If you’ve never seen the work of Serena Supplee, the Moab artist known for her big, bold and beautiful paintings of the Colorado Plateau, consider attending Moab’s ArtWalk on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Supplee typically doesn’t show her work in galleries – she works primarily with museums around the West. So the fact that she is the featured artist at Gallery Moab for the month of September is a big deal.
“She’s fabulous,” said Victoria Fugit, one of the cooperative gallery’s alumni artists. “We’ve been asking her for a while. This is her first opening she’s had in two years. We’re honored to have her.”
Supplee is famous for her colorful oil and watercolor paintings, cards and calendars of the Grand Canyon and other regional national parks. Several of her original paintings, plus prints of her works will be for sale.
“Not only is Serena Supplee showing her work, she is also a judge for the Dark Skies competition,” said Liz Holland, arts and special events assistant at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (MARC).
A “Dark Skies Bright Stars” community art exhibit will be showcased at the MARC gallery, 111 E. 100 North, with an awards ceremony taking place at 7 p.m. during Moab ArtWalk. The show is juried, and artists will be competing for cash prizes.
Friends of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Executive Director Joette
Langianese and others on a local Dark Sky committee approached the MARC about making “Dark Skies Bright Stars” the theme for this month’s ArtWalk.
Langianese is also involved with efforts to make Arches National Park an “International Dark Sky Park.”
Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments have already received the distinction. The International Dark Sky Association recognizes parks and other communities around the world that have preserved and protected night skies by preventing light pollution through responsible lighting practices.
“We’re so fortunate in Moab to be in one of the darkest parts of the United States,” Langianese said. “We want our community to be excited about our darkness and maintain what we have.”
MARC Director Meg Stewart agreed to give this month’s ArtWalk a theme.
“Most ArtWalk locations will feature some kind of dark sky-related art,” Stewart said.
Here’s what you can expect to find at the other participating ArtWalk venues:
At Imagination Station Art and Craft Supplies, 90 W. Center St., there will be painted tiles from local artists; unique pillowcases, postcards, and quilted items will be at It’s Sew Moab, where you’ll also find handcrafted leather journals and handbags, as well as a “special give-away.” Moab yarn shop Desert Thread at 29 E. Center St. will demonstrate the art of dying yarn with an indigo fermentation dye vat.
In keeping with the theme, the restaurant 98 Center is featuring the work of 19 MARC art campers who have put their own spin on Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” painting.
At 118 E. Center St., the Museum of Moab is showing the abstract works of Michael Ford Dunton.
At the Tom Till Gallery, 61 N. Main St., visitors can view the photographer’s “dramatic night shots” and also enter a fall raffle for the chance to win a “Tom Till miniature.”
Moab Made artisans will be at the shop celebrating keeping Moab skies dark at night; and Moonflower Community Cooperative at 39 E. 100 North will feature photographers Bryan Haile and Dan Norris. Moonflower is also hosting food artisans Colorado-based Rocking W Cheese and Antelope Trading Company, which will serve samples and share information about craft food production.
Postcard maps of the tour can be found at any of the participating venues, or online at www.moabartwalk.com. Be sure to have your postcard punched after visiting each of the 11 venues for a chance to win a $120 gift certificate to Moab Adventure Park. Turn in your card at your final destination to enter.
Gallery Moab featured artist Serena Supplee to judge competition
The National Park Service is showcasing the work of 2017 Community Artist in the Parks Anthony Lott. You can find Lott and his works at the Moab Information Center during Moab ArtWalk on Saturday, Sept. 9. Earlier on Saturday, Lott will give a free three-hour painting workshop at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Materials will be provided. The workshop is geared toward beginners through advanced painters. To register, contact: Karen_Garthwait@nps.gov; or 435-719-2142.
What: “Dark Skies Bright Stars” community art show and Moab ArtWalk
When: Saturday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Moab
Information: www.moabartwalk.com; 435-259-6272
