When Art Comes Full Circle- Joe Abbrescia & Mark Ogle Together Again

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).

Birth of a New Holiday Tradition-Buy Locally

As the holidays approach, the giant foreign factories have kicked into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of their produced goods... merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. Wouldn't it be great if this year were different? This year, Americans could start a new tradition by giving the gift of genuine concern for other Americans by buying locally to support your communities. There is no longer an excuse at gift giving time that nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes! Yes, there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people! Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in mass produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Or a maniure, pedicure, facial, or massage for someone you love?

Have you ever thought about buying a piece of artwork from a local artist? What about contracting with a local handy man or carpenter to complete something on the "honey-do" list for someone you care about? Or a gift certificate from a local mom & pop store? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates for their services.

Are you one of those extravagant Holiday givers who think nothing of plunking down the bucks on electronics that are produced outside of this country? Perhaps your grateful gift recipient would like his/her driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course or local ski resort?

There are a zillion locally owned and operated restaurants that offer gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember folks, this isn't about big National chains, this is about supporting your hometown friends, neighbors and Americans who have their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open and survive these economic times.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, week, month, monthly, semi-annually...you decide!

My computer could use a tune-up, and I know and you know that we can find some young guy or gal that is struggling to get their computer repair business up and running.

OK, you say you were thinking of something more personal. Did you know that local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves? They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes, soaps, jams, candles and stained glass, patio furniture, tables, chairs and tapestries! The list goes on & on....are you starting to get it?

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip! And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre and spending the evening with your family? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? Did you know that when you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that other countries can build yet another glittering city! Christmas is about caring about US, and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams and be able to support their families!! When we care about our fellow Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits will come back to us multiplied.

Make this the new American Christmas tradition. And, when you think about it.... why stop after Christmas?

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list, post it to discussion groups, throw up a post on Craigslist in the "Rants and Raves" section in your city, send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.

Let's start a revolution of caring about each other by helping and supporting our friends and neighbors... afterall.... isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Oil Painting Restoration & Conservation in the Flathead Valley, Kalispell Montana - Abbrescia Art Restoration

From the moment an oil painting is completed, it begins to age. Oil paintings on canvas may suffer from several ailments over the years such as yellowed varnish, smoke damage, mildew, tears or rips in the canvas, and flaking paint. Whether you're getting ready to send an oil painting of a well known artist to auction or just want to restore the brilliance of original color to a family heirloom, you may want to consider having the painting cleaned to optimize your return.

Perhaps your oil painting just needs a cleaning by removing the layers of the old-yellowed varnish to reveal the freshness of the colors underneath. Or, it may need more extensive restoration such as re-lining of the original canvas with new canvas to repair a tear and re-consolidate the paint layers to give the your painting a new lease on life for future generations.

If you’re curious about the restoration techniques used, or viewing a sampling of paintings in various stages of restoration or just finding out whether your original painting could benefit from such services, give me a call...I'd love to look at your painting and discuss options with you.