Photo by Chris Pilaro 

Art & affability

Nine times a year Ketchum’s eclectic art galleries open wide their doors for the evening, welcoming in well-turned-out patrons, looky-loos, socialites, the curious, and locals trying to catch some culture before going on a pub-crawl. Sponsored by the Sun Valley Gallery Association, these Gallery Walks are a valley tradition. Visitors and residents stroll around Ketchum taking in new exhibitions of paintings, photography, glass, sculpture and installation art. Often, visiting artists can be found in situ. Even some shops engage by staying open late. Admittedly the liberal pouring of wine and comestible offerings enhances the fun. All in all, it makes for a few hours of genuine affability. This year the walks should
be especially jolly, as it is the Gallery Association’s 25th birthday.

— by Dana DuGan / Photos by Chris Pilaro

Although Sun Valley originated as a destination ski resort seven decades ago, the sophisticated visual arts scene is equally lively. Consider the meeting of minds and the spectacles found on any given Gallery Walk.

A vibrant Ricardo Mazal oil catches the eye at the Anne Reed Gallery and

so does a dapper chapeau at any time.
 

We love it when the artists take time to chat with visitors, such as when Kris Cox pulled up a seat next to his painting at Gail Severn Gallery.

A poncho-clad lass searches for meaning in a Chagall at Frederic Boloix Fine Art.

First Avenue is dubbed Gallery Row, as it is home to six galleries. Others are on Sun Valley Road, in the Courtyard, in Walnut Avenue Mall, and even in a bank lobby.

Gallery gatherings spill outside on temperate evenings,

while ladies take a gander at Portland artist Gregory Grenon’s notion of one in the Friesen Gallery.

Fashions on the walk range from Sun Valley chic to California girl to Ketchum casual to

the genteel peering into Gallery De Novo where Nie Jian Bing’s “La Vierge Entourne des Anges” hangs.

A stoic bronze chieftain watches over the proceedings at the Kneeland Gallery observed with surprise by the young.

Gallery walks take place from 6 - 9 p.m. on Dec. 29, Feb. 17, March 10 and May 27.