May 2016 - After a successful exhibit ... back to work

We are very satisfied with the way our Urban - PDX exhibit turned out.  The opening luncheon was very well attended and it was a pleasure to talk to so many attendees about our process, our group and our inspiration.  Thank you all for coming!

Now onto the Chessman Gallery exhibit in Lincoln City later this year.  We are working on the details of the exhibit and the logistics of the show.  Stay tuned...

Also, it is time to start thinking about a theme for our next body of work.  Discussions are starting and we may come to an agreement soon.  Stay tuned ...

April 2016 - Announcing our upcoming exhibit - URBAN PDX

For this year’s project, we brought our focus in from the rural aspect of the Allison Inn in Newberg to the teeming center of Portland.  Our city has had a new explosion of growth as the Recession of 2008 recedes, but with our Urban Boundary constraints and a drive for density to support mass transit, Portland finds itself facing the same dichotomy of old vs. new that is bedeviling so many cities.  Our group decided to speak to this struggle between the old and new in the current evolution of Portland.  Some illustrated a single aspect of our city’s growth and personality.  Others dialed out for a broader focus, showing some old buildings with some new, or the best-loved highlights of this wonderful city. There are head-on views, a bird’s eye view and some angled views, with all pieces measuring 30” x 40”.

We experimented with the use of a unifying factor this year by saying that each piece had to contain some use of the yellow that is found on the ubiquitous #2 pencil.  Who knew there are so many yellows on #2 pencils?  When did that become de-standardized?  It was an exciting discovery and people solved this in different ways, in greater and lesser amounts.

We each also made a small piece, 8” x 20”.  Initially, these were supposed to be distortions of an aspect of our large piece, a “stretched out” segment, but this idea grew into several different things and it is entertaining to see how each artist decided to miniaturize.


Above all, the show is an expression of great affection for the place we all call Home, and it felt as though we had barely scratched the surface!

March 2016 - URBAN PDX exhibit pieces are done...almost!

Today we discussed the final touches of our upcoming URBAN PDX exhibit.  Eight large pieces measuring 30"W x 40"H with 8 accompanying small pieces measuring 8"W x 20"H are about ready. Here is a sampling of our small pieces and our Urban PDX exhibit board.

An Exhibit invitation will be posted in the next few days...

January 2016 - Our Urban landscapes are taking shape

Our Portland urban pieces are starting to take shape.  Here are a few works in progress ...

Annette's

Betty's

Hilde's

Kathy's

Melanie's

Happy Holidays 2015 and a Happy New Year 2016

Best wishes to all our friends!

December 2015 - Our show Opens in Newberg

A SENSE OF PLACE: The Allison INN
Exhibit
December 22, 2015 - February 27, 2016

at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, OR

November 2015 - Upcoming shows: Newberg and more

We got right down to business this month discussing the details of our upcoming show at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon. The show will hang from December 22, 2015 to February 27, 2016, with an opening reception on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 7 to 9. That opening will coincide with Newberg’s Art Walk which should give viewers lots to see in and around the CCC.

We are also making plans for our show at the Chessman Gallery in Lincoln City in October 2016. The group is excited to be including 3-D pieces along with the art quilts that will hang on the wall. Group members have several types of 3-D works in mind so this should result in a show with strength of variety as well as creativity.

Some concrete design ideas are emerging for our April 2016 show on the subject of Urban Landscapes. An exact title is still a little up in the air, but the subject matter is firm, and Portland is providing change in spades to inspire us!

Several people brought in "Show and Tell"to share with the group.
Elaine showed many pieces that she discharge-dyed at the last SAQA meeting, held at OCAC:

Valri shared a fiber bowl and samples from a recent paper making class:

Kathy shared two interesting books:

Here is a peek at Annette's new work ... ready for submission to a show:

Betty is having fun with color: