Art decks the walls of CFVH

The Main St. hallway of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) has been given a makeover for the quarterly Art on the Walls show that runs through Sept. 17. During the first quarter of the year, students from Plains schools have the opportunity to show off their original artwork. The second, third and fourth quarters feature local artists from Sanders County. This quarter, seven local artists are displaying their works of oil, acrylic, watercolor and photographs. The works are available for purchase.  

The opening reception last Thursday provided treats and punch, catered by the CFVH Nutritional Services. Gene and Sherrie Johnson were two of the first visitors to walk down the hallway. Both of them have visited the show in past years and love to see the art done by the students of Plains Schools in the first quarter when they get to display their art.

"They are always so excited and it's fun for them to see their art hung up in a public place," Sherrie Anderson commented. 

After close examination of the hanging art, Sherrie picked the bear cub photograph, "Cubby" as her favorite and Gene decided on the photograph of a large bison called "Big Brute," both taken by Plains resident Ed Moreth.   

Betty Walter, who works at the CFVH, purchased the painting "Poppies" early in the show, that was painted by Rachel Gonzalez with oil paint on a leather canvas. Walter was intrigued by the colors of the orange poppies and deep purple background and excited to put it up in her home. 

Among the hanging art was a display of wood carvings from a retired English teacher John Meckler of Plains. Meckler displayed some of his recent wood carvings at the show. Meckler has been carving wood for over three decades and picked up the hobby by chance, looking for something to fill his time. Meckler displayed his intricate bird statues as well as his other figures of a policeman, Santas and bird pins.

An interesting skill that Meckler has yet to master is a five-minute wizard, which he takes a block of wood and carves a unique wizard in less than five minutes. Meckler has yet to create a wizard in five minutes that meets his standards but is hopeful he will soon add it to his long list of skills.

Lyla Sears of Plains, a retired nurse, enjoys the show and appreciates the happiness that the art brings to the patients and staff that walk down the halls. To Sears, the art offers a release from the normal hospital environment and can hopefully lift the spirits of anyone who needs it.

If you are interested in submitting your art for the next quarterly show, e-mail Joy Nelson at [email protected] or call 826-8585 to get an application. Applicants must be residents of Sanders County and be 18 years or older to display their art in the second, third and fourth quarter shows.