Summer 2012 Shows
I am pleased to announce my summer and fall furniture show schedule. I applied for some long shots and got in, including the exclusive Western Design Conference in Jackson Hole! If you are in the area or know anyone who is, pass on the information for these sure to be good shows:
July 6th-8th: Breckenridge Mountain Arts Festivals; Breckenridge, CO.
September 1st-3rd: Breckenridge Mountain Arts Festivals; Breckenridge, CO.
September 6th-9th: Western Design Conference, Jackson Hole, WY.
I also got accepted for a residency program at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts just outside Saratoga. I’m very excited for the opportunity! I will be there, painting away September 17-October 1st.
My Lil Shop on the Prairie
Custom Saloon Doors
This fun custom project was for clients (and long time friends) in Denver, CO. They had a vision of old saloon doors for their bathroom and we came up with this design, including the custom R brand for their last names (Both begin with R).
The frame is reclaimed barn siding and the panels are reclaimed snow-fence, all using traditional joinery techniques. The “R” brand is burned into the panels. The doors swing on café door hinges. I can do any brand request.
Roth-Radcliff Saloon Doors
The doors enclose the toilet room form the larger bathroom:
Saloon Doors
Women of the North Platte
This series was inspired by my friends who fish a lot and look so in their element while doing so. The original is available and I’m taking orders for prints, so let me know if interested!
Women of the North Platte, #1
New round of Steel Belt Buckles
These are all handmade by torch welding reclaimed steel, and then finished with a torch heat patina, polishing, and a traditional metal oil. I take orders for custom belt buckles- $75 each. Let me know in time and I can get one ready for a gift! These never fail to please.
Silhoutte #5
I made and mailed 8 original belt buckles to an art auction fundraiser for Nimbus Arts in St Helena, CA. Anyone in Northern California who wants to hit what is sure to be an amazing party this Saturday May 19th, you can get more information at: http://www.nimbusarts.org/index.html. Next year I hope to make it myself for I hear it is not to be missed!
Prairie Rose
Silhouette #1
Silhouette #2
Silhouette #3
Silhouette #4
Arts and Crafts End Table
This table was a commission for a Christmas present this past December. Cherry, 21 3/4″ ht x 16″ diameter top.
Steel Tree
Steel Tree: hand forged steel, 77″ ht x 31″ diameter, Meg Thompson, 2011.
This fall I finally finished the Steel Tree I started a few years ago. It began as a coat hanger. But as I hammered the hot square metal into textured tree bark, it quickly became clear it was going to be more than a coat hanger. At the ends of the branches I drew out the metal into curled leaves. I then encouraged the piece to develop a rust film in places to give some depth of color to the steel. Finally this fall I finished it with a rub-in metal oil. You can see alternate images of it on the metal/sculpture page.
“The Fields” painting announcement
I’m pleased to announce the completion of a new painting: The Fields. This is first in a series of contemporary Wyoming scenes. It is named for the dual income usage of the land for haying and pumping oil and gas. I know, I know…it is already a buzz…why ruin the pretty hayfield with oil and gas gear? Well, because that is what is there, today, on the edge of many hayfields. And, to some, the gas pump is scenic. I think of what I heard Kathy Karpan once say about mining in SE Wyoming when she was running for governor: “To those of us from SE Wyoming, open pit mining is scenic!” I think I was about ten, so I’m sure I don’t have the quote right, but that was the jist of it…and even at my young age, I got it.
As I sit writing this and staring out across a snowy white and tan prairie, the green hayfield scene reminds me of the magical transformation our land goes through each season. The color change is just astonishing! But here’s to winter- full of it’s own brand of beauty.
Original and prints are available. Contact me if interested.
The Fields; 12″ x 18″; sumi ink and watercolor; 2011; Meg Thompson.
NIC show and Open Shop
I just wanted to thank everyone who came to my fall shows– in Laramie my first annual Open Shop and in Casper, the Nicolaysen Art Museum’s Fall Art show and sale. Thanks for everyone who came out to our place for the Open Shop and endured the chili and company and weather. 
And thanks to my friends and family who came by the NIC to say hi and see all the great art. Both events went well.
Now I am trying to settle in for the winter and get to some custom projects that were on hold until after the shows. It has been wonderful coming back home and starting up my business here. I can never thank enough, all the folks who have supported me along the way and since we arrived here last May. Moving is overwhelming, but the welcome we have received makes it wonderful. Thank you!
Open Shop Highlight: My friend Amy showed up on her mule, Manny, in a snowstorm. And they both insisted on riding the 5 miles back as well, in the said snowstorm. I love Wyoming.
Wildflower’s View Painting announcment
Hello All-
I’m pleased to announce the completion of a new painting: “Wildflower’s View.” Long time friend Carol Brewer commissioned this piece and I am honored to be part of her fabulous art collection. Prints will be available. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks!
Meg Thompson
"Wildflower's View"; rice paper, walnut ink, sumi ink, watercolor; 12" x 18"; 2011; Meg Thompson
Furniture Pieces in Phoenix Galllery in Centennial, WY
This summer Linda Taylor who owns the Phoenix Gallery in Centennial, WY invited me to put some furniture pieces in her wonderful gallery that showcases local artists. The gallery is a gem of a surprise, nestled in behind The Trading Post. Stop by and see her impressive collection of local art! I believe she has a holiday show as well and I will post that once I know more. I hope everyone had a great fall!
Pronghorn Fawn plant stand ; reclaimed barn wood; 10 1/2" x 9 1/2" x 26".
Skinny Buffalo Coffee Table; reclaimed barn wood; 47" x 21 1/2" x 16"; 2011; Meg Thompson.