Desert Artists find inspiration in life's moments
Connie Farris paints birds Wednesday, by using a Christmas card as her inspiration. She is part of the Desert Artists painting group, which meets at the Moses Lake Senior Center.
MOSES LAKE - A Utah mountain town dotted with lights, framed by snowy peaks in the background.
A yard in Othello once a simple lawn, now entirely converted into a beautiful flower garden.
A Christmas card festively adorned with small birds and red berries.
These were some of the scenes being captured in paintings by the Desert Artists.
Inside the Moses Lake Senior Center, the group of artists were quietly working in a circle on each of their individual projects.
Club president Janet Daschel said the group has existed for 20 years and there are now about 20 members. She's been a member since 2006.
Anyone is welcome to join the adult class. Some people even bring their children, but must supervise their activities.
For more information, call Daschel at 509-766-9978, or Phyllis Peterson, at 509-766-7037.
Members paint with watercolors, oils and acrylics. Individuals provide their own art supplies.
You can also show up to draw or crochet, Daschel said.
Daschel found membership beneficial because she paints with a group and doesn't have the distractions of home.
"It's good to have a group," she commented. "You know you'll be hanging out to paint."
She also likes painting with members of different levels. Some members critique each other's work.
Membership costs $15 per year, which allows members to hang their art as a group during some public events.
The club is participating in the Kennewick Art Walk on April 7, which starts at the Edward Jones office, Daschel said.
Members are also asked to contribute $1 per week as a donation for meeting at the senior center.
She also talked about some of the members.
Julie Peterson has an art building and brings her work to shows.
"She has made it in a business," Daschel said.
Susan Walpole once created china dolls, casting the body parts and designing their dresses.
Sandra Lomeli is an art graduate of Washington State University and paints in acrylics.
Linda Bishop paints with acrylics, oils and watercolors. Bishop, Louise Peeples and Carol Billings also attend a watercolor class.
The Desert Artists meet from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, at the Moses Lake Senior Center.