The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery is pleased to offer another combined exhibit of new paintings by two friends and noted northwest artists.

Holly Ballard Martz of Bremerton paints thoughtful and lyrical landscapes with messages in collage and iconography. These landscapes revolve around, trees, birds and structures that are juxtaposed in interesting and thoughtful placement. Martz has become a gallery favorite since her first exhibit in 2003.

Valaree Cox after 12 years of working in metal as a jeweler and several more doing assemblage art, has now turned to painting. "It is fulfilling for me to land in a place where I can combine those mediums on a 2-dimensional surface." "I love the process of building up on a surface starting with plaster, then paint and paper and using found objects to make my art. It makes for an interesting look, feel and the question, why is she using a rusty washer on a painting?"

Every single element in one of her paintings has a very specific significance to her. "I love the viewer to find there own meaning or just an emotional feeling from each piece of artwork. One they can love to look at over and over again."

We also wanted to include three new ceramic teapots by Seattle artist Randolph Sill. These amazing ceramic works are technically superior with tiny and intricate detail and a glaze that mimics the rust of Gas Works Park. Any of these are a must for any serious teapot collector.