In Memoriam
Warren Bissonnette has passed away. May 2025
Warren was an oil painter but focused his creative talent on clay. In 2020, Wenatchee’s Marriot Hotel asked the gallery to present a one night show of Warren's clay works, shown below. The hotel provided music, wines and a generous buffet. During our 10th Anniversary First Friday Member’s Show Warren Bissonnette's octopus pot was one of his featured artworks on our poster. Warren was on the Front page of The Good Life where he was interviewed. A photo inside showed both he and Terry working with clay in their mutual studio.
Warren’s clay pieces were popular. He sold many works at the gallery. His dragons were unique & some very large.
Warren was also a barber and would cut hair while his pots were cooking in the kiln. We will miss Warren, his subtle humor, and his talent with clay.
Terry Johnson, Long-Time Gallery Artist June 1943 - December 2024 Wenatchee
The art community has lost another artist who has been fearless in his attempt to try new mediums. Terry got a job to put up many large NW business signs. Later, he became adept at hand painting signs with all formats and fonts. He saw many jobs slip through his hands once vinyl wraps became popular. That is when Terry took up clay and ceramic art, glass and pin striping, continuing with large signs on businesses.
Terry gave away his pots and even gave lessons. He gave pointers to artists and helped Harriet Bullitt with pottery making. Many homes are graced with his wonderful and sometimes unusual pots.
Terry entered Two Rivers Plein Air Paint-Out each year, sometimes taking home an award. He wouldn’t miss painting en plein air. This year when we paint the Wenatchee Valley, Terry will be with us in spirit.
Robert Michael LaFollette
Jane Bousman
Robert Michael LaFollette
1940 – 2024 Wenatchee, WA
Robert "Bob" "Mick" Michael LaFollette, 83 years of age, resident of Wenatchee, WA, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024. He was born to J. Dale and Violet LaFollette, in December of 1940. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1959. Bob went on to teach art at Eastmont High School and Bellevue High School, which he retired from. He loved his students and pushed them to do their best. Many of who ended up showcasing their art around the Pacific Northwest. His talent as an artist carried over in many directions. He could build anything, fix anything, draw anything and socialize with anyone. His love for old cars became his ultimate passion. In his later years, he restored many show cars and loved going with his Hot Rod family to shows with his cars. He made so many friends everywhere he went.
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We lost two friends of local art and artists in November 2021.
Both are a loss to the gallery and will be missed.
Jane Bousman was a longtime member of Two Rivers Gallery. She was an active member of the Board and was a featured artist twice. Jane also was a generous benefactor that helped us after the state imposed shut down. She was an art teacher, taught prospective teachers and managed ‘Head Start’.
John McDarment owner of McDees Art Center, now Ridgeline Graphics. John has helped area artists by providing meeting place for over 15 years. He was our first Business Member and offered Gallery Event Posters at wholesale. He provided many services to area artists.