Greetings!

The hats are gone and we already miss them. The 13 huge crates were loaded on a huge 75 foot van and off they went to Texas. What's good about all of this is that we can now have events and workshops again. Please check below for classes (that start this Saturday), a film (this Sunday), and concerts (the first being mid month.)

Enjoy!

Hyla

Executive Director

What is a Biennial?

“It is the Biennial’s role, as an independent foundation, to be a platform that actively promotes diversity, freedom and experimentation, while exercising critical thought and producing an alternative reality,” according to Jochen Volz, curator of the upcoming São Paulo Biennial. “It is a pluralistic space where autonomous perspectives can enter into dialogue and debate with one another. I strongly believe in the transformative role of art as it holds an inherent integration of thinking and doing, reflection and action,” he said.

This exhibit is stunning. The judges had a very hard time choosing exactly what would be in the exhibit. We had 64 artists submit 103 pieces of art and 46 pieces were chosen for the exhibit. They range from watercolor to sculpture to even an animated video. Subject matter ranges from some definite political statements to some really lovely landscapes and everything in between.

Who were the judges?

Ruth Armitage - based in West Linn, Oregon, is a Signature member of American Watercolor Society, Oregon Watercolor Society, and others. Her award winning work has appeared in national publications. Ruth is represented Waterstone Gallery and the Portland Art Museum's rental sales gallery in Portland. Ruth was part of the "Nature Perceived" exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art in 2018.

Gabriel Lipper - based in Ashland, Oregon, is an accomplished artist renowned for his distinctive fusion of abstract and representational art. With a career spanning three decades, he captivates audiences with his dynamic and expressive paintings. As the driving force behind “8Paint Infinite Arts,” Gabriel mentors both aspiring and professional artists, sharing his unique perspective and expertise through his acclaimed course, “Learning to See.” His art, rich in both technique and emotion, invites viewers on a journey of visual exploration and discovery.

The image we used for the postcard and window graphic is of a painting done by Kim Sterling called "Deconstructing Democracy." This was an award winner from the 2021 Biennial at the museum.

Alisha Whiteman: Bureau of Land Management Artist in Residency Program

Rogue River Ranch

The places I choose to paint are ones that bring me that joy. The tall trees and stormy clouds, swirling rivers and mountain heights that inspire me endlessly. They are places that make me feel closer to my Creator, whose divine creativity expands my mind and makes me feel so loved. When we explore the outdoors as a family, I soak in as much of that inspiration and closeness as I can--either painting on site or taking photos to use as a reminder back in my studio. I make a conscious decision to leave out the unimportant details and focus on that feeling of wonder that drew me to it in the first place. I paint the interconnectivity of it all, how the flow of the wind is seen in the dancing of the trees and the swirling of the waters. And I paint it with enthusiasm. In doing so, I hope to help others experience the joy I get from being in and part of beautiful creation. As you view my works here and hopefully on the walls of your home, I hope it reminds you to slow down and see--or remember--how beautiful life can be. Alisha is the mother of five wonderful children.

"Let My People Go" is one of the paintings that Alisha submitted for her Master of Fine Arts degree. This painting along with many created at the Rogue River Ranch are on display in the Community Gallery.

Exhibit Opening at the museum (and cookies)

Plus meet many of the artists in the Biennial Exhibit

Gallery One will feature music.

Second Friday

7pm - 9pm

Free

Read a poem, listen to poems, enjoy the company of fun people.

Click the images below to reserve your space in the workshops.

This film coincides with Sargent's exhibit at The Met! Don't miss it.

You can purchase tickets by clicking below.

AND, you'll be excited to know that we have purchased a few more cushions for your comfort.

All original art creations by Southern Oregon artists.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am - 5pm.

A perfect place to find ART!

ALSO

A great place to purchase jewelry and cards.

FEATURED ARTIST FOR AUGUST: NOMECA HARTWELL

For me, my photography is all about the Light . The light that shapes the world around us. The subject can be interesting but without light & shadow, it is not special and I usually pass up those sorts of photo opportunities.

The following quote by Aaron Rose really sums up how I feel about light and photography: In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary Those are the sort of photo opportunities that do catch my attention and that I am willing to put the time and effort in to create something memorable.

In the past couple of years, I have been honored with several awards. Photographer of the Year by the Wild Rivers Photography Club in 2023, a starry night image from Whaleshead for the Oregon Blue Book Front Cover, an HM from the NW regional group of photo clubs last Fall 2024 at their annual convention for another night shot, Wizard’s Hat, and this Spring a composite print of 7 Wood Storks taken at the Sandhill Crane Park in West Palm Beach, Fla. took 1^st place in our club’s ‘bird’ category.

I have always had a camera of one sort or another in my hands although lately it is more likely to be my ever present Pixel8 Pro which takes wonderful pix, including raw photos. Mostly self-taught, I did take a course in Photoshop many years ago at RCC as digital began to take hold just to get some basics down.

Twenty-Eight years spent on Forest Lookouts was put to good use practicing technique and developing a digital darkroom. And oh those beautiful storm clouds and starry summer nights.

Today I enjoy photographing and making cards as a way of sharing my craft and interests. I am a long time member of Gallery One where there are many artists in many mediums which makes it a very fun place to work and exhibit. I also maintain a gallery online at http://nomecahartwell.com/

I am just as passionate about playing Pickleball which has greatly enhanced my athletic and social life and has opened up an enormous circle of friends and acquaintances.

HELP US TO PROVIDE YOU WITH

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Over the last 46 years, the Museum has showcased art that connects us across time, geography, and cultural differences. We couldn’t fulfill our important mission without the generous support of our members and donors. Today, will you go above and beyond and make a gift

to empower our vital work of connecting our community

with the power of art?

We appreciate your support!

I have always loved botanical prints and art about nature. This video is very interesting! It has to do with the melding of art and science and a few bugs here and there.