Embracing My New Friend

A Tribute to Rev. John Roberts

by Melissa Strickler
Reverend John Roberts, Egg Tempera, 23 Kt Gold - Commissioned

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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Shoshone Episcopal Mission holds first First Annual John Roberts Festival

Lander Artist Created Work for Bishop’s Consecration

February 13, 2021

5th Anniversary – Alchemy a artists’ cooperative

5th Anniversary Alchemy

Kindness is the Chain

Kindness is the Chain
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

Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John

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.

ALCHEMY is closed.

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

Stay home, Stay safe

ALCHEMY is closed.

RAD WOMEN: Art Show

RAD WOMEN: Art Show, Riverton Branch Library, Riverton Wyoming

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

The Garden Party Opening


The Garden Party Opening was a lovely evening in June, when the unseasonably cold summer decided to cooperate and warm to a nice temp.

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.

Summer is finally here, and so is the Garden Party Exhibition!

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

You are Invited to a Party,… a Garden Party!

Rose of Lima Icon

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!

Third Anniversary Celebration – ALCHEMY

Join us for appetizers, hot apple cider and the art of conversation.
November 9, 2018
4-9pm

MADRES AND MARGARITAS

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

First Fridays in 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 – Rookie of the Year Award

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).

We Made It

Celebrate the Arts in the City of Bronze, Paint and Clay

Lander Art: Changing One Life At A Time

Quick Draw

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.

Meet Melissa Strickler, talented local artist, beekeeper & teacher

by County 10
Riverton / Lander, Wyoming

(Fremont County, Wyo.) – Melissa Strickler has always considered herself an artist. In fact, she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t creating art. She’s a painter and iconographer, but also considers herself to be “an artist who will never get tired of learning and trying new things.”

“Art is endless,” Melissa told County 10. “The possibilities of what you can use and how you apply it to create something is such an individual thing.” Currently she has a collection of pollen from a bee hive and will use it as a pigment for paint. “I don’t know yet if it’ll work, but I know it will be fun to see what happens. I like to use natural products from the earth for some of my artwork. I love being in the studio, in my own thoughts, working,” Melissa said.

Melissa works part time at ALCHEMY in Lander and is also part of the artists’ cooperative. When she’s not creating art, she and her husband are hobbyist beekeepers. Melissa creates some hive related products called ‘Bee Goddess’ which can be found at Global Arts.

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On Tuesday, June 7th Melissa will be instructing a workshop called “Glue of Life” at the Riverton Library. Once a week during the month of June The Riverton Library has put together a different type of featured, glue related art.

This is the second year Melissa was invited to help with the program, and on June 7th she’ll be sharing her knowledge about natural forms of art products such as rabbit skin glue, propolis, shellac, encaustic, egg yolk, and egg white. The students will make a small art project so everyone can get a feel of using these natural products. The class will be 2 hours, directed toward adults and teens.

If you’re interested in the Library’s art program you can register by stopping by the Riverton Library or calling 856-3556. There is a 20 person limit.

Feature photo: Melissa along with some of her icons and one of her collages.