BY KAREN BOSSICK

Check out the new art at Friedman Memorial Airport when Sun Airport Art Committee throws an Opening Reception on Wednesday evening.

Friedman Memorial Airport will celebrate the latest edition of its revolving art display from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 13. There’ll be hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and parking validation will be provided.

The airport changes out art twice a year, giving those flying to and from Sun Valley the opportunity to check out some of the often-innovative art that talented Wood River Valley artists create. Exhibitions typically include a few pieces from those living elsewhere in Idaho, as well as artists represented by Ketchum galleries.

Usually, several pieces of art are sold, finding new forever homes.

The reception also gives viewers a chance to chat with many of the artists, which can be a fun and illuminating experience.

The last exhibition, for instance, featured the work of two talented teenagers. One of those--Brooke Vagias--created an eye-catching mosaic collage titled “Sheep Wagon in the Boulders.”

Vagias is a renaissance artist, building award-winning Rapunzel and Magic Tree House gingerbread houses for Sun Valley Resort’s gingerbread contest and creating costumes for Trinity School’s end-of-year performances of “Rapunzel” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

“I felt that a sheep wagon in the mountains was essential Idaho,” said Vagias. “It’s kind of a surreal experience to have my art hanging in the airport. But I love it. Art is my passion and I’m happy people enjoy my work.”

Mary Rolland was on hand to talk about “Sun Valley Flax,” which featured a sea of blue flax done in oil on canvas.

“I play golf and on the 15th hole of the Sun Valley Golf Course in June the grass nearby was covered with blue flax. My friends shook their heads and said, ‘There she goes!’ as I ran out and plopped down in it.”

Mimi Stuart showed off her painting of a kayaker gliding down a cascading stream in her vertical work made of 24k gold, silver and copper, which offered the feel of moving water.

And Bellevue photographer Steve Smith had his black and white photographs of local Scottish Highland cows and calves hung over the terminal fireplace.

“I started photographing them last fall, laying down in the grass among the cow patties,” he said. “Being out, walking among them, I feel like I’m part of the herd—they were very curious.  I shot them in black and white because I felt like color was too much. You sense more emotion in black and white.”