Sip and Shop

Matthew Armbrust

Becky LaVergne

A Little Something for Everyone

To quote a recent visitor to Confluence Gallery, “Wow, there are a lot of really good artists here!” That sentiment is heard virtually every weekend at the gallery. The abundance of art is one thing that makes Twisp a great place to live. We support and nourish creativity. This holiday season at the Confluence Gallery gift store there is exciting new work by local and regional artists.

Confluence Gallery’s board of directors hosts Sip and Shop on Friday nights in December, 5-7pm. Indulge in yummy treats and listen to live music by Horse Crazy on the 7th, Emele Clothier on the 14th and Ken Bevis on the 21st. Join Leslie Strand on December 7th and 14th for a wonderful paper ornament project.

Confluence has made a superb small gallery of animal portraits by Becky LaVergne, titled Lovable Livestock Paintings by a Wannabe Farmer. Wait till you see the pig, you’ll fall in love too! Confluence introduces an exceptional new painter to the community. Western artist Laura Kemp, a part time resident of Carlton and full time firefighter in Seattle paints beautifully illuminated, precise watercolors of horse life. If you are fond of landscapes check out the miniature landscape gallery. Exquisite and affordable landscape paintings by plein air artists Gregg Caudell, Nora Eggers, K Robinson, and Gordon Edberg.

Everyone loves bling, or in our town, colorful organic splendor. The unique river rock necklaces of Nicole Ringgold, polished gems by Shaula Zink, or the classy cowgirl jewelry of Jenni Tissell create perfect accessories for Confluences Dec 8th holiday party, Black Tie: Denim and Diamonds.

There is new work by local potters, like the outlandishly imaginative Matthew Armbrust. Matt, who is doing post graduate work at Central Washington University, is inscribing poetry and beautiful quotes into his thoughtful pottery. Suzi Jennings shows off a new design, equally as colorful and precise as previous work. Emily Post continues her irresistibly lovely work inspired by the beauty of nature.

Retired teacher and musician Lauralee Northcott has found a new art form to pursue, exceptional, intricate pine needle baskets, woven with beautiful accents. Lauralee learned from Gerry McClure of Nespelam, but took the work to another level by adding semi precious stones and beads. Lauralee says “I didn't know I could do this, it's like my hands just knew what to do". Maybe it was the beautiful autumn, planets aligned in creative precision, or the muse swooped down and wacked us with her golden wand. Whatever the cause, there is so much lovely and surprisingly affordable work at Confluence Gallery from your friends and neighbors that it would be a shame to miss it. Come in and shop for a special little something and feel good about supporting the local economy.