Moscow co-op to hold art show opening today

Month-long display draws on inspiration from Palouse scenes

COURTESY OF JASAN LAGRIMANTA

Self portrait “Night Queen” by Jasan Lagrimanta will be among paintings displayed.

ALANA LACKNER, Evergreen managing editor

The Moscow Food Co-op will host a reception for local artist Jasan Lagrimanta’s work today at 5 p.m.

Lagrimanta is a University of Idaho graduate who studied studio art. She has worked at the Co-op since 2015, the same year she graduated, according to the press release. She gets her artistic inspiration by driving through the Palouse and hiking, according to the release.

Co-op Art Coordinator Annie Hubble said Lagrimanta’s history with the Co-op led to the display.

“It was an easy choice because I had seen her art,” Hubble said in a phone interview. “She’s very, very good. She’s meticulous, and she has a vivid imagination. I wanted to encourage her.”

Lagrimanta’s art series uses ink and watercolor on Bristol board, a type of thick paper. Her work draws on Palouse landscapes. The Co-op’s deli gallery will display these works until March 6.

The Co-op hosts one series a month, always showcasing local artists.

The Moscow Co-op started displaying art in 2004, Hubble said. They had just moved into a new building and noticed the space on the wall.

Hubble said it seemed empty, and they decided to display art. They also wanted to involve the community and thought showcasing local artists would be a good way to do that. This continued into their next building too.

“I wanted at that point to encourage people who might not get a show in the Prichard [Art Gallery],” Hubble said. “[These artists are] not well-known, or maybe have never had a show before, and it’s very encouraging to see art on the wall.”

The point of hosting local artists is not only to help them get recognition, Hubble said, but to emphasize the community aspect. The Co-op is for the community in every way, she said.

The Co-op is located at 121 E. Fifth St. in Moscow, Idaho.