Dana Hart-Stone’s digital paintings are rooted in a deep engagement with the historical and cultural fabric of the American West. His childhood explorations of abandoned homesteads in Eastern Montana fostered a fascination with the fragmented narratives of settler life and the broader, often obscured, histories of the American frontier. These formative encounters continue to inform his work, now expressed through meticulously composed digital paintings constructed from vintage vernacular photographs. These recontextualized images investigate intersecting themes of race, gender, sexual identity, class, and socioeconomic struggle. Dana Hart-Stone’s work powerfully reframes collective memory, challenging dominant national narratives and creating space for the voices and faces of the historically marginalized to finally be seen and heard.
Distinct Visions: Icons and Innovators in Photography
Gilman Contemporary presents, Distinct Visions: Icons and Innovations in Photography, a curated selection of photographic works by contemporary artists who have significantly influenced the visual language of photography. Spanning genres such as fashion, landscape, and portraiture, the images on display are not bound by a singular theme, but by an enduring, distinct, and powerfully expressive vision. Each photograph bears the unmistakable imprint of its creator, serving as a timeless testament to the art of seeing. Featured artists include Flavia Junqueira, Rodney Smith, JP Terlizzi, Maria Svarbova, Laurie Victor Kay, Ellie Davies, and Dana Hart-Stone.
Gallery Walk: Frances McCormack – Collage
Frances McCormack’s lush botanical abstractions reflect a freedom of expression honed through years of artistic practice. In 2019, she turned to collage, a medium that allowed her to work on a smaller scale. This shift required a change in approach, as collage demands patience—a quality McCormack muses she wishes she had learned earlier. The process involves a meticulous search for perfect details, whether from a drawing, photograph, or instruction manual. Though smaller in scale, McCormack’s collages carry the same energy as her large-scale paintings, referencing the natural world through the lens of the marvelous. These works invite interpretation and are structured organically, like the walled gardens and spaces she has sought out for inspiration. Her travels to Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and her home state of California have provided thoughtful respites where the noise of everyday life fades, allowing creativity to flourish.
Frances McCormack: Collage
Frances McCormack’s lush botanical abstractions reflect a freedom of expression honed over years of artistic practice. In 2019, she turned her focus to collage, enabling her to work on a smaller, more intimate scale. This shift required her to slow down and embrace the art of patience, meticulously selecting details from drawings, photographs, and instruction manuals. These smaller-scale works retain the energy of her large paintings, interpreting the natural world through a lens of the marvelous. McCormack’s images unfold organically, echoing the structure and stillness of the walled gardens and contemplative spaces that inspire her during travels to Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and her native California. Like these natural havens, her collages offer thoughtful respite, places where the noise of daily life gives way to a quiet sanctuary of calm and creativity.
GALLERY WALK: STILL LIFE PAINTINGS BY JASON WHEATLEY
Gilman Contemporary presents: Illuminated Silence – A Still Life in Motion. In this exhibition, Jason Wheatley creates meticulously detailed still life paintings, drawing inspiration from the techniques and traditions of the Old Masters. Through familiar archetypes, he constructs scenes that invite the viewer to pause and engage with subtle nuances, revealing a dynamic interplay between elements and encouraging exploration of the deeper meanings behind their apparent stillness. Wheatley’s work points to the connection between nature and artistic expression, both communicating through a mystical language of silence. A monkey clutching fruit symbolizes the trickster’s role in the balance of chaos and order. A heron acts as a guardian between realms, and goldfish swim in surreal spaces, challenging perception. Wheatley’s art is detailed yet open to interpretation, revealing layers that evolve over time.
Jason Wheatley: Illuminated Silence, A Still Life in Motion
Gilman Contemporary Presents, Illuminated Silence – A Still Life in Motion. In this exhibition, artist Jason Wheatley creates meticulously detailed still life paintings, drawing inspiration from the techniques and traditions of the Old Masters. Through familiar archetypes, he constructs scenes that invite the viewer to pause and engage with subtle nuances, revealing a dynamic interplay between elements and encouraging exploration of the deeper meanings behind their apparent stillness. Wheatley’s work points to the connection between nature and artistic expression, both communicating through a mystical language of silence. A monkey clutching fruit symbolizes the trickster’s role in the balance of chaos and order. A heron acts as a guardian between realms, and goldfish swim in surreal spaces, challenging perception. Wheatley’s art is detailed yet open to interpretation, revealing layers that evolve over time.
Distinct Visions: Icons and Innovators in Photography
Gilman Contemporary presents, Distinct Visions: Icons and Innovations in Photography, a curated selection of photographic works by contemporary artists who have significantly influenced the visual language of photography. Spanning genres such as fashion, landscape, and portraiture, the images on display are not bound by a singular theme, but by an enduring, distinct, and powerfully expressive vision. Each photograph bears the unmistakable imprint of its creator, serving as a timeless testament to the art of seeing. Featured artists include Flavia Junqueira, Rodney Smith, JP Terlizzi, Maria Svarbova, Laurie Victor Kay, Ellie Davies, and Dana Hart-Stone.
FIRST FRIDAYS
Join us for First Friday, a free community gathering celebrating art, music, and connection. Enjoy an evening of live music, explore the museum’s current exhibition, and grab a drink while mingling with friends and neighbors. Free admission for everyone. Cash bar (complimentary drinks for members). No reservation required—simply stop by and enjoy! First Fridays at SVMoA Join us on the first Friday of each month for an evening of art, community, and refreshments. Drop in anytime between 5-7 PM to explore our current exhibitions and make art in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Each month features a different experience, with many First Fridays including our special “Music at the Museum” programming. We invite local musicians and DJs to transform our galleries with live performances.
TEEN WORKSHOP: Drypoint Printmaking with Willow Wells
Learn how to create a drypoint print on plexiglass in this 3.5 hour workshop. Artist Willow Wells will guide you through each step of the process from transferring the image onto the plexiglass to using etching needles to engrave the surface to create lines and tones to form burrs that hold the ink and produce rich, textured prints. Discover the proper techniques for soaking and drying paper, inking your plate, and wiping to highlight the whites and bring out the depth of your image. Add a unique touch of color by using different colored inks to bring vibrancy to your final prints. Leave the workshop with a small edition of drypoint prints. Contact Studio Coordinator, Anne Aganon at aaganon@svmoa.org for scholarship information. This Workshop takes place from12:30–4pm. Age & Ability: 12+, All levels, Beginners Welcome About the Instructor Willow Wells was born in New England, where she draws inspiration from the haunting beauty of old cemeteries and folklore. These influences have shaped her artistic voice, leading her to explore symbolism in her work. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, studying the human figure and traditional techniques. During her Master of Fine Arts …
TEEN WORKSHOP: Fiber Landscape Collage with Ashley Larson
Join artist Ashley Larson in learning a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to create art using contemporary fiber art techniques. Using an image as your inspiration, recreate a favorite landscape using fiber and fabric to create a collaged piece. Using stitching techniques to secure the fabric, adding texture and intricate designs to bring your collage to life. Finish your piece by mounting onto a wooden frame, creating a one-of-a-kind work of artwork. No experience necessary-just bring your creativity. All materials provided as part of this workshop. Students welcome to bring any materials of personal significance (thread, fabric, etc.) that they might want to use. Contact Studio Coordinator, Anne Aganon at aaganon@svmoa.org for scholarship information. This Workshop takes place from1–4pm. Age & Ability: 12+, All levels, Beginners Welcome About the Instructor Ashley Larson is an interdisciplinary artist based in Boise, Idaho. She has a love for photography, drawing, painting, and sculpture. Her work often explores domestic spaces and personal memory, incorporating mixed media and fiber art techniques.
