The walls and rooms at Cari Thompson’s house in Yelm are currently bare as all of her artwork sits inside the Thomas Architecture Studio in Olympia. Her art gallery in Olympia features 32 original paintings.
Thompson’s art will be shown in the Olympia-based studio, 525 Columbia St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 20. On Feb. 14, the location will host Thompson’s Valentine’s Day reception and art exhibition from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s a celebration of Valentine’s Day and art. Who wouldn’t want to be there? I’m hoping to have a nice crowd here. It’ll be a nice event for people in Yelm to get out of Dodge and come here to see some great artwork,” Thompson said. “I enjoy creating art that makes people think, makes them laugh, and hopefully both.”
Thompson’s art collection is photo-real, but she said some of her work is surreal, while some of her paintings are light hearted. Her artwork, original and print, will be available to purchase at the event.
“It is like going to a museum in that regard. There’s so much to see. Just grab some chocolates, walk around and enjoy the artwork,” Thompson said. “What I’d like people to know is most of the originals aren’t as affordable as the prints. The prints could be just a few hundred dollars. The originals many years ago would be worth 10 times more, but since the art market isn’t what it used to be, I’m pricing them so they are [more] affordable.
“I’m pretty excited to be set up out here in Olympia,” she continued. “All of the people here are so kind and so appreciative and so creative. It’s a delightful atmosphere, and I’m delighted to be here. I wish I could do more of this.”
Thompson compared seeing the large collection of her own artwork in an exhibition to going to a museum. She said people at art galleries are often thrilled to learn the collection at the event was created by one artist, which she’s learned firsthand.
“I remember one time in one of my art galleries, I heard a client asking who made all of the artwork, and the consultant told them it was all the same artist,” Thompson said. “If we don’t have art and things that inspire us to keep a light heart no matter what’s going on, then what do we have? I believe our reality is created by what we think and what we’re exposed to, what we contemplate every day. Art can have an effect on us.”
To view some of Thompson’s art prior to the showing, visit her website at gallerycari.com.
“My intention with artwork is to uplift people and help them to keep creativity in the world. So many things are coming up gray and brown,” she said. “Studies have been done that if you add some laughter to your day, some brighter colors to your day, you’ll have added to your wellbeing and your state of health.”
