David Knowlton and Julie Seymour.

Two nationally recognized artists – David Knowlton (known for his eye-stopping paintings of barns, bridges, and trains) and Julie Seymour (known for her exquisite, intricate, 22-karat gold and gemstone fine jewelry) – are touching down for a three-day soirée at 200 Main Gallery and Studios in Eau Claire. Both artists chose to make Eau Claire their home base. They are thrilled to share their talent with Chippewa Valley residents and beyond. David lived and painted in New Mexico for about two decades. “Most of my paintings are inspired during road trips,” he shares while seated on a long, red, mid-century modern sofa in 200 Main’s sunny salon. “Although my work is representational, I like to emphasize the abstract elements of the subjects that I paint.” Julie, who is self-taught, discovered her passion for making jewelry while doing the books for a jewelry store in Milwaukee. She fell in love with the richness of 22K gold and granulation, an ancient metalworking technique where granules of gold are fused place to create patterns. “The preciseness of the technique suits my personality,” she says. 200 Main, created by three Eau Claire artists, is also home to The Sari Bazaar, started by Eau Claire natives Trent and Lexie Leonhard who travel to India to purchase artisan-made fair trade items for resale. The gallery also offers breathtaking paintings of dancers’ movements by well-known Eau Claire artist Barbara Shafer. 

Opening Reception for Visiting Artists David Knowlton and Julie Seymour • 5-7pm Thursday, March 30, and 3-7pm Saturday, April 1 • 200 Main Gallery & Studios, 200 Main St., Eau Claire • FREE • facebook.com/200Maineauclaire