Gary Eckhart - watercolor

An Early Dusting by Gary Eckhart – watercolor

An Early Dusting (above) is one of the paintings selected for the show. Known mostly for his watercolors, Gary plans on showing a select few of his new oil paintings as well.

Art In The Village Gallery occupies a former gallery site in the center of Warren Village and celebrates one year in business with the reception.

The reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Art In The Village Gallery, Warren, VT. Saturday, October 26, 5 to 7 PM. For more information: 802-496-5605.

Autumn’s Last Hurrah!

Summer may be long gone and autumn is quickly passing by, but Moosewalk Studios and Gallery remain open. The gallery continues its sale of select paintings and photographs for a few more days before heading into the winter holiday season. Many new works are being featured.

The gallery continues to show pottery by Luke Iannuzzi, stained glass by Luminous Moose, folk art by Lisa and Brent Hilliker and pyrography by Barb Godwin.

Moosewalk remains open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 PM or by appointment at other times. Art events throughout the area sometimes require us to alter hours so you might want to phone ahead before visiting – 802-583-2224.

A recent visitor asked if it is possible to have commission work done. We would be glad to discuss any particular needs that you might have.

August Sunrise - oil painting by Gary Eckhart

August Sunrise – oil painting by Gary Eckhart

End Of Summer

The leaves on the trees here in the Green Mountains of Vermont are as brightly colored as one can ever remember and the nights are becoming much cooler with hints of frost in the air. These signs by mother nature all point to the end of summer and the start of the autumn/winter season.

Here at Moosewalk Studios and Gallery we are celebrating our annual End of Summer Sale. Throughout the gallery there are savings on original paintings, giclees and photographs by Gary and Roarke. The gallery continues to show work by its guest artists – Vermont Folk Art by Lisa and Brent Hilliker, raku pottery by Luke Iannuzzi, pyrography by Bard Godwin and stained glass by Andy O’Brien.

Moosewalk Gallery is also featuring new works by Gary and Roarke, the two members of the in-house creative team. One of the many new images is Roarke’s spectacular photo LEADING ON. The photo made its debut at the recent Green Mountain Photo Show.

Gallery hours for the weekend of October 11 to 14 are noon to 5:00 PM with special treats during happy hour starting at 4:00 PM.

LEADING ON - Roarke Sharlow photo

LEADING ON – Roarke Sharlow photo

Lareau Barn by Roarke Sharlow

Lareau Barn by Roarke Sharlow

More than 150 photographs by 51 photographers are shown in the annual Green Mountain Photo Show in the Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm, Waitsfield, VT. Roarke is showing three of his newest photos as part of the exhibition. His photo of the Lareau Barn was selected as the image for the 2019 poster advertising the event.

The annual show entertains more than a thousand visitors during its run. Hours for viewing are Thursday and Friday – 4:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – noon to 9:00 PM. Special hours are scheduled for Vermont Open Studio Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 5 & 6 – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The show closes October 6.

The Photo Show is sponsored by Valley Arts and is free to the public.

Big Red Barn Art Show

Gary and Roarke of Moosewalk Studios are two of the more than 50 artists showing work in the 22nd Annual Big Red Barn Art Show in the Galleries at Lareau Farm, Waitsfield, VT.

Fine crafts, paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery, fabric arts and photography are combined in this eclectic exhibition with something to please even the most discriminating of tastes. The Big Red Barn Art Show is the premier event of the annual Vermont Festival of the Arts, sponsored by Valley Arts during the month of August. Visit the show through Labor Day, September 2.

The Big Red Barn Art Show is free and open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 9:00 PM. The Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm – Home of American Flatbread, route 100, one mile south of Waitsfield, VT.

Home to the 22nd Annual Big Red Barn Art Show

Home to the 22nd Annual Big Red Barn Art Show

Plein Air – Now Bigger Than Ever

Waitsfield Telecom and Valley Arts are pleased to present the annual Great Vermont Plein Air Festival, an eagerly anticipated yearly art event, returning once again to the Village of Waitsfield. Artists working in various mediums converge on the Village to paint the beautiful scenery on July 19 & 20. The Plein Air Festival is a great opportunity to meet and talk with artists, working in various mediums, who gather for two days of painting in the great outdoors. 

The term plein air derives from the French term for open air. It originated in the mid-1800s when the impressionist painters popularized the practice of painting outdoors. Plein air today is the largest art movement in the history of art and continues to gather momentum. The first plein air event in the Mad River Valley was held in 2008 when six artists gathered for a one day event during the annual Vermont Festival of the Arts in August.

This year 20 artists plan on painting on Friday and Saturday starting at 9:00 am although there are some ambitious artists who start at the crack of dawn to catch the early light. A Children’s Plein Air on Saturday (11 am to 3 pm) is an opportunity for children to experience painting with adult artists. Paints, brushes and paper are provided at no cost. The children’s event is sponsored by Marsha Finley.

Plans for Saturday include paint demos by artists (3 to 5 pm), tie-dying for the entire family (1 to 2:30 pm) and a non-alcoholic Sip En Plein Air in a garden with artist, Helen Issackedes (1 to 3 pm). Walk-ins for this event are welcome and painting supplies are provided – you bring the non-alcoholic beverage.

New for 2019 is a plein air painting competition. Artists must complete a painting between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm to be eligible for an award voted on by the public. Voting for the “People’s Choice” award takes place between 3 and 4:30 pm.

The always popular Festival Sidewalk Art Show and Sale takes place on Friday and Saturday (9 am to 5 pm). The sale showcases artists’ previously executed paintings and culminates with an exhibition of new, plein air paintings on Saturday afternoon. The show is a great place to pick up an original work of art created before your eyes.

All the festivities, complete with music by Chickie Stoltz (2:30 to 4:30 pm), are centered along Historic Bridge Street in Waitsfield through the cooperation of the local residents and businesses. Maps and information are available throughout the day at the Festival tent on both Friday and Saturday, July 19 & 20 from 9 am to 5 pm. The Festival takes place rain or shine.

Gary is one of the artists participating in this not-to-be-missed event. Attached is a recent plein air painting done on one of the hottest days in July – a great day for a sun burn.

SIDE YARD  watercolor

SIDE YARD watercolor 10″ x 14″

Gallery Fear – get over it!

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of working in a number of galleries (including here at Moosewalk Studios and Gallery) and have come to realize that a great number of people harbor fears of visiting a gallery. Gallery owners and their employees do not bite!

Let me dispel a few myths about galleries:

  1. “I don’t intend to buy anything”: While gallery owners always appreciate a sale, one does not have to make a purchase to visit a gallery. The gallery is there to show art and your visit is always welcome.
  2. “I don’t understand art or know what is good”: OK, you don’ have to. You also don’t have to like everything you see. That is why galleries generally show a variety of work. As for not understanding – just ask (see the following).
  3. “I am afraid of asking a stupid question”: When you don’t know something there are no stupid questions. Attendants working in galleries love to talk about the art they are showing. The more questions you ask the more you are appreciated.
  4. “I may not like anything or only a few pieces of work”: Politely, let the gallery know. You don’t have to worry about hurting the feelings of the gallery attendants or owners by telling them your reaction to the work on display. Your comments help the gallery determine what is popular and what type of work people respond to. This helps with the decision on what to show in the gallery.

What I am trying to do is to encourage you to visit as many galleries as you can. You might surprise yourself with the amount of pleasure it can bring you. And don’t forget to thank the gallery people when you leave!

Special hours for Moosewalk: Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 – noon to 5:00 PM. Closed Sunday, July 14.

Don’t miss the 8th Annal Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition here in the Mad River Valley. 96 outstanding paintings from across the United States. Thursday through Sunday – noon to 9:00 PM. Route 100 in Waitsfield.

SOFT SUMMER DAY - watercolor by Gary

SOFT SUMMER DAY – 10″ x 14″ – watercolor by Gary

Old Faithful

When searching for a subject to paint, it is not always the “pretty postcard” that makes for an interesting painting. Such was the case during a recent watercolor workshop here in the Mad River Valley of Vermont.

Mick McAndrews of Philadelphia traveled to our area to conduct a three day plein air workshop on June 7, 8 & 9 and immediately became intrigued by the old sawmill with this green truck. The textures, colors and shapes all fit together to create an interesting subject. “Find beauty in the ordinary” was one of his comments and the 8 participating artists rose to the occasion.

85% of the painting “Old Faithful” was painted on site with the other 15% done as touch-up in the studio. Instead of a portrait of a person this is a portrait of a truck and one can only wonder at the tales it could tell if it could speak.

Old Faithful - by Gary

Old Faithful – by Gary – 11” x 14″