'Spring Has Sprung'

The Art Spirit Gallery will host an opening reception for its new "Spring Has Sprung" art exhibit from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in the Elevated Gallery.

"Spring Has Sprung" features the works of artists Sheila Evans and Andrew Avakian. The exhibit embodies the essence of renewal and growth, showcasing the innovative and diverse styles of both featured artists.

Evans has been a professional artist for over 25 years, living in the Pacific Northwest most of her life. Known for her mastery in multiple mediums, Evans initially focused on pastels before transitioning to oil painting, expanding her subject matter to include captivating still lifes and animals, alongside her original botanical and landscape works. In 2016, she embraced kiln-fired enamel on metal, creating unique pieces through intricate designs that require multiple layers of firing. Her works are characterized by a combination of sgraffito; a technique of scratching through a top coating to reveal contrasting colors beneath, color mixing and hand-cut copper elements.

Avakian, a ceramic artist based in Missoula, draws inspiration from architectural forms, historical ceramics and color theory. His hand-built terra cotta vessels reflect his passion for exploring and breaking down the proportions of traditional works, such as German beer steins and Chinese mallet vases. Through his art, Avakian captures the essence of structural elements like arches and windows. By treating the surfaces of his pieces as three-dimensional paintings, he evokes a sense of history and depth, using underglazes, glazes and sandblasting to enhance the viewer's experience.

The Art Spirit Gallery is at 415 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

    "Mug with Stripes Orange and Blue," terra cotta, Andrew Avakian.