August 2015 - Continuing discussions regarding our next theme...

We are in the midst of fine tuning the theme for our April, 2016 Show.  As mentioned in our June post, having reveled in the countryside surrounding the Allison Inn and Spa this year, we decided to turn to city life for next year's theme.  Portland is undergoing a huge amount of change and renovation, some of it welcomed (new bridges and public works) and some of it controversial ("gentrification").  We are proposing a possible title of "Urban Landscapes" to allow enough freedom for this subject.  Several photo shoots have taken place and others are planned.  In addition, we are submitting proposals for shows in other regional galleries.

Here are some more pictures taken by Kathy and Hilde during our urban discovery outings and possible inspiration for 2016 show ...

July 2015 - "EXTREME STUDIES" in Sisters

Our exhibit Extreme Studies was featured as one of the Special Exhibits during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show.  The reactions were diverse ... some viewers immediately liked the small size and variety of materials, some others where not prepared to see small quilts (18"x 18") during this show or didn't quite embrace the concept.  We were pleased with the attendance and enjoyed explaining our process and group dynamics to all show visitors.  Thank you all for visiting and for all your good questions!

MIX - Extreme Studies at the Sisters Library during the 2015 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

June 2015 ... and our next theme is ...

After some animated discussion, we decided on "urban transitions" as our next project theme. Portland has a lot of character as seen on many of our city streets. We'll explore and look for inspiration throughout the city. 

So far, we've decided to make one piece that's maybe about 24" by 48". We've also included the necessity of one common color . . . #2 pencil yellow. It can be prominent or just a bit piece. 

In addition, we'll each do a small (12' by 16") focus piece. The focus is yet to be decided. 

Our first inspirational street walk took a group of us to Williams Ave. in north Portland. These great photos were taken by Kathy. Later that day we were lucky to be able to take a ride on the new Orange MAX line that goes across the Willamette River on Portland's newest bridge - The Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People. We enjoyed the beautiful new artwork along the line as well as interesting city sights.

  

May 2015 - Pleased and looking forward

So many things to discuss in our May meeting!  We were pleased by the very positive responses of people from the National SAQA Conference who saw our “Sense of Place” show at the Methodist Church.  This show will also travel to the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg this winter for a month-long exhibit - very exciting!  And last year’s “Extreme” show will be in the Sisters Library during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

We then had a great discussion about next year’s theme and the possibilities seem endless:  many landmarks in the Columbia Gorge, Timberline Lodge, old farm structures, ghost towns?  And what size should they be?  The final decisions will occur in June after people have had a chance to ponder the possibilities.

April 2015 - Opening of the exhibit "A SENSE OF PLACE: The Allison"

On Friday April 17 we opened our exhibit "A Sense of Place: The Allison" at the United Methodist Church in Portland with a luncheon organized by the women of the UMC.  Over 160 people were in attendance and our show was very well received.

 

Elaine Millar introduced our group and explained highlights of the exhibit:

Following, each of us talked about our pieces, inspiration, technique and challenges.  

We thoroughly enjoyed the event!

Make sure to visit our PORTFOLIO page to see all works of the exhibit.

From left to right: Valri Chiappetta, Betty Daggett, Kathy Blondell, Elaine Millar, Annette McFarlane, Hilde Morin, Diane Losli-Britt and Melanie Grant.

A Sense of Place: the Allison

Sixteen new works. 

Each artist created one hardscape and one softscape based on the structures and grounds of the Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, OR. 

Opening soon:

March 2015 - All works are in / time for final photos

A look at our final pieces and ready for photos.  

Discussing the final details of the exhibit "A Sense of Place" ... invitation coming soon