Dear Hyla,

So sorry this is late. There are lots of things going on later this week and beyond that I don't want you to miss. But COVID sort of slowed me down for a couple of days. Which reminds me - get your vaccines!

I hope you will visit. We have lots to share.

Enjoy!

Hyla

Executive Director

Michael Bird

1942 - 2024

Long-time Grants Pass lawyer, businessman, community leader, and friend-to-many Michael J. Bird died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 22, 2024.

Michael was born in 1942 at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas—where in 1917 his father was born. He graduated from Hays High School in 1960. He earned a degree In Business Administration/Minor in Economics at Fort Hays Kansas State University in 1968 and completed his Juris Doctorate law degree at the University of Oregon in 1971.

While Michael lived away from Hays and the Bird Family Farm for most of his adult life, he retained his birthplace as an essential, continuing part of his life, legacy, and spirit.

Michael has had an enterprising spirit since his youth—business owner, lawyer, Oregon rock and silica entrepreneur, business strategy and planning, among other interests—but his love has been his volunteer community activities and good citizenship. In recent years his special interests have included the arts field and working in the local arts with his wife. He was an active member of several community organizations and special causes. He was a devoted member of his church, St. Anne Catholic Church in Grants Pass. He was also an initial and continuing supporter of St. Rita's Retreat Center in Rogue River. He was a long-time photographer, sharing his work far and wide.

Married to Katherine Bird for 46 years, Michael was always involved in art. He was part of the museum's exhibition department and helped install many of the exhibits.

Funeral services will be at St. Anne Catholic Church on Monday, October 14. Rosary recitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Presiding will be Fr. Michael Walker. A reception will follow at 12 noon at Si Casa Flores restaurant, 202 NE Beacon Drive, Grants Pass.

Mark Simonds has stepped back from the Exhibition Department

Mark has been an integral part of the museum for many years. He was instrumental in helping refurbish the museum building on G Street, created the data base for the museum, its exhibitions, and Gallery One, was on the board and served as president, was an exhibiting artist for the Membership Exhibits, and formed the museum's endowment fund - to list a few of the things he has done.

Rarely does anyone become "that" kind of volunteer. Mark will be around, but not in any official capacity. Mark and his wife Carolyn are sponsors of an exhibit every year. We very much appreciate everything Mark has done. His friendship is probably the most important item on this list. Thanks Mark!

New Board President - Jennifer Wheatley

Jennifer is currently the COO of Siskiyou Corporation, a manufacturing company with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. She oversees the operations, finances, and human resources of the organization.

In addition, she is a self-employed consultant and a coach at the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence. in the past she was the Executive Director of the RCC Foundation and the Dutch Bros Foundation. She was also a board member at Kairos and Siskiyou Community Health Center.

We are happy that Jennifer has agreed to take on the president's role. We thank Penelope DiGennaro for her wonderful guidance over the last few years.

From left to right:

Hyla, Kate, Cindy

CLICK THE PIX TO PURCHASE TIX

CLICK TO SIGN UP!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 1pm Tickets are $5 each CLICK HERE

Move Click Move: An Animator's Journey

Date: October 28

Time: 7pm

Tickets: $10 each

Move Click Move is a diverse program of animation and experimental films by Deanna Morse. From Sesame Street to the Odessa Steps, to the Everglades and the computer lab, Morse created at least one film poem each year since college. This work explores materials and techniques, shifting time and space by considering what is between the frame, as we celebrate seasons, people, change, and nature. Collaborating with children, musicians and puppeteers, using pioneering computer animation techniques, timelapse, kinestasis, or simple cut outs, these visual poems are like postcards. A postcard message that says "wish you were here," often sharing common surroundings. Move, click, move. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Most Mondays, people gather at the museum to sketch a live model. Doug Iverson is the leader of this activity. If you are interested in learning more - please email office@gpmuseum.com with Life Drawing in the subject line and we will put you on Doug's email list. He sends an email out every Sunday to let you know what is happening the next day.

Many thanks to the Welch Investment Group for sponsoring our concerts. And special thanks to Weekend Beer for selling beer and wine for us.

A great place to shop for gifts of all kinds - all original art creations by Southern Oregon artists. There are a number of new artists in the gallery! The best place for one of a kind ornaments and cards too.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am - 5pm.

A perfect place to find gifts!

September Featured Artist is Judy Crum

HELP US TO PROVIDE YOU WITH

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

(and help us grow your brain!)

Over the last 45 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 tell people that art is communication. Here is a good example.