Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Art exhibition supports Spiritual Film Fest

Idaho artists show off talent

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

“Swing Dance” by Nannette Spencer. Color photograph at The Open Room.

The fifth annual Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival is expanding its reaches this year to create more awareness. The festival takes place Sept. 18-20, and will offer three days of films dedicated to exploring the human spirit.

In conjunction with the festival, The Open Room furniture store in Ketchum is presenting an exhibition called "Celebrating the Human Spirit." The exhibition is a silent auction and special juried art exhibition to benefit the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival. The show is already open and will be on exhibition through Saturday, Sept. 19.

Works range from photographs to ceramics to watercolors. Starting silent auction bid prices range from $75 to $2,400. Artists throughout Idaho were invited to participate in the show. A jury of four members from the Wood River arts community reviewed all submitted work and chose 21 pieces for the exhibition.

"The range and caliber of work we have received demonstrates the talent and creative diversity of artists throughout the state of Idaho," said The Open Room's owner, Claudia Aulum. "We are delighted to have this opportunity to collaborate with and support the Spiritual Film Festival. It is a truly inspiring organization."

The show will be open for a reception during Gallery Walk on Friday, Sept. 4, from 5-8 p.m. Several artists will be in attendance along with organizers from the film festival.

Light hors d'oeuvres and wine from CIRO will be served and the reception will feature live music by Art Wallace as well as Asian antiques by Shangri-La. The exhibition can be viewed online at openroomfurniture.com/sun-valley-spiritual-film-festival-exhibition-and-silent-auction.aspx. Absentee bids are being taken over the phone for this event. For details call 622-0222.

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com