Heart of the West Art Show - Lander

Barajas Studio

Mr. Guadalupe Barajas

www.BarajasStudio.com

Almost bought my first painting today. It's not that I don't have original art in my home, I do. But they are items I've been given. I had a water color in my hand today and I now realize what it's like to be bitten by the art love-bug. I 've always wondered how I would know if I should buy a painting...it's like falling in love, you just know.

When I checked into my hotel, I logged onto landerchamber.org and found that an art show was in town. It was the 2nd annual "Heart of the West" invitational artist show and sale. Unfortunately, it wasn't easy to find for someone not familiar with Lander, even with directions. It's not that it was hard...the show just wasn't that well marked. However, I'm certain that for the most part, the Lander people knew exactly where it was and probably most incidental visitors to Lander like myself don't check the Lander blog for something to do. (I just happened to know the web address!)

I met two fascinating Chamber ladies. This is one of three yearly events sponsored by the Lander Chamber.

I met many fascinating artists. One in particular, Lupe, I had just seen featured in my Wyoming Arts Council "Artscapes" magazine. He recently put a HUGE, beautiful bronze at Gov. Dave's place.

Also, I fell in love with my first piece of "affordable" art. A beautiful water color and I had my check half written when there was a loud gasp from behind me. I turned and a lady said, "Are you buying that painting?" When I responded yes, the color drained from her face and she said, "My husband just gave me permission to buy it and I just returned with the credit card." Well, I figured since she had been kind enough to ask her husband, and I hadn't even thought to ask mine, I better let her have the painting. She then said, "It's the first piece of art I've ever bought." I replied, "It was going to be the first piece of art I'd ever bought." I smiled at her and then asked if I could take a picture of the painting. She let me. Than I asked if she would get in the picture so I could have a picture of the lady who bought my painting ;) She did. (Yes, I did tell her I was posting it on my blog and she still let me).

I will post those pictures, soon. I think her name is Mary. She is the wife of an artist at the show. She said something like, "My husband has paintings for sale inside the room. Why don't you go in and look at them?" My reply? "I bet his aren't $150."

It makes a great story. For me, Mary (?) and the artist's husband who was selling the painting.

By the way, the artist (who was not at the sale that day) is Gayle Barnett from Meeteetse, Wyoming. I believe the painting was called "Morning Star" and it depicted Jupiter in the southwestern Wyoming sky. (Mary, hopefully this story will add a ton of future value to your piece!) 

 Gayle's contact information:

Gayle Barnett

rooster@tctwest.net