Local artist honored at Sandpiper art show
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POLSON — Local artist Nancy Gordon had been painting and exhibiting her work at the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson for the past 20 years. She spent the last days of her life in assisted care in Missoula, where she continued to create art, including collages made from packing materials.
The staff at The Springs entered her art in the Missoula County Fair, but Gordon passed away Aug. 10, 2014, the day before the staff received word she won three blue ribbons.
Now the Sandpiper Gallery is honoring her memory with an art show in her name through Feb. 21.
According to her daughter Becky, Nancy started out as an opera singer and actress. After she married, Nancy and her husband Clarence moved to Montana and raised their children in Missoula. When her children were small, she got interested in pottery and weaving.
“She was creative in everything she did,” Becky said, describing her mother. “She was the best cook, and she loved watercolor.”
Nancy was always doing something interesting, Becky said. One time when Becky was visiting, her mother took her to a powwow because Nancy loved the drums and the beautiful regalia. Becky said she also tagged along with her mother to watercolor workshops.
At the Sandpiper show, Nancy’s first watercolor painting is on display as well as other multi-media paintings and collages.
Friends and family remember Nancy saying, “the most important thing you can do in life is have some fun.”
“Her work was playful, joyful,” Becky said, adding that she’s trying to add more joy to her own life.
Artists also displaying pieces at the show are:
Olivia Olsen, encaustics; Kathryn LeProwse, glass; and Jane Lindgren, paintings.
The Sandpiper Gallery’s hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located at 306 Main Street.
