Stobie Shows Off Petroglyphs

DAYTON - There is something unusual hanging around in Dumas Station's tasting room outside of Dayton - petroglyphs.

Dayton artist Monica Stobie was hanging out with fans and wine tasters last Saturday at her gallery showing. Her work is on display through Dec. 17.

"I was thrilled to (show my work) locally," Stobie said.

The framed art was hung on wine barrels and brought earthy browns and bright turquoises into the space.

The art features recreations of petroglyphs, a drawing or carving on rocks made by prehistoric people.

In addition to the unique petroglyphs, the paper the drawings are on is innovative. Stobie uses pastel on Mexican bark paper to make her art. The paper is heavily textured and is made from an indigenous tree bark and processed through an ancient method. Stobie said the paper gives the petroglyphs a "primitive backdrop."

"And it just holds a ton of color," Stobie said.

Stobie had discovered to unique qualities of the bark paper during some paper collage work years ago.

This year marks Stobie's 25th year as an artist. She received her bachelor's degree in art education in 1976 from Eastern Washington University and taught at junior and senior high schools for 15 years. She has lectured at seminars in Oregon and Washington states.

Stobie grew up on an apple ranch near the Yakima Indian Reservation and she said her environment has played a major role in the subject matter of her art.

Several years ago, Stobie discovered the rock art petroglyphs at a site near the Snake River. She said she is fascinated by the imagery of the petroglyphs because there's not a lot of information about the pictures, but one can still derive meaning from them centuries later.

"I love the mystery of it all," Stobie said.

Stobie follows her interest to petroglyph sites and even treks to rock art sites on private property to help the landowner preserve them, she said.

"These things are just out there, so open and fragile, in our environment," she said.

The rock art has not only become the inspiration for her art work, but she has also taken on the task of brining awareness to people how important the art is.

Stobie said this collection of art, featuring a chicken, eggs and pottery, is a bit more fun and carefree than her past work.

"It's becoming a little more whimsical," she said. "I think I'm really starting to enjoy my work."

Jay DeWitt, the co-owner of Dumas Station, is also enjoying Stobie's work and the new faces it has brought to the tasting room.

"We've had a lot of people come by who probably would not have come by just to taste the wine," DeWitt said. "It's fun to have this local talent."

Nancy Breithaupt, a selfdescribed fan of Stobie's, was sipping wine and taking in the imagery in the artwork last Saturday afternoon. Breithaupt, from Dayton, said Stobie's work makes the viewer full of joy and makes her want to giggle. She said she likes how Stobie has so many ways of expressing her talent.

"It brings you close to nature, creation and life," Breithaupt said.

Stobie's art is displayed and available for sale in several galleries around the Pacific Northwest. Her art will be on show in Dumas Station for the last time on Dec. 17. The winery is located at 36229 Highway 12, Dayton. For information, call 509-382-8933.