Exhibit features eclectic work of artist Dianne Hinkler

An opening reception for an art exhibit featuring the work of Kalispell self-taught artist Dianne Hinkler is planned for First Friday, Aug. 4 at Phillips Gallery.

The reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Hinkler will be talking about her journey as an artist and her inspiration for this exhibit at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit includes an eclectic collection of her work on canvas, paper and petrified wood.

Hinkler has held positions in the movie and TV industry. She found the study of theater arts in high school the beginning of her exploration of the world from multiple perspectives while developing her artistic skills. As a young adult, she discovered acting and working in the film industry soon discovered this was not her true passion. As destiny would have it, her path changed. One day while she was walking on the shore of Santa Barbara, California, collecting rocks, she was compelled to paint on them, not just simple images, but detailed portraits of animals and people, using very small brushes. Soon she graduated to rocks of every kind and size and gemstones.

Finding just the right one-of-a-kind rock that lent itself to each character. Private and public collectors were soon placing special orders. Among these collectors were many celebrities. She is very honored to have her work in the collections of Clint Eastwood, Whoopi Goldberg, Connie Stevens, and George Burns. One of her favorite pieces was a George Burns portrait on a petrified dinosaur bone. It was presented to him in honor of his 90th birthday. He accepted the piece with great humor and appreciation.

Hinkler pursued her art education at Southern California schools, The Learning Tree Art School, Otis Parsons School of Design and private art lessons with accomplished artists. She was a resident artist with the Windfeather organization. Hinkler’s charitable work, including raising funds for indigenous tribal children of the Southern California region and Kalispell Habitat for Humanity plays an inspiring role in her work.

"My art creations come from a joyful place, which then expands into all parts of my life," says Hinkler.

The Eclectic Journey exhibit will remain on view at the gallery, located inside the Kalispell Center Mall, through August.