08/02/2026
This August we continue the celebration of our 75th Anniversary with the Art from the Archive show, happening now. Congratulations to our president and vice president Cathy Snodgrass and Tim Warren along with Mark Spangenberg for putting together an unmissable exhibition. Having the opportunity to preview the show and compile bios for some of the artists represented, I can't help but to think about legacy. Consider Verne Gillespie, Queen of the Washes. A moniker unlike any other, literal desert royalty! Then there's Irene S. Bertrand a talented artist and teacher extraordinaire whose artistic talents transcended her work to influence her many students, some of which are still producing captivating works with her guidance still on repeat in their minds. So as we explore the archive and see what has been left behind, remember, that though the individual creates a legacy, only a community can preserve it.
This is more than an art exhibition. It is a true opening of our archive. The history of our Gallery and Guild from the primary sources. While the art is no doubt the main attraction, with pieces by John Hilton and Kathi Hilton, Verne Gillespie, and Irene Bertrand, and a room full of Mark Spicak's for purchase, you'll want to spend hours with the tables of curated materials. Flip through 50 years of news clippings featuring the gallery and its artists. Come help identify members of yore at the snapshots table. Peruse a treasure trove of prints and etchings that are sure to inspire. In the West Gallery you will find a pair of magnificent 19th Century paintings from the original Campbell Collection. This show truly celebrates the legacy of the gallery and guild. Don't miss this opportunity to wade in the history of our gallery.
