Local art instructor shows skills in multiple mediums

The Hockaday Museum of Art announces the opening of "Sacred Stones: Continued Exploration", a new exhibition featuring work by John Rawlings, director of the Flathead Valley Community College Art Department. An opening reception will be held Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

On display through April 29, "Sacred Stones: Continued Exploration" highlights the paintings and three-dimensional works of John Rawlings.

Rawlings was born in London, and moved to Australia when he was 4. When he was 29, he left for Mexico, to attend The University of Guanajuato in San Miguel de Allende. He came to the Flathead Valley in 1989 and has been teaching full-time at Flathead Valley Community College since 1991.

This exhibit encompasses the skill that Rawlings has mastered in several mediums and explores the process of making art. In Rawlings' three-dimensional works, he explores various surface patterns. The patterns are an exploration of theme and the many ways a viewer will respond to the different patterns and cuts in the surface.

These ceramic "stones" are infused with a deep, rich black surface that is baked into the clay through the process of sawdust firing at a very high temperature. Rawlings' paintings are filled with subtle colors, some rich and vibrant while others have a monochromatic scheme. The paintings embody the same feeling of design and texture found in his ceramic works.

It is located at 302 Second Ave. E. in downtown Kalispell. Admission to the March 30 opening reception and daily admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and $1 for youth, with free admission for museum members.

Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 755-5268 or visit www.hockadaymuseum.org.