They’re artistic road warriors
‘We haven’t lived in a conventional house since 1997,” says Western and wildlife artist Dan Jordan.
The former Shelton, Wash., sawmill worker now makes art full-time and lives on the road with his wife, Carol, in their 1997 34-foot Winnebago Adventurer.
The Jordans, who travel to about 20 shows a year, are in Spokane this weekend for the 36th annual Western and Wildlife Art Show at the Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
“This is our 26th year here,” says Jordan, whose realistic graphite drawings are widely recognized for their spectacular attention to detail.
“I’m a Western history buff,” he says. “My brothers and I grew up in Illinois corn country watching Roy Rogers and Gene Autry movies. I got hooked on the Old West early and have been reading about American history ever since.”
His intense fascination with the lives of the people of the Old West, the land itself and its native wildlife is reflected in the accuracy of his work.
“I’ve been very fortunate that there are enough people out there who like what I do,” he says.
Life on the road
The Jordans’ 34-foot Winnebago comes equipped with one slide in the living area.
“When the slide is out,” says Dan, “the living room pretty much turns into my work space. I do all the matte cutting and framing on the kitchen table.”
The Adventurer also comes with large basement compartments for storage.
“About 99 percent of everything we have in our RV’s basement has to do with art, including extra frames and glass,” he says.
“When we go on the road doing three or four shows in a row, I need to have all my supplies with me. Our motor home pretty much becomes a rolling studio.”
The Jordans, especially Carol, love living full-time in their RV.
“Carol is more of a vagabond than I am,” says Dan. “She enjoys looking at the landscape and getting to see different areas of the country.”
There may, however, be changes ahead for their nomadic life.
“This doggone gas situation might be putting a chink into it all soon,” he says.
On an average day, the Jordans travel about 250 miles, stopping every hour or so to take their Dalmatian, Kizzy, for a walk.
“Last year when we were down South, the gas prices were up to $3.15 a gallon,” recalls Dan. “With the Adventurer averaging about six miles per gallon, it was costing us $100 a day just in gasoline. That’s getting kinda spendy.”
Western, wildlife art show
The 36th annual Spokane Western and Wildlife Art Show and Sale continues today from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students (children 11 and under are admitted free with an adult). Tickets are good for run of the show.
The popular “Quick Draw” demonstration, where artists sketch and paint quickly for 45 minutes, begins today at 6:15 p.m., immediately followed by a live auction of the works produced during the event. A silent auction runs continuously during the show’s three days. Call 922-4545 with questions.
Contact information
•If you are unable to make it to the Spokane Western and Wildlife Art Show and are interested in Jordan’s art, you can reach him by writing to: Dan Jordan, S.E. 5770 Arcadia Road, Shelton, Wash.; or call (360) 789-7944.
•For a look at the latest Winnebago Adventurer go to www.winnebagoind.com; Winnebago Industries, Inc., P.O. Box 152, Forest City, IA 50436; (641) 585-3535.
Spring RV classes
Two beginning RV classes are being offered this spring through the Spokane Community Colleges’ Institute for Extended Learning. Basic Training (course number 7321) is scheduled on April 26 and RV Care and Maintenance (course number 7320) on May 17.
Each class meets on a Wednesday for three hours beginning at 6:30 p.m., costs $23 and takes place at Sullivan Square, 15412 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley. The classes include handouts.
To register, call 279-6000 or stop by the IEL office at 3305 W. Fort George Wright Drive between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.