Featured Artists February 2022

KATHRINE HEISTER

Painting is an endeavor to communicate what, to me, is beautiful.  Light is an extremely important element of that beauty.  Light, as it falls on objects, distinguishes form by creating shadow and color.  I can't really recreate the beauty of light, but I can try to simulate it.  And that's the goal; to grow in my ability to simulate light and its effect on the world around us.

I find that the land is the subject that draws my attention most often.  I studied in watercolor for two years with Texas artist Linda Schmer; have taken classes with Don Sahli; and have been painting for 18 years.

Writing from: Kathrine Hiester “About The Artist” accessed January, 20 2022

Find out more about Kathrine and see more of her work a kathrinehister.com

MILT BEENS

J. Milton Beens is an acclaimed artist in several media. His background is one of outstanding dedication to his art and to his home, the American Southwest. 

Milt’s pottery and paintings are shown in regional and national exhibits. His works are represented in many private and institutional and commercial collections in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California, Minnesota and New York. 

Milt received his undergraduate degree from Weber State College, Ogden, Utah, with an emphasis in painting and printmaking. After a brief spell as a commercial artist and three years with the U. S. Forest Service as an exhibit specialist, Milt attended graduate school at the University of Montana, Missoula. There he set up a graphic art department for the University Center. It was during that time that Milt became fascinated with ceramics. He completed his Masters Degree with a concentration in ceramics and then taught briefly at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Missing the mountains and skiing of the West, Milt and his wife Dianne returned to Salt Lake City, Utah. Milt quickly became affiliated with the Salt Lake City Art Center where he instituted the “Potter- in- Residence” program. He managed the ceramics facility, taught hundreds of students and established himself as one of the area's finest craftsmen. He was president of Utah Designer Craftsmen for five consecutive years and organized a successful series of annual exhibitions and workshops. He taught at Weber State College and the University of Utah, Coordinating the University’s First Annual Summer Arts Festival at Snowbird. 

In 1976 Milt moved to his present home in Wildcat Canyon near Durango, Colorado where he became a full time studio artist, an avid outdoorsman enjoying archer and flyfishing and a great father to his daughter. From 1984 through !996, the Beens exhibited Milts paintings and 

pottery at their own gallery in downtown Durango. Today he continues to exhibit in galleries throughout the Southwest. Each work of art by Milt reflects his love for the outdoors and the special environment which is his American Southwest. 

Milt always took time off to ski each winter. He has been actively involved in the Professional Ski Instructors of America since 1964, serving as an examiner, trainer, and officer and holds an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Writing from: Milt Beens

Check out more of Milt’s art on his Instagram: @miltbeens

 FIRST FRIDAY

This months featured artists will host First Friday with us in support of Parkers Animal Rescue. Parker’s animal rescue is a Durango Parker's Animal Rescue strives to rescue, foster and find permanent loving homes for abandoned dogs and puppies in La Plata County and the rural Four Corners. The overriding principals of the organization are 1) to educate the public on the importance of spay and neutering, and 2) educate pet owners on the proper stewardship and teaching of animals.

Writing from: Parkers Animal Rescue “Our Mission” accessed January, 20, 2022
Find out more about Parkers Animal Rescue at parkersanimalrescue.com

Look at our Calendar for more information on First Friday and check out all of our events by clicking the button below.