Please join us this First Friday for an exciting collection of new paintings by new artists! Our third annual New Love show features Anton Pavlenko, Dawn Sievers, and Michael Maydak.

The exhibition showcases a variety of textures and sizes, while impressively harmonizing color and subject matter–the outdoors we all love. 

ANTON PAVLENKO

(b. 1984) Anton Pavlenko is a self-taught oil painter. Born in Ukraine, he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1990, where he continued to develop his artistic talents. His art is a reflection of his personal journey, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery.

Anton’s paintings depict his search for home, rooted in his immigrant background. His bold use of color, form, and texture showcases a visceral connection between the artist and his materials. Initially learning to experience and paint the landscape from direct observation, en plein air, his practice has evolved to encompass more introspective and contemplative expressions, focusing on intimate interpretations of himself and his relationship to the natural world around him.

Since starting his professional career in 2009, Anton’s work has appeared in artist magazines and publications along with a feature story on public television. His internationally collected work has won numerous top awards in prestigious exhibitions, galleries, and museums across the country.

DAWN SIEVERS

Although Dawn was born in Santa Clara, California and spent some of her childhood in New Mexico and Idaho, she has lived in Montana for over 40 years. The landscapes and wildlife of Montana provide her current subject matter. She is in love with Montana, from the rugged mountains of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier to the wide expanse of the prairie and sky. She spends much of her summers hiking and kayaking.

It was while she was studying with Jean Price at the University of Great Falls she realized silk painting allowed her to combine traditional themes with rich, vibrant color. Although she enjoys many medias, she has become enthralled with the light filled color and movement of dye on silk.

Along with creating art, teaching English, Spanish, and Art inspire her.  She has taught for 28 years, most in Power, Montana. Her most recent award was 2023 Portfolio Magazine’s Most Distinguished Body of Work for the Great Western Show, and she is represented in galleries around the state.  

MICHAEL MAYDAK

As a child growing up in rural Northern California, Michael spent much of his time outdoors exploring the beautiful country surrounding his home. Family vacations and outings were spent camping and fishing. Michael developed a lifelong interest in wildlife and outdoor pursuits, which provide the majority of the inspiration and material for his work.

A professional illustrator since 1976, Michael received his formal training as an art major at San Jose State University. His commercial clients have included national magazines, book publishers, advertising agencies, major corporations, and state governments. In recent years, Michael has focused his creative efforts on fine art, bronze, and wood carvings.

Michael and his wife Linda live in Ennis, Montana. This gives Michael much time to fly fish and recreate the movement and flow of water in the series of paintings.

Michael enjoys painting daily. His purpose is to bring joy to others that appreciate his talent.