User:Bknopp1

Bev and Gary Stone are a husband and wife team who specialize in using artistic and writing abilities to teach about the Oregon Trail, Idaho and Pacific Northwest History and the general western way of life.

In 1993 they created “Stone by Stone on the Oregon Trail,” a coffee table book of 44 on-site paintings of the Oregon Trail with diary excerpts as the primary text. It was begun out of their desire to memorialize the ordinary people who were so important in U.S. history. They represented Idaho in Washington, D.C. and displayed the paintings in the Russell Rotunda of the Senate Building. They made a presentation to Congress as the kick-off for the Sesquicentennial celebration of the Oregon Trail.

The Oregon/California Trail Interpretive Center at Montpelier, Idaho used their book as its theme and enlisted the aid of Gary and Bev in the planning. The original paintings are on permanent display at the Interpretive Center. Gary also created a 40-foot mural depicting the Oregon Trail across Idaho in the entry area of the center. His work has been exhibited in galleries, universities and museums across the United States and also in several foreign countries. Bev wrote a weekly newspaper column on Idaho history for nine years, as well as various magazine articles, until she authored 2 children’s Christmas books ("The Secret of Santa Claus" and "Santa+Martha") illustrated by husband Gary. She has been the featured author at several Young Authors awards in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. She currently is writing monthly stories for an events magazine, as well as a book about early-day Rock Creek Idaho area, and tracing the roots and stories of her own family ancestors.

Gary and Bev have traveled throughout the west presenting programs they named “Talk and Chalk” for schools, civic groups and conventions. While Bev tells stories, Gary “quick-draws” using pastels on black paper, and presents the artwork to the hosts to be given as prizes or used as fundraisers.

The Stones have been featured on every major television news channels, several Oregon Trail documentaries, many radio and TV talk shows, and newspapers and magazines. They were featured on PBS and recently were part of a TV program called “Cowboy Country.”

Gary hides his own self-portrait and his wife’s name, Bev in every piece of art he creates. At times he brings other people in his life into his paintings in this way. He has worked many years on a Magic Valley mural depicting Twin Falls area history at the Magic Valley Regional Airport. The high cathedral ceiling features paintings of airplanes and pilots having a connection to that area. Each one has a special story. Gary’s tradition of hiding names in his art work came into play in the mural, where literally hundreds are hidden. The unique cedar carved and painted artwork on one wall is 42 feet long and 9 feet high. Figures, scenery and vehicles showing the transportation story in Magic Valley are carved and then painted in realistic detail. While involved in this project, Gary became a part of Chinese tradition when he placed the names of a trade delegation from Shanghai on the mural. Since then, many delegations to Idaho have had their names included on the mural, including the Chinese Ambassador, who came complete with Secret Service entourage. The mural has been featured on National TV in China.

Gary's artwork is on display in 3 U.S. Presidential Libraries; those honoring Gerald R Ford, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr.

In 2009-10, Gary created two murals-one a memorial to U.S. Armed Forces personnel from Idaho who gave their lives during the Afghan-Iraq war. It is 28 feet long by 12 feet high and installed at the Twin Falls Idaho airport, where a majority of service personnel leave and arrive. Titled “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” it shows appreciation for U.S. troops and the sacrifice they all make for freedom. He has received numerous awards from various branches of the Idaho Armed forces, including the Seven Seals award, for his work on this mural.

The second is a Centennial Legacy Project for Jerome, Idaho, which portrays Jerome’s history in three separate panels, and is installed in the entry of the Senior Citizen’s Center building.

Currently, in 2011, Gary is creating a new mural, fashioned after a painting of the South Hills in Hansen Idaho, which once stood as an icon on the side of the Daws Market at the corner of US 30 and Rock Creek Road. The Hansen Community Mural is destined to become a landmark for the community.