MOSES LAKE — The opening reception for an exhibit that’s rising from the ashes is scheduled for Friday night at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center. The reception for Ric Gendron will be from 5 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 401 S. Balsam St.

Curator and writer Ben Mitchell will discuss Gendron’s work at 7 p.m. Admission to the museum and reception are free.

Gendron was working at his home in Coulee City Oct. 3 when he spotted a fire behind a nearby vacant residence. Pushed by strong winds the fire spread up the hill, eventually causing severe damage to Gendron’s residence and studio, not only from the fire, but also from smoke and water.

The studio contained his works in progress and others he was collecting for the show – and also destroyed or damaged pretty much everything he owned, from clothing to his guitar collection.

That was about six weeks before a major show opening, a huge setback for Gendron. But friends and supporters have rallied around and helped him assemble a show of retrospective works, as well as some new works.

Gendron is prolific artist who’s been painting for 35 years. “He paints every day, sometimes well into the night, with his favorite music of the hour playing in the background,” according to a press release from the museum. “Gendron’s work serves as a visual diary.” A member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, he grew up in Spokane and Coulee City. Gendron’s work reflects his heritage, as well as his interests in music, pop culture and nature.

Gendron exhibits annually at the Santa Fe Indian Market and has exhibited at Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. He’s also exhibited at Purdue University, the Center for Contemporary Art in Seattle and Blue Sage Gallery, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Mitchell is an independent curator and writer, along with being the art editor of “Basalt,” the literary and arts journal at Eastern Oregon University. He’s a former teacher at Whitman College and former director of the Sheehan Gallery.

The opening reception will feature a “milk and cookies bar,” and a no-host bar sponsored by Columbia Basin Allied Arts.

Cheryl can be reached via email at [email protected].