Whitefish begins montly art-gallery series

A new downtown Whitefish art program, First Thursday Gallery Nights, begins Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

A map will guide viewers around the galleries of Whitefish.

Many of the galleries will be hosting opening receptions for artists that evening as well. A few of the opening receptions on tap include:

. "Drawn to Nature," an exhibition of artwork by Kristen Murphy and Karsten Joseph Carlson at Stumptown Art Studio. The exhibition is being featured throughout June and July.

Murphy works with a bold and colorful palette. Her inspiration comes from the color and character that she sees in nature, including flowers, animals and the human figure. Murphy's work has a fantasy-like quality, with colored pencils and acrylic paints as her medium of choice.

Carlson has always had a deep passion for wild places and the creatures that inhabit them. He strives to capture these moments in his work, bringing small snap shots of his experiences to paper with brush and paint. Carlson has worked in many mediums throughout his life, from ceramics to chalk, silkscreen to pen and ink, but always returns to working with watercolor. Stumptown Art Studio is located at 145 Central Ave. This exhibition will be on display until August 6.

. "Italian Lesson," a collection of the artwork of Kalispell painter Michael DiMuro at Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery. Jay DiPaola offers live music during the reception. The gallery is located at 305 Baker Ave. Call 863-ARTS.

Gallery nights will continue through September on the first Thursday of each month.

For more information please call one of the participating galleries: Montana Territory, Jest Gallery, Mako Gallery, Stephen Isley Jewelry, Tomahawk Trading Co., Two Medicine Gallery, The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery, Whitefish Goldsmiths, Stumptown Art Studio, The Back Door Kitchen Store, and Whitefish Pottery & Stillwater Gallery.