New artists join Paint, Metal and Mud

In conjunction with Father’s Day weekend, the Paint, Metal and Mud artist cooperative will host a reception to welcome three new artists, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the gallery in downtown Kalispell.

Recently joining the cooperative are metal design artist Gene McDaniel, potter Bob Cass and landscape fine artist James Johnson, all of Kalispell.

McDaniel creates whimsical metal artwork ranging from cattail wall hangings to friendship feathers and unique birdfeeders.

“I enjoy the challenge of using metal objects that have outlived their original function,” McDaniel said. “That makes the design process fun. I also like a level of functionality in my work.”

McDaniel, a former railroad engineer, studied welding science and metallurgy at Center Arizona College in Casa Grande, Arizona, in the late 1980s, and has sold his artwork in galleries throughout the Southwest. He has lived and worked in the Flathead Valley for 25 years.

In addition to his display at Paint, Metal and Mud, McDaniel has larger metal pieces on display and for sale at his studio in Kalispell. McDaniel can be reached at 406-755-7811 or djreel@hotmail.com.

Cass, a Polson native, first stepped into the ceramics studio at Whitworth College in Spokane 42 years ago.

“It was at that moment that I fell in love with the process of creativity we call pottery,” Cass said. He pursued an art degree and “dove into the world of mud, water and fire.

“I could not get enough of throwing pots, often spending hours way past midnight exploring shapes, glazes and various techniques,” he recalled. One of his special techniques is incorporating horse or dog hair into the firing process.

Pottery took a back seat to his career for many years, but Cass rekindled his passion for pottery as he sought to recover from two strokes and a heart attack. These days he also gives back by teaching classes to children and adults. Cass can be reached at 406-471-0248 or tbcpottery@gmail.com.

Johnson recently joined the gallery after a hiatus from his painting and teaching career, and is looking forward to showcasing some new work as well as legacy pieces from those busy years. He has participated in multiple shows across Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Missouri, and has won numerous awards for his impressionist oil paintings.

Most recently, Johnson has focused his creative efforts on teaching, remodeling a home and getting established in the Flathead Valley.

“I love what nature teaches me when I look closely at its wonders,'' he mused. “Life is complex and challenging, especially now. It’s refreshing to step back and appreciate the simplicity of beauty now and then.

Johnson can be reached at 801-907-5779 or at art.jamesjohnson@gmail.com.

Appetizers and refreshments will be served at the reception. Paint, Metal and Mud is located at 8 First St. E., Suite 104, in downtown Kalispell. For more information, call the gallery at 406-755-8886.