Afton Ray-Rossol and Trish Stevenson Brand Their Western-themed Paintings With Contemporary Flair

"Beneath These Western Skies" is the two-person exhibit of upbeat paintings by eastern Montana artists, Afton Ray-Rossol of Sidney, and Trish Stevenson of Savage. While Ray-Rossol uses watercolor and Stevenson works mainly in pastels, both artists approach western themes with a fresh, bold view using daring colors and vivid brushstrokes to explore energetic subjects that range from rodeo and ranching life to the wildlife of Montana.The venue is housed in the historic train depot in Red Lodge, Montana which is home to the Carbon County Depot Gallery and Arts Guild at 11 W. 8th St. The exhibit will run from November 1 through November 28, 2018. The public is invited to a reception November 28, 2018 from 5 - 7 p.m. to meet the artists, who will share their processes and answer questions.

The artists' paths first crossed in the late 90's when Stevenson judged a youth art show that included Ray-Rossol's work. The judge took special notice of the student's winning talents from that year on. Eventually the two came to know each other through custom framing at a gallery in Sidney, Montana. Through the years their friendship and artist camaraderie has grown and continues to thrive in their small rural community. "We really value the fact that we can 'talk shop' and provide support to one another," Stevenson remarks.

Growing up in Sidney, Ray-Rossol's art had strong support from her family and won her many awards. She considers her talent a gift that comes naturally. She received a full scholarship and studied art at DCC in Glendive and has exhibited her work throughout the Montana-Dakota region. Her favorite award was received in 2013 when George Strait personally chose her design for a poster that promoted 60 Number One hits for his 60th birthday. Ray-Rossol, her husband and daughter are an avid outdoors family and those outings provide endless inspiration for her artwork. She operates The GalleRay Art & Frame Studio in Sidney where she paints, conducts workshops and does custom framing. Find her "Bold West" original art and prints at http://www.thegalleray.com.

Stevenson grew up in a rural area west of Denver and attended the Colorado Institute of Art, which included a study trip to Europe. She has made Montana her home for over 20 years. "I am surrounded by my inspiration, living in the ranching country of eastern Montana with horses, cattle, cowgirls and cowboys," she explains. Her pastels and oil paintings have been featured in Western Horseman Magazine, and exhibited at the Rockwell Museum in New York, the International Museum of the Horse, the Out West Art show in Great Falls and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. You can see more of her artwork on her website: http://www.trishstevenson.com