A Tribute to Rev. John Roberts

by Melissa Strickler

The time I spend writing icons can be a lonely time, but in the best way. Madam Guyon (1648-1717), a writer and mystic once said, “I love the lonely creative hours with God.” If I could speak to Madam Guyon today, I would tell her I couldn’t agree more.

During the creative hours of writing an icon I am talking to the Lord. I start my day and end my day with a more formal icon prayer, but during the hours I sit before an icon creating, the talk is more casual. I talk to God about all who will view the icon, and that it will bless them in ways seen and unseen. I pray for those who will commission the icon, and their family now and generations to come. And since there are many hours involved, I pray for the struggles and pain in the world. I pray for the best representation of the figure or figures I am painting, so those venerating the icon will feel a connection. There is something that happens which is hard to explain, but basically, I also find a true connection.

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February 13, 2021

Melissa Strickler used the front window of the Alchemy artists cooperative in downtown Lander for a hand-painted message of cooperation and appreciation as the community addresses the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Photo by Mary Kay Baldez

Installation of the Four Gospels took place on April 4th, just in time for the start of Holy Week, 2020.
They adorn the alter at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Auburn Nebraska.

We will be following the local and state government guidelines for closure and reopen dates.

Stay home, Stay safe

March 1st – March 31 2020
March 25 Reception Postponed due to Covid19 Pandemic
To attend the exhibition, go to facebook/Rivertonbranchlibrary and click the virtual show

Chokecherry Mojitos were served along with cucumber sandwiches, melt in the mouth cookies and other goodies.

The ladies and gents who attended the opening were greeted with music by Melissa Scheer and Deryle Matland,..oh and yes, Ricky Nelson’s Garden Party was sung.

The flowers were just starting to bloom in Lander, so we picked what we had blooming at our homes, and raided a few flower beds around town, so we could have plenty of vases of fresh blooms scattered about.

Myself, along with the three other artists were appreciative for all who turned out for the opening, and we hope our floral art and jewelry made everyone feel summer and it’s colors are here to stay for a while.

Opening is June 7th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
4 Woman Show
Exhibition will be displayed until July 20, 2019
Come enjoy the party, the Garden Party!

Lander Art Center, 224 Main Street, Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-5772

Saint Rose of Lima
Patron saint of gardeners and florists

Garden Party Exhibition
June 7 – July 20th, 2019
Lander Art Center
Lander, Wyoming
Opening 6:00 PM, June 7th, 2019

If you are in the area, stop in and see this exhibit, inspired by gardens, florals, and the beauty of the nature that surround us.

Melissa Strickler, Lennie Poitras, Katie Stewart, Cristin Zimmer are the exhibiting artists.

Come enjoy this 4 Women Show, and if you have the need to wear a breezy dress and a large sun hat,…please do!

On May 4th 2018 ALCHEMY will be hosting our 3rd Annual Madres and Margaritas Event from 4;00 to 8:00 PM.

Come Join the ALCHEMY artists for margaritas, mockaritas, and chips. It’s a night of laughs, fun and of course art!

320 Main Street, Lander Wyoming

ALCHEMY:an Artists’ Cooperative will participate in the Lander Chamber of Commerce’s FIRST FRIDAYS.

We will be open until 9:00 PM on the First Friday of the following months: May, June July, August, September, and November.

Along with ALCHEMY, there will be several businesses downtown that will keep their doors open late for locals and tourists.

ALCHEMY recently received this letter from the Lander Chamber of Commerce: ALCHEMY has been nominated and awarded the Chamber’s Rookie of the Year Award for your energy, enthusiasm and creativity in your first year of business! This award will be handed out at our annual Community Awards Luncheon held next Friday February 3rd at the Community Center (12-1pm).

July 2nd 2016 participating artists had one hour to start and complete a piece of art. Then fifteen minutes to sign and frame the work. Immediately after the artwork was auctioned off to the highest bidder.