Art Center Gala Honors Patagonia’s Artists

The Patagonia arts scene is alive and well and has been for some time, as evidenced at the Art Gala hosted by the Patagonia Creative Arts Association (PCAA) on April 5. 

The evening was a moment to celebrate young school-age artists, showcase current local artists of all sorts, and honor the vibrant Patagonia art community of earlier eras. Scores of creations on display included paintings, sculptures, jewelry and edible delights. Twenty current adult artists and a dozen earlier artists had work that was on display.

This year marks the Art Center’s 25th anniversary. PCAA Director Cassina Farley outlined the historic significance of art in the community. 

“When the mines pulled out of here in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s, this town kind of sat here, and I think folks wondered what the future of Patagonia would be like,” she said, “and then a few artists moved into town and with those artists, a little economy started to grow. I like to think Patagonia was saved by the art community, and it brought us to a point when we could stand on our own and bring some other industries in. This show is a celebration of that history that kind of kept Patagonia alive.”

Numerous patrons were drawn to the particularly powerful display set up in memory of a dozen talented individuals who are no longer with us. Farley said these featured artists were chosen for more than their talent, as each had some association with the Art Center during their time in Patagonia.

A long-time resident remarked, “I am sad to think of all these people I knew who are gone now, but it is amazing to remember them in this way and honor their talents.”

Among those honored was author/poet Jim Harrison, who died here in 2016 and billed himself as a winter Patagonia resident. He chose Patagonia as his home in part because of his long friendship with Molly Phinny, one of the PCAA’s founders. 

Harrison published 21 volumes of fiction as well as countless poems and essays. His work, which includes classics such as “Legends of the Fall” and “Dalva,” often embodied the beauty and complexities of rural landscapes. Besides being a prolific and internationally celebrated author, Harrison was a colorful local legend and favorite, known for spending time at the Wagon Wheel Salon. 

Doris and Don Wenig, generous supporters and promoters of local art, culture and community, have a long list of contributions that helped enrich the community. The husband and wife duo both died in 2020, just over two months apart. Their paintings and biographies were on display side by side.

Donna Reibslager (1946-2019), who attended Rhode Island School of Design and The Chicago Art Institute, moved to Patagonia after her retirement in 2009. Here she felt she was “plugged in” and her creativity caught fire. Her artwork is in private collections throughout the US and around the world. She also had a passion for graphics and layout which prompted her to become one of the founders of the PRT. 

Anne Swan (1922-2014) moved to Patagonia in 1984 with her husband George. They were both architects, so they designed their new home on a hill just outside town. In the years that followed, Swan displayed and sold her wall hangings, soft sculpture and fiber paintings in Tucson and Chicago. She encouraged the community’s young artists. She once said she wanted people who viewed her work to gain from it an enthusiasm “that made them want to dance.” The display honoring her at the Gala certainly achieved that goal. 

Also included in the exhibit was pottery by Charlotte (Cici) Finley (1929-2018), Anne Swan’s cousin, next door neighbor and fellow artist. She was known for her holiday pottery sales and work with local aspiring potters. 

Other locals from the past whose work was recognized at the Gala included Sue Scott, Robert England, Jill Babcock, Lee Katzenbach and Glen “Gooch” Goodwin. 

As evidence of the continuing quality of art and craftsmanship in Patagonia, the products of locally and nationally renowned individuals filled the courtyard. From “Metal” Joe Coniff’s sculpture to Paula Wittner’s large charming painting to Susan Corl’s unique creations to Martha Kelley’s pottery, vibrancy and talent still abound in Patagonia.

Founded in 1999, the Arts Association has a long history of creating partnerships to advance arts in the community. The PCAA got its start in 1999, when Molly Phinny purchased the current building and teamed up with her friend Gail Jacobson to create a space where townsfolk could gather and participate in all areas of the arts.

From the beginning, programming has encompassed all ages, with a primary focus on the local children. Farley highlighted the importance of art to Patagonia. 

“Art has sustained us,” she said to those gathered at the Gala on April 5. “Art is an antidote to misinformation. Art is a cure. I am pleased to be helping people to help train the future artists of our community and teach them how to see things with a little more beauty…There is a lot of beauty in this world and in this town, and this show represents that.”