Central Washington Birds: AS seen Through the Artist’s eye
"Winged Wonders" at Nuwave Gallery aims to showcase the unique perspectives of artists inspired by the avian wonders of Central Washington.
May 2nd - July 1st 2024 at Nuwave Gallery
In the heart of Central Washington lies a community deeply intertwined with nature, where the skies are alive with the fluttering wings of countless bird species. Ellensburg, renowned for its vibrant birding community, is set to host a spectacular celebration of these avian marvels through the lens of art. "Winged Wonders" is not just an exhibition; it's a testament to the importance of celebrating birds through artistic expression.
Art has a unique ability to capture the essence and beauty of the natural world. Through paintings, designs, and photographs, artists can convey the grace, colors, and intricacies of birds in ways that words often cannot. Celebrating birds through art not only showcases their beauty but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation and preservation of their habitats.
"Winged Wonders" will feature a diverse array of artists, including 15 Central Washington University Design Students, whose talent and creativity promise to enchant and inspire. Alongside these budding artists, the exhibition will showcase works by established artists such as Erin Oostra, Alana Jacobs, Priscilla Froelich, Marie Marchand, Tarra C Hall-Ward, Tyler Rablin, Julie Klaus Johnson, Janelle Heflen, Zadok Heflen, Sue Wright, Abbie Birmingham, Kelsey Marshall, and Kyle Krauskopf.
Each artist brings a unique perspective and style, offering viewers a rich tapestry of artistic interpretations of Central Washington's avian residents. From the vibrant hues of a painted warbler to the intricate details of a photographed eagle in flight, "Winged Wonders" promises to be a visual feast for bird enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
But "Winged Wonders" is more than just an art exhibition; it's a celebration of the deep connection between art, nature, and community. It's a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the importance of preserving it for generations to come. Join us as we celebrate Central Washington's Winged Wonders through art, and let their beauty inspire us to cherish and protect the natural world around us.
Featured Artists
Alana Jacobs | alanajacobs.com | @alana.nj
Alana Jacobs is an illustrator and graphic designer based out of Ellensburg, Washington. Her work is defined by bold lines and color, and inspired by the animation styles of Pendleton Ward and Rebecca Sugar.
Priscilla Froelich | @nonemamaswatercolors
Priscilla, an avid Plein air painter, showcases her passion for nature through her vibrant watercolor depiction of a horned owl, inspired by her adventurous hikes in search of these majestic creatures. Painting from a photo captured by a dear friend, Priscilla's artwork captures the essence of her outdoor adventures and deep connection to the natural world.
Marie Marchand | mishiepoet.com | @mishiepoet
Marie Marchand has served as Ellensburg Poet Laureate since May 2022. She's been writing poetry for 35 years and is new to the world of mixed media collage.
Tarra C Hall-Ward | TarraHallWard.com | TarraStudios
Tarra is a painter and mixed media artist inspired by chemistry and science; her work explores ways to artistically translate concepts not applicable outside technical applications into physical pieces of work. Utilizing the innate properties of multiple media and intuitive mark making, she forms an intersection between viewers and information they may not consider in their everyday lives.
Tyler Rablin | tylerrablin.smugmug.com | @rablint
Tyler is a wildlife photographer and high school teacher from Sunnyside, WA. His goal with photography is to share his love of the outdoors with others in a way that inspires people to see the importance of protecting and preserving the beauty of our world.
Julie Klaus Johnson | photokromik.com | @photokromk
Deeply inspired by the Pacific Northwest, local artist Julie Klaus Johnson often merges the region’s captivating landscapes and birds with image alteration, creating ethereal compositions. Through art she invites viewers to immerse themselves in a surreal journey where the natural world and artistic manipulation converge into mesmerizing visual narratives.
Janelle Heflen
Janelle is a CWU alumna. She values unique experiences with nature and looks for opportunities to capture them using her art.
Zadok Heflen
Zadok has always enjoyed expressing emotion with art and music. With limited color, he uses lines of varying weights to convey depth, form, movement, and feeling.
Sue Wright | suewright.org
SueWright FineArtSue Wright grew-up in Washington and has had wonderful opportunities to experience the great-outdoors both here and abroad. In her nature photography, she states that she has “tried to capture or recreate that flutter of energy and excitement”, that is of a new place or experience.
Abbie Birmingham | abirminghamprints.com | @abbie.paper
Abbie Birmingham is a printmaker, mixed media and book artist and avid birder. Her work is deeply place based and she draws inspiration from Seattle's built environment, from the shrub-steppe landscape of eastern Washington and from the birds that inhabit each.
Kelsey Marshall | kelseymarshall.xyz | @kelseymarshall.xyz
Kelsey Marshall believes in the beauty of minimalism, drawing inspiration from the vast, often unnoticed landscapes where she feels most connected. Her work mirrors the ever-changing and evolving nature of these surroundings, reflecting her deep affinity for such places.
Kyle Krauskopf | kylekrauskopf.com | @kylekrauskopf
Multi-disciplined artist Kyle Krauskopf is known for his dynamic approach, constantly engaged in diverse projects from building ventures like Flying Bike Brewery to advocating for mental health with NAMI Seattle. His recent achievement includes "The Meantime Chronicles," a year-long project comprising a short story and illustration each week, culminating in a book and exhibition to push artistic boundaries.
Erin Oostra | erinoostra.com | @erinoostra
Erin Oostra is a Washington-based painter best known for her abstract and impressionistic paintings inspired by the mountains and oceans of the Pacific Northwest. With strong, fluid strokes, her contemporary artwork captures an awe and respect for the dangerous beauty of nature.
Adam Purkey | explorerimagery.zenfoliosite.com | @adampurkey
Adam has been lucky enough to travel to a variety of remote areas, seeing some amazing things in the process. He hopes that the images can spark a desire to explore in everyone who sees them.
15 Central Washington Design Students: to be announced on May 2nd, 2024
Ellensburg First Friday Art Walk:
Join us on May 3rd from 5-8 pm for "Winged Wonders," an art exhibition celebrating the avian marvels of Central Washington!
"Winged Wonders" will feature a diverse array of artists, including 15 Central Washington University Design Students, whose talent and creativity promise to enchant and inspire. A brief awards ceremony for our design student bird posters will begin at 5pm.
Alongside these budding artists, the exhibition will showcase works by established artists such as Erin Oostra, Alana Jacobs, Priscilla Froelich, Everette Lovrien, Marie Marchand, Tarra C Hall-Ward, Tyler Rablin, Julie Klaus Johnson, Janelle Heflen, Zadok Heflen, Sue Wright, Abbie Birmingham, Kelsey Marshall, and Kyle Krauskopf.
Enjoy live music by Mike O Malley as you explore stunning bird-inspired artworks from local artists. Mikey O Malley is a folk singer-songwriter from Ireland. His is influenced by modern artists like Ed Sheeran and Hozier, while also being heavily inspired by classic Irish artists like The Fureys and The Dubliners.
Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature through art!
