The Artists’ Gallery invites all to join us on First Friday, November 2nd, from 5-8 p.m., for a fun and stimulating evening of art, live music, a special silent auction, and community spirit! Meet the artists and support the arts in Southern Colorado! Enjoy music performed by Thomas Gudding, singing and playing folk-rock favorites on his guitar, and complimentary refreshments! Our Featured Artists are:

For seasoned painter and author, Phyllis Waltman, the horse is a living inspiration and a lifelong passion. Hers is a familiar love story of “girl meets horse”; when riding wasn't available, one could find her drawing images of the horse. Western and cowboy culture pervade Phyllis’ work, and she is constantly inspired by the nature of the horse, whether roaming free or partnered up with man. Phyllis' exquisite paintings have appeared in art shows across the country and have received numerous awards throughout the Western region. Most recently, her painting “As Dust Flies” was awarded First in Show at the Wild West Art Show at the Blue Spruce Gallery in Florence, Colorado.

Always with his camera at his side, award-winning and published photographer, Mel Williamson, records the world around him. While on backpacking trips high into the Rocky Mountains, and on rock-climbing adventures around Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, he artfully captures the most breathtaking images. Mel has had the good fortune to study under several well-known photographers. In turn, he teaches digital photography classes, sharing his expertise and love for the medium with other aspiring photographers.

Sylvia Carón, owner of Carón Pottery, will be presenting new work in her featured artist display entitled, “Beyond Function”. With over 23 years’ experience as a potter of functional ware, in recent years Sylvia has been exploring the integration of texture and surface decoration on her stoneware pottery. Recognizing that utility and art are not exclusive of one another, she has enjoyed creating signature pieces that are designed for special use, but beautiful enough to display as art.

During the evening, we are presenting the “Chair-ity”, a silent auction of six hand-embellished chairs designed by gallery artists, with proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity. These delightfully imaginative chairs will be available for preview from October 29th through First Friday! Come pick out your favorite and place your bid!

The Artists’ Gallery, 416 Main St., Canon City, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (719)345-4070 and visit www.facebook.com/TheArtistsGallery/.