By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
Five local artists who share more than just a love of painting are showcasing their work at City Hall this summer, and the public is invited to experience it.
The exhibit, sponsored by SHOCASE (Sweet Home Oregon Coalition for Artistic and Scholarly Enrichment), features paintings by members of the Wednesday Art Group at the Sweet Home Senior Center.
The exhibit is currently on display and runs through Sept. 2 during City Hall’s open hours, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A reception to meet the artists will be held Thursday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m.
“This group has become like family,” said artist Vanesa Gallup. “We have a lot of fun and we laugh together. We talk about all kinds of subjects as we’re working, and we encourage each other.”
That encouragement is evident in the vibrant variety of works on display. The five artists have painted landscapes, animals, and even a few abstract pieces, created in mediums ranging from acrylic and watercolor to pastels and charcoal.
Five Artists, Five Journeys
Each artist brings a unique story to the exhibit.
A lifelong artist, Dianne Hills started with drawing through grade school and then took oil painting classes in her 30s.
She recently discovered acrylic painting after 30 years of working in watercolor.
“Acrylic seemed to have the best qualities of both oil and watercolor,” she said. “I can water it down and make washes like watercolor, or lay it on thick, like oils.”
Hills gravitates toward landscapes, often inspired by places she has visited or striking scenes that capture her eye.
Born in Holland, Marina Orri, has been painting most of her life. Her art path began in Europe, where she attended art retreats in France and Belgium. After moving to Sweet Home, she took some local art classes.
Orri studied watercolor before recently experimenting with gouache, a medium she says is “more forgiving than watercolor but has a similar look.” While realism is often her focus, she enjoys abstract painting when she wants to convey pure emotion without forming a recognizable image.
Paula Woodruff vividly remembers wanting a paint set when she was 8 years old and being upset that her brother received one for Christmas instead of her. She attended a country school and recalls learning art through lessons broadcast over the radio.
As an adult, she learned from nationally recognized artist Virginia Carlson. Today, her work, including her award-winning pastel of a horse, reflects her love of realism and bold colors. Woodruff is fluent in many art forms, although she currently enjoys acrylics the most. “My goal is to paint acrylics so they look like oils,” she said. “I love that look and I think I have been successful!”
Vanesa Gallup has also been creating art most of her life. She started when she was 15 years old, drawing horses with charcoal, and later moved on to pastels.
“I love art. It’s always been my passion, and I just keep doing it,” she said.
Gallup earned art scholarships and majored in art at Southern Oregon State College. She now works primarily in watercolor and acrylic. She usually strives for realism with occasional forays into looser, more abstract styles. “I hope people feel happy when they look at my art,” she said.
Some artists start later in life and discover they have real talent. Rosemary Thurber didn’t pick up a paintbrush until nine years ago, when a friend invited her to the Senior Center art group.
“I had never attempted painting before,” she said. “Watercolor is my favorite, but I’ve done some oil paintings, copying from calendars or art books.”
Her favorite piece in the exhibit is an oil painting of a mill with a waterfall because she likes the woods and streams. They evoke a very serene feeling. Thurber encourages others to try art: “Give it a try. Practice and ask for help.”
More Than an Art Class
The Art Group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center, where members exchange ideas and feedback.
“At the Senior Center, we enjoy each other’s painting methods, make comments, and ask questions about the various works in progress,” Hills said. “We also ask for suggestions and always get useful help from each other. Just having another point of view makes a huge difference.”
While the core group consists of about five regulars, others drop in, and new participants are always welcome.
“People come in saying, ‘I can’t draw and I can’t paint,’” Orri said. “But when you see what they’ve created a year later, you think, ‘Yeah, you can paint! You can draw!’”
While members must be at least 55 years old to join the Senior Center, which offers numerous benefits, anyone is welcome to participate in the group. Non-members of the Senior Center are welcome to the art group and asked to contribute $2 per session.
Artists should also bring their supplies. Got questions about what’s needed? They’re
Celebrate Local Art
The City Hall exhibit not only showcases local talent but also reflects the role of the community in fostering creativity. SHOCASE, the event sponsor, works to promote art and cultural activities throughout Sweet Home.
Visitors can view the artwork during City Hall hours or meet the artists in person at the August 21st reception.
To learn more about upcoming SHOCASE events or find out how to get involved, visit www.sweethomeshocase.org or follow SHOCASE-Sweet Home on Facebook (facebook.com/shshocase).
“Art brings people together,” Gallup said. “And when you share it with others, it makes it even better.”