One World — Two Views exhibit features new work by Polson artists

New work by Polson painters David and Bobbie Hafer is the focus of the One World – Two Views exhibition at Phillips Gallery in Kalispell.

The Hafer’s visual curiosity encompasses farmsteads to mountain peaks. The couple have scoured the waterways, countryside, and mountains of Northwest Montana for material to use in their paintings, finding a treasure trove of scenes to record in their artwork.

The Haferes live and work from their Polson studio overlooking Flathead Lake. One of the many inspirations and challenges for the couple is capturing the immense beauty surrounding their home — the land, the farms, and the water flowing out of the alpine terrain. Both David and Bobbie seek to paint realistic landscapes viewers can imagine themselves living in, breathing the air, observing nature and marveling at all the beauty.

“Painting places me more intensely into appreciation of God’s creation as I try to capture what I now see with fresh eyes,” David Hafer said.

Known for their oil landscapes, Bobbie Hafer also paints still lifes and florals.

The Haferes started painting full-time together after retiring from working at the same medical practice for more than 30 years. As in their work life, the Haferes paint together almost every day.

The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30 at the gallery located inside the Kalispell Center Mall. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.