Cherlyn Wilcox, a 4-year resident of Bozeman is grateful to be immersed in art. As an Emerson employee directing Marketing and Membership, creativity is something she treasures about her job. “I am so lucky to have the freedom to be creative and meet like minded folks here as well. Bozeman is a wonderful and vibrant community.” She lives here with her husband, a long time resident and enjoys being a first time dog owner.

Cherlyn was born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii before moving to Montana at the age of 12. Moving to Montana was exciting for her; first time to experience seasons, different cultures, and driving cross-country. “Everyone always asks if moving to MT from HI was a culture shock. I can’t say that it wasn’t but at age 12 the excitement sticks out more in my mind.” Her mom wanted to provide her and her 2 siblings more opportunity by moving to the mainland and live closer to family.

Prior to her move here she lived in Missoula where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the U of M. “I was definitely involved in the arts in Missoula even after graduating college. I knew this was something I needed in my life.”

She focuses on exploring her emotional connections with the local environment, emphasizing color and dynamic movement in her art. Being surrounded (literally) by the ocean as a child, water is definitely something that inspires her; the movement, the mystery, strength and calming effect. “Of course the Montana scenery is just as powerful. I definitely consider Montana home now and am lucky to have lived in 2 gorgeous states.” Although you wouldn’t know all this about her by looking at her art, which is primarily abstract, she says the emotions are what she wants to create in a piece rather than a replication of a scene. “I feel free with this genre of art. I usually don’t have an exact idea in mind before starting a piece, but rather just colors and then I let the mood take me.”
Until recently, oil has been her primary medium. After inspiration from an encaustic and silkscreen workshop, it powered her with more artistic “tools”. “I am always looking for something to challenge and inspire me creatively.” With a March exhibit lined up at tart, an Emerson retail store and gallery, she is excited to put those inspirations to work by including these various art methods and possibly some different styles.

Currently several of Cherlyn’s paintings can be viewed at Seven Sushi, tart, her art studio at the Emerson or her website, www.cherlynwilcox.com. The painting featured on the cover is simply titled, “Untitled #13”. It was sold to Cory Reistad, the business owner of Studio AV, where it is currently exhibited.