Plein air artist's work on display at library

Escape the chilly fall weather and take in ImagineIF Library’s latest art exhibit, “A Deep Breath,” by award-winning local artist Therese LaChance Ely.

Ely is known for her plein air oil paintings, inspired by backcountry hiking and kayaking adventures in Montana. Plein air denotes a style of painting outdoors, which became a central aspect of French Impressionism.

Ely began painting in childhood, taking both private art classes and California State enrichment classes. Her university work earned her a degree in biology and chemistry, with the occasional art class along the way. After leaving a career in analytical chemistry to raise three children, she resumed her artwork through Paint Yosemite workshops and other focused painting retreats. Ely found both the challenge and pleasure of plein air painting, studying with inspiring master artists. The encouragement of her husband, Gary, and his enthusiastic backpacking companionship have been invaluable in her growth as an artist.

Her work is on exhibit at the Persimmon Gallery in Bigfork. She also participates in exhibits with the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center and the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell. You can see more of her artwork at thereseely.com.

“A Deep Breath,” is on exhibit at ImagineIF Library in Kalispell through November.