February 22, 2012

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Welcome to the Old Hotel Art Gallery

Showcasing the work of Carrie Vielle

Carrie Vielle has been drawing and painting her entire life. She was born in Victoria, B.C. into a family and community immersed in the arts. Her family members include fine artists, photographers/film makers, actors, writers, musicians and composers – all of whom enriched Carrie’s arts education.

Carrie holds a BA in Studio Art and a BA in Art History from Eastern Washington University. During her last year of her undergrad coursework, Carrie took a life-changing trip to Europe and was able to experience the incredible art and architecture she had been studying for so many years. Shortly after finishing her Bachelor degrees, she started teaching art and design classes at a college in Spokane, Washington. Carrie fell in love with teaching and found it a talent she didn’t know she had. She returned to EWU and earned a MA in Art History in 2003. This time, her coursework took her to Nice, France, where she lived for two summers studying the language, culture and art.

In addition to art, Carrie works very hard to ensure that traveling will always be a part of her life. For the past nineteen summers, Carrie spends several weeks working as a tour guide for custom art and cultural workshops in Europe. One of Carrie’s most thrilling accomplishments came in 2004 when she was one of two Washington state college instructors awarded teaching positions in Florence, Italy, where she taught Art History and Drawing classes to American study-abroad college students. While living in Italy, Carrie toured the country studying the works of the Renaissance and Baroque Masters. “Walking past Michelangelo’s David everyday was the most magical, surreal experience of my life.”

Carrie has chosen the figure as her principle artistic subject. “I feel the nude is the most essential, meaningful way to represent the human form. It is when we are the most raw, vulnerable, beautiful and readable.” Carrie views the role of art as one of communication and connection. “My work explores the universal expressive language of the human body. Each of us has felt joy, sensuality, loneliness, melancholy, etc. I want viewers to see these expressions in my work and engage in a dialogue with the figures. By identifying with an image, and perhaps creating a personal story around the figure, the viewer might better understand that the human condition is shared, that we are never really alone.”

Throughout her education, traveling and teaching career, Carrie has been creating and exhibiting her work – developing the artistic process and style she creates with today. Her heavily textured and collaged backgrounds are intriguing complements to her fluid, graceful figures. Each work reveals a moment in time, figures seemingly at rest, yet filled with many potential stories.

Two years ago, after a very rewarding fifteen-year teaching career, she decided to pursue her artistic passions full time. Carrie’s work has been warmly accepted into national galleries and been included in international exhibits and collections.

Filed Under: 2011-02 February 2011, Visual Arts

Cory Clasen

Better Pedaling on the Path of Life

I think it was Queen, (the Brit Rock Quartet not the Monarch), that said it best when belting out the verse, “Get on your bikes and ride!” Whether a fan or not, owner of Moses Lake Multisport, Cory Clasen and many of his local supporters certainly echo that cry. Located at 516 W. Broadway, the modest, unassuming cube that is his shop has inside a wide variety of round things…things attached to pedals and frames… that will move you!

Clasen was at one point in his life involved in the trucking industry; hauling those gas guzzling 4-wheeled cages about the country, but eventually began to feel a bit burned out with it. Looking at the demographics of our town and area, he took a chance with his sincere feeling that there were enough dedicated and serious riders here that it could support a shop centered on a higher class and quality of bicycles. Having served Moses Lake for 11 years now by offering an alternative to what have become almost ‘throw away’ two wheelers, Clasen not only sells some of the best, but has the knowledge and credentials to back them up with his service.

Pedaling backwards a bit, it is notable that the lithe C.C. was at one point a rapidly rising star in the world of Motocross Racing; racking up wins and gaining major factory sponsors in his teenage years. After a fairly serious injury sidelined him, his father encouraged bicycle riding to help with rehabilitation and conditioning. An attempt at returning to competition proved that there was too much on the line physically to risk, and Clasen returned to pedaling with a passion. In the late 90’s Clasen became interested in the Triathlon events that seemed to be gaining in popularity across the country and this eventually led to his involvement in Moses Lake’s own Triathlon. Cory states that here at home he is really more of a behind the scenes volunteer helper than a competitor, yet he still finds time to travel each season to 5 or 6 events elsewhere in the region.

Clasen will also be seen participating in Cross Country riding and is an avid proponent of the local ‘Indy Series’ events, some even held in his own backyard…literally. With a strong core group of locals also ‘peddling’ these activities, Clasen encourages those interested to visit the website www.beezleyburn.com and learn about the ‘Vicious Cycle’ riding group, where riders can join others in organized, scheduled rides. Rain or shine, all year round there is time for enjoying this sport; they even include weekly ‘spin classes for fun and health.

Clasen’s unmistakable voice with its slightly raspy edge reminds you of someone who has yelled a bit too loud and long at the fun stuff in life, which is not a bad quality to have. His zest for the bicycling lifestyle is quite apparent, though he is not in possession of only a “one track mind”. (Though a single track path is the most fun on two wheels!) Cory has the knowledge and know-how to sell and service all styles of bicycles. He is also involved in a number of different applications for their use; Road, Off Road, Mountain, or Retro Boulevard Cruisers that hearken back to rides of the 50’s. Don’t let the size of the shop fool you, this is a pro class establishment, and he has recently branched out to sell and service a variety of water sport clothing and equipment for those who want to enjoy the wetter side of our area’s recreational offerings.

What Moses Lake Multisport strives to do is to professionally fit the rider to the bicycle. There is no one machine that can do it all, so if you have a variety of riding styles, or don’t know exactly what you want to or should ride, Cory asks that you just stop by to look and listen. No high pressure sales, only decades of knowledge and a very real desire to get folks out there onto two wheels. This is a healthy activity and lifestyle for all ages, and it pains him to know that some make purchases of a bicycle only to have it end up collecting dust in a garage. Even if you don’t plan on buying a bike from him, let him fit you and verify that you are looking to get on the best machine for your intended use.

In addition to the obvious health benefits of bicycling, for those that commute it means saving resources. What Clasen likes most about the activity however is that it can be so ‘family oriented’. In many parts of our community you will encounter families of three or more pleasantly wheeling together, at a speed and proximity that elicits conversation and builds bonds of togetherness. If you really want closeness, try a two-seater tandem bike with a tow along child carrier! Perhaps there is a reason bicycle rims are round and they call it ‘the circle of life’…

Filed Under: 2011-02 February 2011, People

The Art of Window Treatments

Windows are our eyes to the world, a source of natural light, and the architectural accoutrements within our homes walls. This being said window coverings these days can be like the jewelry for those windows. Window treatments are not only beautiful, but functional as well. They filter light, offer privacy, and like any finishing touch, help pull together the look of a room. Custom window treatments offer the freedom to design around existing upholstery and can be as dramatic or simple as you like.

Well designed window coverings are specific to particular situations and play a critical role in transforming mere rooms into unified, warm and welcoming homes. You may choose to match your woodwork and cabinetry, blend with your walls or accent your furnishings. Designers often create a first impression of cohesive beauty by using the same treatments on all windows facing the street. Remember to look how your treatments will be perceived from the outside as well as the inside. Below we will try to simplify the options available today.

Hard coverings refer to shades and blinds that are used for privacy, light control and protection from the elements of weather, such as heat loss. Once limited to a handful of generic options, hard coverings today can easily stand on their own as decorative elements.

ROMAN SHADES AND WOVEN WOODS: roman shades amplify simple elegance. You may have them made with fabric or natural elements as bamboo, wood reeds, bark, grasses and jute that is hand woven. The result is an artistic fusion of textures with a modern yet ancient appeal in varying color hues, textures and grains. Natural shades fit with any surrounding and work in harmony with contemporary and casual environments as well as traditional settings.

WOOD BLINDS: there are many options nowadays, from multiple stain and paint finishes, including antiquing and distressing with a variety of slat widths.

SHUTTERS: like wood blinds shutters offer a classic look in painted and wood finishes. Shutters tend to be more expensive, but they are a solid investment. Many window treatment styles come and go, but shutters are trend resistant and lend themselves to traditional, rustic or country looks and add architectural interest. .

ROLLER SHADES: simple roller shade provide moderate privacy with no frills. Newer on the market are attractive natural fiber roller shades with organic weaves and colors. These look best in casual and relaxed settings and function best in areas where privacy is not a concern and filtering light throughout the day is an asset. (Designer tip: add beads, cording or trim on the bottom of your shades to add a custom look to match your room).

Next in the layering process is soft coverings. Many of these options can be used in combination with the above or stand on their own.

DRAPERIES: there are no window treatments more classic than draperies. Draperies bring a wonderful sense of luxury, warmth and individuality to a room, making an appealing room even more irresistible. Draperies provide excellent insulation, privacy and light control, or can be used to soften the sides of the above hard treatments. Stationary panels can be used alone to add texture and color or to make windows appear larger and more dramatic. (designer tip: install drapery rod 18 inches beyond the sides of your windows to give a larger look and to frame your view).

VALANCE OR CORNICE BOARD: a valance is a soft treatment that covers only the top of the window. Cornices are typically hard box like structures that are built and then upholstered for the top of a window, giving a tailored look.

With all the choices out there making an educated decision on the use as well as the design can be overwhelming. Consult a local window treatment workroom to go over the options available today to create both continuity and individuality in your home.

Filed Under: 2011-02 February 2011

2011 Winter Serenade (review)

Assuaging the Winter ‘Blues’ with a ‘Black’ Tie Event

January; cold, bleak…accented only by gray skies framed against a horizon of leafless tress stretching spindly branches morosely toward the meager light. January; most people exhausted by the fast pace and frenetic celebratory customs of the two major holidays that have just passed, leaving in their wake not much to look forward to. Take heart however, as there is respite and relief that for seven years now has been blasting away the winter doldrums in the basin, and serving a great cause as it raises funds for our own BBCC!

Perhaps misnamed as a “serenade”, in that the word denotes a calming, serene event, this “Black Tie and Evening Gown’ bash has a bit more toe tapping and heel up-kicking at its heart. If you just missed this year’s 7th annual iteration at the ATEC center, you have eleven months to start planning to attend next year’s event that will be additionally special as it marks the 50th anniversary of BBCC.

So what does one get by participating in this event, other than the express joy of knowing you are supporting our local educational facility that enriches the lives of many? How about enjoying sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres while sampling fine wines from local and regional vineyards? Or if cold brewed ale is more to your tastes, they have those too. Let’s not at all forget the elegantly prepared, multi course gourmands delight served perfectly spaced and paired with the finest selection of wine to accompany it.

The college food service staff is excellent in execution of their jobs, extremely gracious and friendly, which only adds to the upbeat feeling of the evening. A vast, widely diverse team from the College President all the way down the staff chain, certainly out do themselves to make this a memorable event. Along with an important array of sponsors and benefactors, the Directors and Board of Trustees are severely underrated in what they provide for the attendees of this event.

At dinner you are seated with others here to share your desire to give back to the community and the college, as well as enjoy the sumptuous treats presented. You will find that it is always a much smaller world than you thought as you share delightful conversation with a smorgasbord of different people, make new friends, and wait for the evening’s entertainment. This year the Portland band ‘Pressure Point’ kicked out tunes from 40’s big band to major Rock-N-Roll hits of the 80’s, with just enough slow numbers to get the lovers out on the floor…which was always full.

Dr. Bill Bonaudi, president of BBCC and bon vivant for the evening, spelled out best the real effects of this event. He states, “Tonight’s event will contribute critical funds to support scholarships and technology for students at a time in our state’s economy that is continuing to have a profoundly negative impact on the college.” All in attendance can attest to the fact that the evening was anything but negative. If you only choose one event in your life other than your wedding or funeral to get this dressed up for, the Winter Serenade is definitely it. BBCC will gladly wait the 11 months for you to get prepared to brighten up your January 2012.

Filed Under: 2011-02 February 2011, Community