David Carmack Lewis is a storyteller, and his medium is oil on canvas. His knowledge comes from having studies arts, design, and illustration at the Virginia Commonwealth University, Studio Arts at Virginia Tech, along with painting and printmaking in Cardiff, Wales. However, what sets Lewis apart is his unique ability to paint scenes which impart the feeling of having just missed seeing the main character. One is left to come up with his/her own reason of why the person left, which means that every viewer’s imagination becomes part of the painting as they add their own perspectives to the stories Lewis tells. The use of warm illumination combined with intense shadowing imparts the idea of being gathered around an old fashioned camp fire, but on occasion a sign of modern times will be found, such as a warning sign or water tower. This leaves one to wonder where the story begins and where it ends. Lewis possesses the ability to capture, in one moment of expression, the common thread that links all periods of history and all different cultures. The paintings of David Carmack Lewis have been displayed at well over forty-five auctions, solo, juried, and shared exhibitions. His paintings are now on solo exhibit at the Firehouse Gallery until Feb. 29.

It’s also that time of year for the annual Black, White, & the Blues Auction! This exciting auction is held annually to benefit the Rogue Community Art Galleries and the Grants Pass Museum of Art. Many individuals and businesses have donated gifts to the silent auction segment of this event. These wonderful items are on display at the Firehouse, and bidding on them is simple. It goes in five dollar increments, and you simply write you name, number, and the amount of your bid on the notepad attached to the item you desire. No matter what your tastes, there is an item that will appeal to you. There is a $200 gift certificate from Gates Home Furnishings. The Brewery has given a dinner for eight certificate, which is a $300 value. Jeff Cunningham, an artist who specializes in Saggar Fire, Pit Fire, and Raku pottery, has donated a Saggar Fire Vase. For the more practical minded, Smith & Whitmire, attorneys at law, have generously offered a Revocable Living Trust, which is an $1800 service. There are children’s toys, unique clothing and accessories, wines, gardening tools, bath baskets and much more. There is even a gift basket loaded with golf accessories…all in pink just for the ladies.

The live auction, complete with blues music and a dance party, takes place at The Lodge at Riverside on March 1st and is open to those who are 21 years of age and older. The items to be auctioned live, which include paintings, wall hangings, and other various works of art, may be previewed at the Grants Pass Museum of Art from now until Feb 29th. While you’re visiting the museum, be sure to check out this month’s display - an interesting collection of teapots created by artists from around the country. This feature will continue through March 28th and shows off the works of artists such as Tom Hatton (http://www.tomhattonceramics.com/index.asp), Brent Johnson, Bonnie K. Morgan.

For more information or tickets to the Black, White, and the Blues Auction and dance party, call 955-7339. The cost is $45, which goes directly to supporting the arts.

To bid in the silent auction and view the David Lewis Exhibit, visit the Firehouse Gallery at the corner of H and Fourth Streets in the Historic City Hall, Grants Pass. The gallery is open 11:30 am-4:30 pm Tuesday-Friday, and 11am-2pm Saturdays. For more detailed information, contact the gallery at (541) 956-7489 or you can reach the office at 956-7339.

-Gina Locke