A Tribute To David Hafer, a memorial art exhibit

A memorial art show honoring the life and legacy of David Hafer (1941-2024) will showcase his evocative oil paintings at Phillips Gallery in the Kalispell Center Mall. The exhibit will have over 25 new pieces that have never been out of his studio before and available. The exhibition runs through June 28, 2025, and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hafer's passion for the arts began at age five, learning the trumpet under the guidance of his father. He excelled, as he spent every waking moment focusing on practicing his horn playing. In elementary school he took advanced classes at the University of Montana where he later attended and started a jazz band called the Blue Hawks. He played at many events at the university and Saint Paul's Lutheran Church throughout elementary school, high school and college. His musical talents took him to California to play in the Rose Bowl Parade in 1961. Though he initially pursued music, he ultimately found his calling in medicine, becoming a respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon known for his keen mind, steady hands, and meticulous attention to detail.

While practicing dentistry in Great Falls, Montana, Hafer developed a deep appreciation for visual arts, attending the Charlie Russell auction annually for 30 years. Upon retirement, he embraced oil painting, studying under renowned artists such as Mark Ogle, Nick Oberling, Rob Akey, Matt Smith, and Jim Wilcox. Hafer's surgical skills with a scalpel transferred to his paint brush naturally.

Hafer's paintings are rich with narrative, each canvas telling a story in the realistic style. He felt that "painting places me more intensely into appreciation of God's creation as I try to capture on canvas what I see". His works have been on display and available at Phillips Gallery since 2020. He is a valued member of the gallery where his collector's anticipated his exhibits and new works when they became available.

This memorial exhibition invites all to experience his work and celebrate the stories he so passionately shared through his art. All are welcome to attend and honor David Hafer's artistic legacy and sign the guest book.

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Category: Arts | Visual Arts | Galleries / Art