As the hubby and I travel, we try to experience as much of each area’s culture as we can.  Last Friday evening, we decided to meet a friend for a night filled with our favorite things– delicious food & drink, stimulating conversation and fabulous art!  I can’t imagine what could be better.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this ( below ) was our view for cocktails!

We discovered the happy hour at Beverly’s and this was our second week in a row partaking of the fancy food & drink at affordable prices.  I have a feeling it may be a weekly habit for the rest of our time here.. hubby George is addicted to their truffle fries, while I am just addicted to fries of any sort!  As yummy as the fries were, they just weren’t nearly as pretty as our Hummus Plate.  I am a firm believer that we eat first with our eyes, so I love a colorful, artsy presentation of food!

Cocktails and conversation flowed, as we shared the truffle oil-doused (!) complimentary popcorn with our friend and fellow traveler, Kirsten.  This lifestyle we’ve chosen is fairly unique, so travelers always seem to bond together, sharing stories and experiences.  There is a great sense of camaraderie in knowing that there are others living such a crazy, wonderful life!

It was a beautiful night in Northern Idaho, so we strolled downtown to The Art Spirit Gallery to attend the opening of their current show, Portraits by artist Dan Spalding.  The Spokane, WA painter’s exhibition centered around his beautifully textured and expressive portraits.  His use of light is really incredible, giving his work a raw, emotional power.

Isn’t the painting on the top row, second from the right amazing?  It draws my eye every time I look at this photo.  I’m usually not an opening night art viewer, preferring to peruse when galleries aren’t as crowded and I can hear myself think or as Jerry Saltz said this week “Please stop talking so I can hear myself see!” 🙂

But I do love the energy of exhibition openings and ArtWalks.  Seeing crowds of people enjoying and talking about art gives me goosebumps!  And I am always thrilled for the gallery & artist when I see lots of red dots! ( As I did last night– can you spot the one visible in the pic above? ).  What I really love about attending openings with my husband and friends is the conversations about the work we are drawn to and why.  For an non-artsy person, George actually has a fantastic eye!  He really loved the sculptural work of Simon Kogan ( below ).

While I loved these stylized bird paintings from North Idaho artist Catherine Lemaitre Earle.  Aren’t they lovely?

All in all, a delightful evening, artsy in every wonderful way!

How about you?  Any artsy fun to be had this weekend?