Gallery plans March opening

Libby Fine Arts supports effort to start local gallery

If all goes well, local artists will have a place to display their work this spring and in the process bring another business to Mineral Avenue.

Marguerite Fitzpatrick, with the support of the Libby Fine Arts Club, plans to open an art gallery entitled Marguerite’s Antler Images at 803 Mineral Ave., which is more commonly known as the “Jaqueth House.”

Libby Fine Arts recently held an open house at the site Fitzpatrick plans for the gallery. Currently, there are about 50 pieces representing the work of 13 Libby-area artists in the spacious, well-lighted living and dining rooms of the stately old home.

The works included oil, acrylic and water-color paintings, pen and pencil drawings, etchings, feather work and various antler carvings.

“This is all one-of-a-kind, heirloom art. It’s all original, no reproductions,” Fitzpatrick said, adding artists’ work will be shown on a consignment basis.

In addition to featuring artwork in just about every media, the gallery also will conduct classes in painting, drawing and even in helping artists manage their business affairs. Teaching the classes will either be Fitzpatrick or other local artists.

As plans for the gallery progress toward its St. Patrick’s Day planned opening, Libby Fine Arts — the group assisting Fitzpatrick with the gallery — is conducting a membership drive, said Libby Fine Arts President Mary Swenson Tevebaugh.

“We’re a group of artists who would like to become more established,” Tevebaugh said. “Marguerite is trying to get her gallery started, and that’s what we’re about — helping artists show and sell their artwork. It just makes sense for Libby Fine Arts to get behind this (gallery) effort,” Tevebaugh said of the group that has roots back to the 1950s.

“Bonners Ferry has an art gallery, as does Stevensville and Polson. I think there’s as much artistic talent here in Libby as there is in those places, maybe more,” Tevebaugh said. “There’s no reason why Libby can’t support an art gallery, too.”

Right now, Fitzpatrick is planning to have the gallery open during summer months on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However, she said she artwork could be shown on an appointment basis.

For more information on the Marguerite’s Antler Images, contact Fitzpatrick at 293-1186.

Those persons interested in joining Libby Fine Arts should call either Tevebaugh at 293-9282 or club treasurer Laura McNair at 293-5186.