“Living with Art” Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios

Larson Gallery Guild’s hosts the 7th Annual Tour of Artists’ Homes and Studios on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy a day touring the homes and studios of those “Living with Art.” This annual event is a gallery fundraiser which draws visitors to see where and how artists live and create. Five artists showcase their works and collections at five homes and studios around Yakima.

For the seventh consecutive year, painter and designer, Leo Adams will open his Ahtanum Ridge home. Adams will share his home, always “a work in progress,” and the landscape which he views from it. Visitors may see a “different arrangement” in the home and find the library “a little more finished” than last year. 

Artist Rob Blackaby wants visitors to his studio to understand how he “preps” for his work, so he will open his shop as well as his studio during the tour. Blackaby will be in his shop to explain how he prepares the hardboard panels and stretches the few canvases on which he paints, and how he assembles his frames. He is also currently remodeling his century old house in Selah, “room by room,” which will showcase his scenes of Central Washington.

Marcia Blevins has turned her attic into a small studio. A painter in oil and acrylics, she travels frequently with her husband and takes photographs which she uses as the inspiration for her work. Blevins began painting as a hobby—her work focuses on florals, jazz musicians and scenes of New Orleans and will share these with visitors.

Betty Gilmore, usually watercolor artist who is now into mixed media, hopes to share her enthusiasm for portraits by showing her album of them. Gilmore paints primarily for her own pleasure, but frequently exhibits locally. She is moving her studio to a nearby home and plans to display some of her paintings.

Delma Tayer will be “the artist in action” as she works in her studio preparing for three fall shows—one with Jackie Prout at Café Melange, a solo exhibit at Oak Hollow and a group show at Allied Arts. She may be painting, creating a collage, forming a pot or working with encaustic. Unable to stop for a day, Tayer will showcase her collection of work by local and regional artists, her unique gardens and her studio.

As you enjoy your day of art at the various homes and studios, embellish and extend the experience by visiting our event sponsors: Banner Bank; Café Melange; Essencia Artisan Bakery; Gasperetti’s Restaurant; Greystone Restaurant; The Haberdasher; Kurt Labberton, DDS; 901 Pasta; Santiago’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant; and Yakima Cellars Winery. They can help you complete a perfect day of art, shopping, fine dining and wine-tasting.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available at: Larson Gallery; Banner Bank; Oak Hollow Gallery; and Yakima Bindery.

Larson Gallery is located on the campus of Yakima Valley Community College in Yakima, Washington. General admittance is always free during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. For more information call (509) 574-4875.