Events Calendar
Pink
Jan Cook Mack & Michele Knutson
Jan and Michele had their first joint show at Art Alley in 2023. When approached about a joint show in 2025, they quickly decided to exhibit paintings that featured their favorite color: Pink. The original idea for a pink show evolved over time. Jan’s paintings are full of vibrant colors, including many shades of pink. Michele’s fondness for the color appeared in both the subjects she painted and small details within the paintings. Eventually it became a running joke. Michele (the student) would ask “What would look good here?” And Jan (the teacher) would respond “Why not add some pink?” As their paintings began to fill the walls of the studio they noticed a theme. They were surrounded by warm colors and cheerful subjects — pink peach blossoms, landscapes with a hint of a pink sunrise or sunset — colors that made them smile. Their hope with this show is to bring a sense of joy and playfulness to the walls of Art Alley and give visitors to Pybus Public Market and Art Alley a reason to smile.
Jan Cook Mack grew up in the United States and Taiwan, and received her Fine Arts degree from Bennington College in Vermont. She established herself in New York City before moving to Eastern Washington in 1986. Jan is known for her sweeping mountain landscapes, her depictions of gently rolling hills covered in blooming orchards, her still life paintings of fruit and flowers and her portraits of friends and family. Visit her online at www.jancookmack.com.
Michele Knutson grew up in Wenatchee and graduated from the University of Washington. She began painting with Jan in 2018 and has found a way to express her creative energies at Jan’s studio. She often paints whimsical animals, fanciful flowers and fruits that are inspired by memories of playing and working in the cherry orchard next to her family home. With Jan’s instruction and support she hopes to continue evolving as an artist. Michele can be reached via email: micheleknutson@gmail.com
Please welcome Jan Cook Mack & Michele Knutson for an opening reception on Friday, April 4th from 5 – 7 pm
If it’s springtime, it’s dahlia time!
We invite you to live life in full bloom by joining us for “Dahlias 101: A Garden of Earthly Delights.” Learn all you need to know to get your dahlia tubers and plants in the ground for the coming season. We will start at the beginning, showing you how to plant and care for your dahlias, especially if you are new to the game. Al Kaas of Cashmere, hybridizer of Maks varieties, and Linda DeRooy Holmes-Cook, American Dahlia Society 1st Vice President, will be there to answer all your questions. Many NCW Dahlia Society members will be present as well, sharing the benefits of their experience in soil preparation, planting and maintaining dahlia plants from sprout to bloom. We will discuss the challenges and remedies associated with growing dahlias in our semi-arid desert climate, including selecting the best planting locations, how to stake and support your plants, shading and watering, controlling pests and clean growing practices. We will touch on the different forms and varieties of dahlia, how to interpret dahlia terminology and where to go for additional resources as your season progresses. We will share examples of our favorite tools, accessories, support materials and labels. If there is time, we will briefly touch on how you can increase your dahlia stock by taking cuttings from your tubers. Bring your questions and ideas. Everyone in attendance will receive a coupon for a free tuber from selected varieties at our spring tuber sales on April 19 and 26 at Pybus. Check our website for the most up-to-date information – www.ncwdahlias.org and join our Facebook group, NCW Dahlia Society.
The instructors of this class are long-time growers and American Dahlia Society senior judges. The NCW Dahlia Society is composed of avid dahlia growers who grow for exhibition or simply for the joy of it. We are committed to providing support to all local community members who love dahlias.
