The Rhyolite welcomes two very talented artists to the gallery in addition to Cindy Welch (who continues to display) in the month of August — Natalie Raffield and Terry McDermott.
Natalie was born in South Africa and now lives in Castle Rock, Colorado. She obtained her bachelor of applied science degree in Digital Arts from Red Rocks Community College. She has enjoyed moving around the world with her husband and three children for the last 30 years. Natalie opened her own gallery in South Africa and donated works to wildlife preservation organizations. In northern Canada, this artist opened a coop gallery and led classes in dancing, drawing, and painting. She has also organized group shows and events. Natalie installed a town banner project in Canada with over 50 artists that was supported by the local museum. During her lessons, she was able to help miners that had been injured during work. In Ghana, Natalie introduced art to the local community with teaching painting and photography. Here she produced a documentary highlighting the struggles and commitment of the rangers to elephant survival in Mole National Park. She helped other artists to hold shows and events to aid several charities held in Accra, Ghana. Natalie is committed to Castle Rock Artist cooperative by way of the membership committee. She believes that artists working together will inspire the community to create and appreciate art. In 2004 she was one of nineteen Ducks Unlimited artists to have their work printed and sold in aid of Canadian wetland conservation. She has donated works to Southern Tanzania Elephant Project, Opportunity Canada, Bogoso Women’s Breast Cancer Prevention, AfricAid, Nature Artists and David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
Terry McDermott studied painting and illustration under Dale Amburn when he attended Wawasee College Preparatory. Because of the relationship they formed while Terry studied under him, Dale turned into a second father figure and lifelong friend. Beginning in Terry’s senior year in high school, he was enrolled as a college freshman at Indiana University – Fort Wayne in architectural studies. This included studies at the Fort Wayne Institute of Art. Terry is retired from tenant finish architecture. He was the founder and CEO of McDermott Planning & Design in Denver for nearly 35 years. Currently, Terry resides with his wife among the hills of Castle Rock, Colorado. Now is free to pursue fine art to express his creativity. Tadashi Hayakawa, an internationally recognized artist is also an inspiration to Terry, displaying abstract works of art with energy and color. In 2017 Tadashi presented Terry with a Cal Turner award. Terry’s art reflects Dale’s southwestern influence as well as Tadashi’s abstract and zen style, but Terry’s largest inspiration and influence is drawn from the southwestern landscape of his surroundings. Using oil paints as his favorite medium, Terry captures the peaceful essence of Colorado and New Mexico’s beautifully spanning landscapes and ever-changing skies. He uses bright colors to translate awe, inspiring and breathtaking sunsets, and dually uses a neutral palette to demonstrate the diversity that these landscapes evoke.
