The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA - Seven Walla Walla Valley artists continue to celebrate friendship in a gallery show at CAVU Cellars during May. Returning artists include Barbara Bates, Brenda Bernards, Shannon Kimball, Marilee Schiff, Betty Simcock, and Bobbi Walker. New to the show is Mareth Curtis Warren.

An artists' reception for The Art of Friendship exhibit will be held Friday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m. at CAVU Cellars at 175 E. Aeronca Avenue across from the Walla Walla Regional Airport. Light refreshments will be provided, and beverages will be available for purchase. Not only works in watercolor, oil, pastel, graphite, and other media will be on display, but also a kindred spirit that binds the artists together.

In Bate's words, "The Art of Friendship conjures up images of relationships that are balanced, harmonious, diverse, and connected. We encourage, lift up, and celebrate one another's accomplishments."

"Artists, being interesting and curious people, are fun to spend time with," added Walker.

Curtis explains, "An artful life means learning to live through our senses. To take in every day what we see, hear, taste, feel, and smell. With art as my first language, I want to draw, to paint, to express all these things. I love to be with others who think like this, who revel in each new day and are eager to discover what sights, colors, smells, flavors, and sensations it will bring."

"Art is introspective and gives us new ways to explore other aspects of life," Kimball believes. "Through art, we grow as community, developing friendships with people who are truly fascinating and inspirational."

Bernards enjoys the numerous and varied opportunities to expand her artistic side and loves the people who have become part of her life through these efforts. She supports the arts in Walla Walla by serving on the board of ArtWalla and the City of Walla Walla Arts Commission and assisting with the planning of the Co(W)alla Creative District. "This new side – the creative side – has brought so many experiences and wonderful friendships," says Brenda. "It has opened another window to my Walla Walla life.

"As a lifelong student of the Humanities, I continue to ask the question, 'How best do we journey through this wonderful gift we call life?' Each week when we get together for coffee, I find myself leaving with another piece of the puzzle," Marilee reflects.

"It's been a delight to find friends who share common interests, but what are we to do with the art we've created? Perhaps sell it!" Simcock concludes. "Our friendship continues, and we are having another show!"