Blue Buffalo Artists Reception This Saturday at MDHC

“What would life be without art?” Trish Stevenson asks.

The center gallery at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney is alive this month with amazing art by the Blue Buffalo Artists. This diverse community of talented artists banded together to share their artistic visions through exhibits across the country. The core group started in Cody, WY and hosts its signature art show annually at the historic Irma Hotel. The group now includes artists from throughout the west, including Crane, MT.

Trish Stevenson has been creating art for as long as she can remember. “My Mom always tells the story of when I was three and brought her circles on paper. What are those she asked? Apples, I told her.” Stevenson has been a member of the Blue Buffalo Artists for three years and is proud that her fellow members’ work is on display at the MonDak. She has three pieces in the show, one oil and two pastels, all framed by Afton Ray-Rossol of GalleRay in Sidney. Stevenson is inspired by western themes. She loves rodeo, loves the dust which helps create an atmosphere. “Rodeo is colorful,” she said. “And I love horses.” Stevenson likes to spend time with family, go to rodeos and explore the countryside she loves, all the while gathering inspiration for her next piece. Stevenson cannot be away from her art for long. “It’s the best getaway sometimes. Time just flies,” she said. “It’s part of my makeup and identity.”

Two local artists are also guest displayers at the exhibit.

Afton Ray-Rossol has also been an artist her whole life. She works out of her GalleRay studio in Sidney, where she also does expert framing. Rossol has three watercolors in the exhibit, all of which she framed herself. She uses vibrant colors to portray what see sees in nature and the MonDak region. The studio is open by appointment by calling 406-488-CRE8. Rossol loves to spend quality time with her 6 1/2 year old daughter, going fishing and enjoying the outdoors, and being involved with her church.

Rhonda Whited finds her best art comes out when the worst happens, and she has created three exciting new pieces for the show, one of which will be offered at the Wine and Food Festival. “I’m really tickled to be in the show,” she said. “It spurred me to do more.” All her pieces were framed by Kelly at Ribbon & Rail, Sidney. Whited spends most of her time painting houses with Carmen Latka, enjoying her niece Holly and the rest of her family and drawing as time permits. While she truly appreciates all of those things, she said, “Fellow artists are a different family. I need to be around art. It’s our job to spice up the drab.”

An artists’ reception will be held Saturday, October 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Come and meet these three talented local artists as well as several of the Blue Buffalo Artists. Enjoy some refreshments and take in all the beautiful artwork.