From the
Gallery THE NEWSLETTER OF THE VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013
Valley Art Gallery
We welcome you to the Artists’ Reception
2022 Main Street Forest Grove, Oregon
Autumn Show Reception Saturday, September 7 2–4 p.m.
503•357•3703 www.valleyart.org
Valley Art welcomes Wilma Miller, oil paintings; Joanie Lilja, oil paintings and mixed media; and Chris Emmert, mosaics.
Gallery open Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and special occasions. Open until 7:30 p.m. on First Wednesdays.
Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Celebrating the Natural World
Valley Art is dedicated to supporting working artists and encouraging beginning artists. We exhibit exceptional artwork and offer art classes for the entire community at affordable prices.
Valley Art welcomes three talented artists during the September/October show: Wilma Miller, Chris Emmert and Joanie Lilja. When Wilma Miller retired from the family business, she pursued her interest in painting. Spending time with her mother was important, so Wilma and her mother began taking painting classes and workshops together. “Painting has become a passion,” says Wilma. “My quest
Valley Art board meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m. These meetings are open to all who might like to attend.
is to capture on canvas the everchanging power, beauty, fury and tranquility of our natural landscapes.” Wilma is attracted by nature, sunlight and color and inspired by “waves crashing on shore, wet sand that is the color of the sky, and pearly fog with mysterious shapes and sounds. “I want to convey the crashing waves or the smell of the ocean, feel the cold of a windswept mountain or the cool spray beneath Continued on page 2
MARK THE DATE! Reserve your Chalk Art square in advance September 18 from 5-7 p.m., at Valley Art.
by Wilma Miller
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Caught My Eye...
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Classes & Workshops for Everyone
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July Reception Recap
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Caroline’s Corner
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A mosaic by Chris Emmert.
Your Name Here lights up a room!
Contributor name: Volunteer, please put this piece in the envelope labeled “Bulbs-Newsletter. Thanks a bunch! Thank you for your tax-deductible contribution of $20 to Valley Art Association, 2202 Main Street, Forest Grove, OR 97116 No goods or services were given in return for this contribution. This is your contribution receipt.
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a waterfall.” Her medium of choice is oil since she enjoys the rich colors and “the ability to paint thick and thin, using brush or palette knife.” She has been fortunate to explore the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the inside passage to Alaska. Wilma said, “Though the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, my most memorable trip was down the Atlantic coast, around the horn of South America and back up the Pacific coast. “I love the Pacific Northwest and it remains my home. I frequently visit the coast to study and take photos or videos; not just of rocks, sky and water, but to look for a special moment in time—a unique color effect, the power of nature. Art provides the ability to capture those moments and share them with others. This is my quest … my passion.” Chris Emmert lives in Eugene and “loves all things mosaic.” She says the “breaking and reassembling” is such a creative process that she “works” at it all the time.
She is a self-taught artist and has created many forms of arts and crafts for most of her life, but mixed-media mosaics are her passion. “Through mosaics I am able to express my love of the abstract through the countless different colors and textures that tile, glass, metal and various found objects impart,” Chris remarked. When she began mosaics, Chris created some permanent pieces for her home, such as mosaic topped tables and a bathroom sink tiled with small stones and bits of glass grouted into place. “All those different colors and textures of glass really inspire my creativity and many one-of-a-kind mosaics are the result.” She enjoys the challenge that found objects present in creating a visually appealing piece of art and is constantly searching for all sorts of intriguing bits and pieces to showcase in her mosaics. She looks for anything she thinks she can use and tries to “upcycle” and recycle whenever possible. Joanie Lilja lives in Sandy, on two acres on the Sandy River. Her view of the
How many artists does it take...? Valley Art board members contribute to leadership and improvement of the gallery in a wide variety of ways. Recently board member Jerry Hoerber, identified the gallery lighting as an excellent area for improvement. Modern LED lighting offers extreme energy efficiency, coupled with a long bulb-life and excellent light color and clarity. While LED lighting is ideal for Valley Art, even after utilization of local, state and federal subsidies, the bulbs that fit the gallery lighting tracks cost $30 each. The
gallery uses about 100 bulbs.
Here’s where a small contribution on your part can make a big difference. Between now and year’s end, we hope you will contribute $20 to adopt a bulb. You will be honored with a thank-you in the gallery front window and in the January newsletter. Your contributions are tax-deductible and everyone will know that you really light up a room! How many artists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? I’m not sure, but it takes you to help adopt these lightbulbs.
valleyart.org
river and the landscape is what inspires her to paint mixed-media views of this unspoiled part of the Pacific Northwest. This part of the river beside the Lilja’s home is one of the best fishing holes for steelhead and salmon. Osprey and kingfishers glide through on their way to find a meal—or sit and enjoy it. Here Joanie is inspired to paint water and trees—trees colored bright green or purple; water with a fog riding over it. “It’s like a spiritual experience,” she said. “And when you put yourself in the right ‘zone’ you can feel all this. She was born and raised in Happy Valley, years before the community’s population grew to more than14,000. Joanie can’t remember a time when she didn’t draw. Before school she would ride her horse on Scouter’s Mountain, and when it was very cold she remembers the mountains were a beautiful dark purple. The oldest of six children, she didn’t know her family was poor. When her mother shopped at the store for meat she would save the white wrapping paper for her daughter’s drawings. She was out of high school before she learned what watercolor paper was.
Joanie milked cows and had 60 horses to take care of. She joked that her father was one of the first women libbers, since he didn’t let her being a girl stand in the way of allowing her to have a job. She remembered, “It was my entertainment to go up in the woods and draw. My grandpa gave me some oil paints. Whatever I had were gifts, so I used what I had. Sometimes that was casein paint (used since Egyptian times as a form of tempera) and gouache. She now works on wrap-around canvas, which can be framed or not. She likes mixedmedia because she is not a rigid kind of person. An impressionist artist, she enjoys the early morning and the late evening when the moon is out and water has diamonds on it.
A tranquil scene by Joanie Lilja.
Please join us on First Wednesday, September 4 for a first glimpse of the show and to meet Chris Emmert. And don’t miss the opening reception on September 7 to meet all three of these fine artists.
Caught my eye... Valley Art is not only a place to see and purchase artwork; it is also a place to learn. We are dedicated to giving the community a setting for creativity and exploration. There is nothing better than being able to express yourself through creativity. Valley Art holds classes for all, ranging from pottery to needlework and making a few stops in between. Our classes are for people at all skill levels; from beginners to advanced students. Come in and let your rightbrain take the reins!!
Valley Art Association
We are always looking for new classes and especially classes for the kiddos! If you or someone you know is an art teacher looking for a venue give us a call! We would love to add you to our schedule! Please contact education@ valleyart.org for more information! Please see more information on our classes on the next page! —Dana Zurcher, Valley Art Board President
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Something for Everyone Art Classes & Groups —WANTED—
Art Instructors for Fall Classes The Art Education department at Valley Art is searching for art instructors in a number of fields: Wood working, Watercolor, Acrylic and Oil Painting, and other arts. For more information, please contact Charlotte Lumae (charlotte.lumae@gmail.com) or Skip Buhler (doyle_buhler@hotmail.com). Thank you for your interest!
Adult Pottery Tuesdays, September 10 to October 29—6:30p.m. until 9:30p.m. Pottery class is for adults 18-years and older at levels of pottery skills from beginning to intermediate. Learn to hand build or throw pottery on the wheel. Demonstrations will be given each night. Stoneware is $12.00 per bag and porcelain is $16.00 per bag. Tool kits are available for $15.00 each. You must bring your own towel and apron. Class size is limited to 10 students so sign up soon! Call Christine at 503-501-7589 or email her at huraytc@gmail.com. Cost is $109.00 for members and $119.00 for non-members. Supplies additional.
Artist Networking Meeting second Tuesday of each month—6:30 p.m.
Club open to anyone interested in art. Networking and fun! Find us on Facebook—The Artist Network—to keep up with any changes. Sign up for Classes at the Valley Art Front Desk or contact the class instructor directly. For details, contact Christiana Mayer at christianamayer@gmail.com. No charge to participate.
Forest Grove Camera Club Wednesdays (except 1st Wednesdays)—7:30 p.m.
The Forest Grove Camera Club is a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs. The club participates in a variety of competitions, evaluations and provides programs as well as field trips. Instructor: Carol Berget cberget@msn.com Cost is $25 Annual membership / $5 student / $10 Associate membership
Needlework Studio: 102 Thursdays—9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The needlework class welcomes anyone who would like to work on a needlework project. There is no one teacher; we help each other to learn what we know. We help with—Hardanger, Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Crewel, Cross-stitch, etc. Contact: Linda Wilke 503-359-4566 Cost is $24 set-up fee; $5 per quarter thereafter.
Quilting Studio: 101 Fridays—9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
This is an ongoing class and may be joined at any time. All levels, from beginning to advanced are welcome. This is the time to do your own work; get expert advice on a special project; and meet with other local quilters. Join the fun! Cost is $28/year for members and $43/year for non-members. All events and workshops take place in the Valley Art Gallery workshop space unless otherwise noted. Valley Art is located at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove. Parking is available along Main Street and in the public parking lot located directly behind Valley Art, a half block to the west. Gallery hours are Monday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Always stay up-to-date with Valley Art events at valleyart.org/events.
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September/October
UPCOMING EVENTS & MINI WORKSHOPS
September 4—First Wednesday, 5-7:30 p.m. The gallery is open late for refreshments and a local winery will offer a tasting. See the newest work by our Northwest artists and meet mosaic artist Chris Emmert. September 11—Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. Visit to decorate a colorful, paper “Living Leaf ” to hang on the trees along Main St. Bring a copy of a photo if you would like to make a memorial leaf, or maybe a favorite poem to put on the leaf. The leaves will twirl on the trees, carrying our thoughts and prayers on the wind. September 21—23rd Annual Chalk Art Festival, 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Rent a square of sidewalk for the day and put your own colorful artwork on it. Cost for Valley Art members is $7; nonmembers, $12. With your square you’ll get a full set of richly pigmented chalk. It’s fun for the whole family! October 2—First Wednesday, 5-7:30 p.m. The
gallery is open late for refreshments and a local winery will offer a tasting. See the newest work by our Northwest artists. October 12—Stamp workshop, 1-3 p.m. Make your own decorative stamps from everyday materials to decorate paper. Inter-generational class. Kids, 5-11, bring your parents; grandparents, bring your grandchildren. Supplies provided. Please wear older clothes you won’t mind getting stained. Free class. Sign up at the Valley Art front desk in the mini art class book by Oct. 10. October 26—Scarecrow mask workshop, 1-3 p.m. , Build a scarecrow mask for Halloween. This is an inter-generational class. Kids, 5-11, bring your parents; grandparents, bring your grandchildren. Supplies are provided, but please wear older clothes you won’t mind getting dirty. Free class. Sign up at the Valley Art front desk in the mini art class book by October 24.
“Local Treasures” 2013 Annual Artist Event Nov. 8th Nov. 9th – 17th Nov. 17th
Members only night–Grand Opening of the event! Extended hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Mon.–Sat. Sundays – 12 Noon–4 p.m. Special Event–“Family & Community Day” with special activities for the kids!
Valley Art invites you to be part of “Local Treasures,” our 2013 Annual Artist Event. The AAE was created to introduce all art fans to our artists and their terrific artistic creations. The Valley Art Association has found that the AAE is a very positive start to the holiday shopping season for all concerned: artist, VAA members and the community. Each year the gallery is given a fresh new look. Our artists bring in new work to give our customers a great selection of original art for their homes and holiday gifts. Valley Art makes a special effort to greet our community by extending our shopping hours during the Annual Artist Event. Please remind family and friends about the exciting art that will be on display during this time. If you would like to volunteer or provide a refreshment for Members’ Night, please call the front desk at Valley Art Gallery during regular hours, 10 a.m. –5:30 p.m. (503-357-3703). We have many tasks for helpful hands and we would gratefully welcome you to our Annual Artist Event team.
Valley Art Association
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Great to see you at the July Artist Reception!
Left: Marcia Alajoki and others examine an intricately crafted goose. In the background, Jeff Hall discusses his work with others. Below, Karen Van Hoy show one of her may beautiful textile pieces in the show.
July/August Featured Artists were: Tom Boring, Karen Van Hoy and Jeffrey Hall Right, This little piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way home... Tom Boring shows Bert the pig to Verna Crowell. Even before the reception began, the pig had been adopted and now lives happily in his new home.
Above, EJ and Alma Albrecht enjoy the finished result of a photo Jeff Hall took of him. Right, a beautiful image created by Jeff Hall sits beside a hardware-crafted dungenous crab by Tom Boring.
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Caroline’s
Corner
The next Artist Reception is September 7, from 2 to 4 pm. All food donations are gratefully accepted! Thank you to all who have so generously donated in the past. If some of you are willing to help on a regular basis, we could use the help—so I’m not calling on the same people all of the time. This will be the last reception for this year before the Annual Artist Event member’s night in November. For reception responses, call me, Caroline, at 503-747-7321. We also have five more First Wednesdays. Margaret Hoerber is looking for food donations for each of those occassions too. Farmer’s Market will operate until the end of October so that leaves the Holiday Season 1st Wednesdays after that. You can reach Margaret at 503-357-0579. We are always looking for more volunteers, our Gallery Representative list is getting low and there are many open days on the calendar. We have some regulars who attend the desk 4, 5, and 6 or more time a month and we thank them over and over. We have some people who go away for the winter and their time
Clam Dip
1 pkg (8 oz.) Cream cheese, softened 1 can (6.5 oz.) minced clams--drained, reserve juice 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce celery salt to taste 2-3 Tbsp. reserved clam juice Blend well in blender. Serve with vegetables, chips or crackers.
Fruit Dip
1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup marshmallow creme 1 tsp. grated orange rind 1 tsp. ground ginger. Mix ingredients together, chill and serve with orange slices, fresh pineapple chunks, green apples or melon.
Debbie’s Dip
2 cups mayonnaise (or 1 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup plain yogurt) 1 cup cottage cheese 3/4 cup chopped green onion 1.5 tsp. caraway seed 1 Tbsp. and 1.5 tsp. horseradish 1.5 tsp. celery seed 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp salt 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce .5 tsp. seasoned salt Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth. Garnish with sliced green onion. Serve with crisp vegetables.
slots need to be filled. Would you like to become a trained Gallery Representative? Please call Kay at 503-357-3703.
Thank you all for your willingness to help.
Our thanks goes to the June 25 mailing party who help in getting this newsletter from our gallery into your hands. Linda Wilke, Bettie Perkins, John Welch, Jack Howard and Bev Camp—we couldn’t do it without you! How can you become a Valley Art Volunteer? Drop by the Valley Art Gallery or pick up the phone and call Caroline, our volunteer coordinator at 503-747-7321. Tell her what you love to do and hear what VAA needs help to accomplish. Volunteers working with children must provide either a current teaching certificate or be willing to undergo a background check. Come join us and have a lot of fun helping this wonderful community arts outreach!
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Join the conversation! Scan this QR code to like Valley Art on Facebook. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.P.S. POSTAGE PAID FOREST GROVE OR PERMIT NO. 5
Valley Art Association P.O. Box 333 Forest Grove, OR 97116
OF SPECIAL NOTE... Valley Art is entirely volunteer-run and we could use your talents too. Please call us for ways you can contribute to this artistic asset of Forest Grove!
We’re open until 8:00 p.m. on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month. Please join us!
NOW SHOWING September/October Works by Wilma Miller, Chris Emmert and Joanie Lilja COMING NEXT November
The Annual Artist Event Mark November 8 on your calendar for the Valley Art opening evening reception.
Valley Art Gallery presents
Autumn Show
September/October 2013 The works of Wilma Miller, Chris Emmert and Joanie Lilja
“Purple Trees” and “Creek” by Joanie Lilja.
Works by Wilma Miller.
An array of beautiful mosaics by Chris Emmert.
Opening Reception • Saturday, September 7 • 2–4 p.m.
2022 Main Street • Forest Grove, OR
Gallery hours are 11a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday Valleyart.org • 503-357-3703