For over four decades, Coeur d'Alene artists Allen and Mary Dee Dodge have taken an active role in the region's thriving art culture.  The couple's artistic contributions, inspired in part by collaborations with Spokane's icon Harold Balazs, populate private residences and local public areas.  Large-scale metal sculpture, colorful enamels, elaborately painted rooms, and creatively designed bike racks are seen throughout the community, including the North Idaho College campus, the Coeur d'Alene Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, the Hayden Lake Library, Midtown Coeur d'Alene, and the Spokane Service Center.

In 1974, the couple moved to Coeur d'Alene and created commissioned pieces for the World's Fair -  Expo '74 - in Spokane, Washington and then became part of the restoration team at historic Cataldo Mission.  Over the next thirty years, the couple's passion for art was seen through their cartooning, pottery, screen-printing, and collaborative whimsical wood sculpture.  In 2007, the artists worked closely with friend Harold Balazs, who shared his technical secrets and encouraged the talented pair to experiment in new areas.  It is Harold that they credit with the inspiration for their current work, which includes brightly patterned enamels by Mary Dee, welded steel sculpture by Allen, and their newest collaborative pieces they call "wall jewelry," playful enamel assemblages that resemble animal and human forms.

In the upcoming June show at The Art Spirit Gallery, over forty new pieces – including sculpture, abstract enamel collages, and wall jewelry - will fill the gallery.  The couple's love for experimentation and artistic expression are reflected in their new body of work.  Collectors and admirers will find delight in the creativity and craftsmanship of each piece.

Allen and Mary Dee met while attending the Kansas City Art Institute.  Mary Dee graduated with a background in ceramics and Allen with a background in painting and sculpture.  The couple finds joy and inspiration working collaboratively.  The Art Spirit Gallery has proudly shown their work since 2010.

The artworks in this exhibition will be on our website beginning Tuesday, May 30.

http://www.theartspiritgallery.com/exhibitions

More images of work are available upon request.

Opening Reception:  June 9 from 5 – 8pm in conjunction with ArtWalk sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance

This month's show sponsor is Anthony's Restaurants. We thank them for their community spirit and support of the arts.

Summer Gallery Hours:  Sunday – Tuesday 9am to 6pm; Wednesday – Saturday 9am to 7pm.