New art from an old master
<p>Harold Balazs, 86, will be presenting several works in the “Old and New” exhibit in The Art Spirit Gallery from Jan. 9 through Feb. 7.</p>
<p>This bright enamel, titled “Big Head,” is a piece artist Harold Balazs completed in 2014 that will be on display in the “Old and New” art exhibit.</p>
<p>This watercolor painting, titled “For Each His or Her Own, will be one of Harold Balazs’ creations on display in The Art Spirit Gallery beginning Jan. 9.</p>
<p>“Framed Stencil No. 12” was completed in 2014 using a sharp craft knife to cut out the pieces.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The artistic creations of a seasoned master will be on display in The Art Spirit Gallery beginning Jan. 9.
Harold Balazs, 86, will be sharing numerous works including paintings, enamels and stencils in his "Old and New" exhibit, which will feature some pieces he created more than 30 years ago and many completed last year.
"Harold has continued to put out vibrant work for 65 years, ever since he graduated from (Washington State University)," said Art Spirit Gallery owner Steve Gibbs. "This show is a continuation of great work, with more than 55 pieces completed in 2014 for it and another 30 scattered from previous years."
Balazs graduated from WSU in 1951, embarking on an artistic adventure that would keep him occupied for more than 63 years. He is renowned as one of the most iconic artists of the Pacific Northwest, known for large-scale metal sculptures and concrete reliefs, as well as a multitude of altars, stained glass windows, paintings and enamels.
For 18 of those years, Art Spirit has showcased more than 850 of his original works. In recent years he indicated he may not be able to produce new work because of his pacemaker and a tremor in his hand. Gibbs was concerned about what Balazs would be able to come up with for the upcoming show, but once again, the artist delivered his distinctive legacy.
"Harold, you never cease to amaze me," Gibbs said. "This is more than I could have imagined."
The artist has been described by The Art Spirit as "old school" and "a maker of things."
"I work every day because making stuff is better than not making stuff," Balazs said.
The opening reception for "Old and New" begins at 5 p.m. Jan. 9 in The Art Spirit Gallery, located at 415 Sherman Ave. An artist talk will be in the gallery at 11 a.m. Jan. 10 and the show will run from the 9th to Feb. 7. The Art Spirit is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Balazs and Gibbs were recently featured in an interview with Verne Windham on KPBX Spokane Public Radio. To hear the interview, visit www.goo.gl/kIg1B9.
To view the exhibit online, visit www.theartspiritgallery.com/exhibitions.