(970) 927-9668
IN THE EXHIBITION Western Heritage at Ann Korologos Gallery, five artists will showcase their individual interpretations of today’s American West. These creatives — Terry Gardner, Donna Howell-Sickles, Leon Loughridge, Joel Ostlind and Simon Winegar — use a variety of mediums, techniques and inspirations for each composition.
As gallery director Sue Edmonds shares, “Western Heritage features artists with an intimate knowledge of ranch life in the American West. Whether having lived the life of a cowboy, as Joel Ostlind did for decades in Wyoming, living and working amongst the ranchers, as Donna Howell-Sickles was raised in Texas, or observing the intersection of man and nature in its modern-day vibrancy or state of decay, as depicted in the work of Terry Gardner, Simon Winegar and Leon Loughridge, these artists each see beauty in the intersection of man and nature in the West.”
Gardner’s oil painting WRANGLER DYLAN depicts Dylan Taylor, a ranch apprentice at Chico Basin Ranch, Colorado, who is part of the Ranchlands extended family. In explaining the work, Gardner says, “WRANGLER DYLAN was not to be overlooked during the chaos of a June branding. With his sun-drenched, open hat and eyes of [actor] Lee Van Cleef, he could be cast for the next Western. He is every bit cowboy, then and now.”
For his work AN EARLY MORNING START, Ostlind wanted to present the atmosphere of the scene, so he created an etching with aquatint. He explains, “Aquatint is an etching method that can establish flat grays to enhance early morning light and mood, and I felt it all came together with the etching.” The imagery itself — also evoked a moment the artist wanted to capture. “There is something special about riding out with a good crew and topping a hill early in the morning,” Ostlind says. “With the eastern colors growing, it is such a fresh start.”
Howell-Sickles’ acrylic on canvas GATHER ROUND is about celebration. She says, “There are times in every day when you notice the blessings that gather around you, things that bring a smile.”
Loughridge’s woodblock print GORGE NOCTURNE was inspired by a hike in the Rio Grande Gorge. “What started as an afternoon sketching hike extended into the evening as the light and moodiness of the Gorge interior was so enchanting,” he shares.
Another landscape in the show is Winegar’s GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY that is a glorious play of light and shadow.
The exhibition will be on view from February 3 to 28. — Rochelle Belsito
Western Heritage featuring Terry Gardner, Donna Howell-Sickles, Leon Loughridge, Joel Ostlind and Simon Winegar will remain on view through February 28, 2024. For more information, please visit Ann Korologos Gallery at 211 Midland Avenue in Basalt, call (970) 927-9668 or email art@korologosgallery.com.
