Featured Artist

Vickie Atkins Close

Vickie Close lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she has lived most of her life. She moved from Anchorage, Alaska to a farm in Coeur d'Alene as a child.  Vickie, her husband Norman, and their border collies live on that same farm today. 

Her journey into art started behind a brush as a successful makeup artist. She became an award-winning photographer with her painterly images. Now she does traditional painting along with photographic art.

Whether she is painting with a traditional brush or a camera, it is no surprise that animals grace her work. Vickie’s life has always been centered around animals and she finds friendship with them easy and rewarding. They have also always played a role in her recreation -- from team roping to dog agility -- and escalated to a new level when she discovered herding with her border collies. "It is amazing to watch a dog use its God-given instinct. From the moment I saw a good dog work I knew I had to be a part of it."

Her husband Norman owns Handhills Border Collies, and raises and trains border collies. He and Vickie compete together in sheep herding trials across the United States and Canada. 

“The talent of these animals amazes me and their work ethic is unbelievable.  I want to show the whole world what they do.”

 Vickie’s work can be viewed in person at The Painters Chair Gallery in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, or on line at www.painterschairfineart.com or www.vickieclose.com