Events

in the mezzanine gallery
“The Day You Find Out Why ” Paintings by David Van Gorder
January 8 – February 14, 2022

Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk Reception with Mary Van Gorder
January 28th  5:00 – 7:00 PM

 ” The Two Most Important Days in Your Life

are the Day That You Are Born

and the Day You Find Out Why.” ~ Mark Twain

At the age of 22, a construction accident left David with a broken neck and crushed spinal cord. Unable to use his arms and legs and facing a life in a wheelchair, a future uncertain, he returned to college and sixteen years later earned a doctorate in clinical psychology. Having discovered his purpose in life, David established a successful psychotherapy practice and motivational speaking career to help others.

Although David’s injury limited his physical abilities, it did not reduce his artistic passion for life. In 1998, with the support of his family and friends he discovered yet another way to express his creativity – painting and drawing. Having developed special tools to assist with his movements, David was able to put his brush to canvas and pencils to paper to express his imagination and zeal for life.

David Van Gorder made his crossing on September 26, 2019 at the age of 76. “At David’s memorial, Reverend Tom Catlin, David’s pastor, observed that the best part of David’s life was Mary, and the best part of Mary’s life was David. Love and humor permeated their lives and flowed through all who knew them. He also said a good man never dies. He leaves a part of him in everyone that knew him. And so it was with David.” Carol Tanko 2021

in the mezzanine gallery

“The Art and Designs of  a Healer”: Tantalizing  watercolors, handmade yarn creations and unique hair accessories by Pamela Henry
February 15 – March 14, 2022

4th Friday Art Walk Reception with the artist
February 25
5:00 – 7:00 PM

The development of this exhibition all happened because of the events of 2020. My grandmother being quarantined in a nursing home that will not allow for in-person visits, family members passing on at an alarming rate, and a gift that keeps on giving.

My husband and I are originally from Georgia and all of our extended family still lives there. We got the news that his mother had hours to live, so we attempted to drive to Georgia by car. We missed seeing her take her last breath by a few hours.

This trip gave me a chance to rediscover my watercolor paintings that I left in Georgia. My paintings have always been a healing tool for me to get some things off my chest. My work is emotional, cryptic, and sarcastic like me. When I came across a painting I did of my grandma’s garden, I realized that she will never plant her own garden again. I came across two other paintings that took my own breath away. I thought to myself. “Wow I was pretty good!” I had forgotten how much watercolors had been a big part of my life, and how good I was at it. Needless to say, I packed up all of my paintings, put them in a U-Haul and drove them to Arizona. This will be their first debut on the west coast.

Christmas 2020 was a bit low key, except for a gift that I received from my husband that has caused me to open up a side of myself that I had forgotten about as well. He gave me a knitting Machine. As a child I crochet and my uncle Larry, who is now passed on, taught me how to knit. After we came back from Georgia, I became addicted to my new knitting machine, and now I have added my creations to my arsenal of healing arts. They are available on my website .

My Yarn Creations

My Watercolor Paintings