When Art Comes Full Circle
With the help of Sykes owner Ray Thompson; Mark Ogle and Joe Abbrescia Jr. bring two Art Studios back to downtown Kalispell.
Kalispell, MT 11/16/2011 - The Sykes Complex will be getting new tenants in time for the Kalispell Art Walk on December 2, 2011. The Art Studios of Mark Ogle and Joe Abbrescia Jr., are joining forces and moving into the newly remodeled Sykes location at 236 Second Ave West in Kalispell (recently the home of the “Jungle Rama” Day Care).
Sykes owner, Ray Thompson, had a vision for the arts in regards to his current building remodel, which is located across the parking lot from the Sykes Restaurant and Market. Ray Thompson asked artist, Mark Ogle if he would like to move his studio back to the downtown Kalispell area. Ogle then asked family friend, conservator, Joe Abbrescia Jr., if he would like to share the newly remodeled space. With the original Abbrescia Art Gallery building on First Ave West for sale; the timing couldn’t be better for Abbrescia Art Restoration to move into a new space.
It’s really ironic when one sees something come full circle. Mark Ogle had been a prominent student of the late artist, Joe Abbrescia, who was recognized as "one of America's most accomplished impressionist painters". Mark has also known the Abbrescia family for many years. In fact, Joe Abbrescia Jr., used to listen to his Dad and Mark discuss color theory and composition as a young boy, both in Scottsdale and in Montana. Joe Jr. has lived his entire life immersed in the arts and also under the tutelage of his late father. Now, Abbrescia and Ogle will share one beautiful new studio space in downtown Kalispell.
Mark Ogle has earned a substantial reputation as one of the most talented landscape painters in America, and is very well known locally for his Glacier Park landscapes. Joe Abbrescia Jr. (Abbrescia Art Restoration Studio) specializes in the conservation and restoration of fine art oil paintings with emphasis on prominent western artists. Both studios will call the new space home; and the gallery portion will showcase original artwork and fine art giclee prints on canvas of both Ogle and the late Joe Abbrescia.
Make plans to join us for the Annual Art Walk and Holiday Stroll in downtown Kalispell on Friday, December 2nd from 5 pm - 9 pm, see the new studios and enjoy tasty snacks prepared by “Giuseppe” (a.k.a Joe).
