GVCA Gift Shop Artists

I believe that ceramics can be both visually pleasing as well as functional. How a cup feels in your hands or how a serving dish can add beauty to the presentation of food. It is my hope that people purchasing my pieces will find them both functional and practical as well as an enhancement to their daily lives with the beauty of well-crafted and visually attractive ceramic pieces. 

I also love making pieces that are more visual, such as my wall-hanging, Thimbleberry Men, or my raku pots that involve fire, water, and earth. 

Whether working on functional or non-functional pieces, I enjoy the many fascinating techniques and materials available to the ceramic artist.

In addition to Gail’s pieces in the gallery, you can see more on her website, GailWhite.com

"Art is an experience that can be relived every time you look at it. Come take a look for yourself."

Lisa Bower has been engaged with art since she was a small child. In Jr. High, her art instructor pushed students to think outside the box which strengthened her creativity. Over the years, she has worked in several mediums but settled on oil paintings with an emphasis on realism as her

passion. Since returning to Idaho, Bower has been involved with an artist-owned gallery and other artist organizations. Being a member of a local artist community aids in pushing one’s

sense of creativity. “My paintings capture a moment in time and provide the opportunity for the emotion to wander in, relax, and savor the instance.” To continue her learning and opportunity

to advance her techniques, Bower recently participated in a 3-week workshop with John Poon in Ogden Utah. 

More of her work can be seen at: Art Source Gallery (1015 Main St, Boise); Boise Airport (ASG Annex, Terminal B); and on her website, www.artistlisabower.com

For art lessons, contact her at  lisabower29@gmail.com or call 208-830-6161

A life-long resident of Idaho, Jerry photographed Idaho & the Northwest for over 40 years. A master electrician, he was self-taught in photography and earned acclaim in juried competitions in the Northwest. In 2013 he was named a “Western Masters Artist” and was the only photographer ever accepted in the organization’s 40-year partnership with the C.M. Russell Museum. 

Working in 35mm, medium format, and digital, he created images using only natural light. Jerry’s passion was capturing the heart and soul of western life—the dusty excitement of rodeos, life of Basque sheepherders, nature’s unexpected beauty in this rugged land, and the flowers that offset its harshness. He won the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival’s 2015 People’s Choice Award & 2014 NW Cultural Heritage Award, and Twin Falls Art in the Park “Best of Show” in 2014, 2013 & 2012. Jerry’s images are part of Boise City Arts Commission’s Public Art Collection and hung in the Governor’s office from 2007-2009.

Jerry passed away in early 2019. As his family and friends remember, "he loved the west and the people in it. He was and remains a western man - complicated and irascible, funny and loyal, contemplative and outgoing, happy to be a friend and proud to have the friends he had." To  see Jerry’s work, visit: JerryKenckePhotography.com

John Rich is a keyboardist and composer who has been creating and publishing CDs since the 1990s. He plays for local events such as the first Thursday celebration for DL Evans bank in Boise. As a former HR consultant and workshop leader he has used music to both keep perspective and entertain. His first CDs focused on acoustic piano and relaxing music. More recently, jazz and blues have become part of the presentations. He participates in the Idaho Songwriters Association forums each month. The early CDs can be found by searching John Rich on CDBaby.com. After living in many states with his work, he moved to Boise and now lives in Garden Valley.

I don’t really even remember why I was interested, but when I was given a “Teach Yourself Visually” jewelry book back in 2007, I went right out and bought some supplies and started in. Once I had proudly strung my first set of beads into a simple bracelet, I knew I was hooked.  

I have been creating designs in earrings, necklaces & bracelets ever since. A few years, ago I discovered the art of chain maille and it has become one of my greatest passions. I love creating various weaves with chain maille by itself or incorporating leather, wire wrapping, or hand-painted patina pieces into the design. I also work with gemstones, mixed metals, and have a particular fondness for Swarovski crystals & pearls.  

I love what I do and have always referred to my studio as my “happy place”. I hope you love these creations as much as I do and I always welcome your comments or suggestions for special designs.