Exhibit opens for artist Lavonne Burgard

The work of Kalispell artist Lavonne Burgard, will be exhibited at Phillips Gallery June 9 through July 1.

The exhibit titled, Lavonne Reflects, features paintings that use form, shape, texture, rhythm, and color to entertain the viewer with emotion and intrigue, according to a release. Most of the imagery in her compositions is pulled from memory and experience whether working in the studio or plein air.

“My inspiration to paint is a desire to express my feelings and emotions in a way that language cannot,” Burgard said. “If the viewer reflects that back to me by identifying with that emotion, I feel my work has been satisfied by making that connection.”

Her style draws from printmaking techniques she learned while studying at Drake University where she graduated with a double major in fine arts and arts education.

“I have focused on developing entire paintings with a brayer,” Burgard said, explaining, “A brayer is a hand roller used in printmaking techniques to spread ink in the process of offsetting an image from a plate to paper. It is my hope that the color layering of the brayer works reflect the enthusiasm I have for making art.”

In her latest work, Burgard took inspiration from her teaching career, which spanned 31 years and took her to Iowa, Arizona, South Dakota, Australia and Montana, where she retired from teaching at Flathead High School.

“Although I have left my career of teaching art behind, I have gained a new perspective that I hope is reflected in my work. Retirement has opened my eyes to the expansiveness of life, and the limitless possibilities it holds. It is my aim to capture that attitude with my use of bold color,” she said.

The exhibit opens with an artist reception at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. June 9. Burgard is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. The gallery is located inside the Kalispell Center Mall and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

For more information, call 309-2335.