A contemporary Western art show will open a three-week run Friday, Jan. 23, in conjunction with the Sagebrush Celebration at the Omak Performing Arts Center.
     Opening night will feature an artists’ reception and demonstrations by Okanogan Valley sculptor Ted Moomaw and Methow Valley painter Kathy Meyers.
     They are among 22 regional artists participating in the show in the new student commons of Omak High School, according to an announcement from the Omak Performing Arts Center Foundation.
     Admission is free to the art show and the neighboring Sagebrush Mercantile, both of which will be open from 5-7 p.m. and again from 9-11 p.m. Jan. 23.
     At 7 p.m., action will move to the theater for a concert featuring Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band and cowboy poet Mike Puhallo.
     Tickets for the concert are $25, are available at Rawson’s, Okanogan; The Corner Shelf, Omak, or online at www.omakpac.com.
     Following the concert, the artists’ reception will include hot spiced cider and doughnuts, provided by Rawson’s.
     The art show will continue through Friday, Feb. 13, and is intended to benefit students and the general public, according to the announcement. The show can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by special arrangement with the school.
     The informal opening night demonstrations will give people an opportunity to ask the artists about some of their techniques, according to the announcement.
     Meyers, who works primarily in acrylics, teaches at the Confluence Gallery, Twisp. She has been a lifelong artist and won her first national award at the age of 15.
     Moomaw has produced a series of bronze sculptures, including a piece featuring early 20th century photographer Frank Matsura.
     Moomaw is particularly influenced by 19th century French sculptors who created historic monuments and is working with community members on a proposed monument to honor Matsura.
     A watercolor painting by Omak resident Stephanie Clark, another exhibiting artist, will be featured on the Sagebrush Celebration program cover. Clark recently showed her work in Utah and Montana.
     Show organizer is Omak High School art teacher Ken Vander Stoep, who will exhibit his photography. He also works in a variety of media.
     Other participating artists are Sharron Arbuckle, Mike Azzano, Michael Caldwell, Al Camp, David Campbell, Dennis Conger, Barbara Conner-Reed, Sheila Crowder, Jolene Hale, Yuko Ishii, Steve Love, Jodi Olsen, Mary Powell, Ken Smith, Tina Reeve Tharp, Bruce Townsend, Crystal Wakeham and Cheryl Wrangle.
     More information is available from Vander Stoep, 826-8360. Special viewings of the art show can be arranged through Vander Stoep.