Valley Art Association

September's A Busy Month

2011-08-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

SO MUCH happening! Where to start? How about with our latest flier for the events at Valley Art?

There is an artists reception on Sept. 10, 2-4:30 p.m. and the Chalk Art Festival on Sept. 17. Check it out!

And there are new classes at the gallery too! You can find something of interest for almost everyone in the family and it's happening at Valley Art Gallery in Forest Grove this fall! See you there -

July/August Valley Art Show

2011-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

COMING in July and continuing through August.
Join us for the artists' reception on July 16 and every First Wednesday!

Upcoming Show for May/June

2011-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

STEPHEN MOELLERING, SuZ MORROW and FRAN RICHARDS will be the featured artists during May and June.
Stephen produces fine pottery that reflects his love of earth's jewel-like colors and the beauty of rippling water.
SuZ Morrow paints scenes of the Northwest, from the strawberry fields to the Wilson River.
Fran Richards catches individuals during reflective moments and idyllic scenes of Oregon's landscape and many European locations' busiest, most scenic spots.
Everyone will find something in this show that appeals to them. If not, then just take a look through the rest of our beautiful gallery.
There is something of every media to choose from.
The gallery is at 2022 Main Street, Forest Grove, OR. Contact us at 503-357-3703 or see www.valleyart.org.

Chalk Art Festival 2010

2010-10-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

TIME TO CATCH UP! Follow this link and you will find an amazing show of exactly how much fun was had at the 20th annual Chalk Art Festival in Forest Grove in September - before it started raining late in the day.
Mama Gayle and her Sugar Daddies were playing for only a small crowd of hardy dancers this summer.

"Birds" Galore At May-June Valley Art Show

2010-04-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

SORRY to have been away from the action for so long, but I'm back to let you know about the upcoming May-June show with artists Sian Alexander, E.J. Baeza, Lin Haak, Debby Neely, Terry Peasley, Rob Sanford and Robert Schlegel.
There will be three-dimensional work by Sian - raku birds; paintings by Robert and Lin; watercolors by Terry and Debby; acrylic paintings by Rob; and stylistic photos by E.J.
Click on the flier/photo to see an enlargement of the next show's information.
The preview of the show will be the First Wednesday downtown in Forest Grove, on May 5. The gallery if open until 8 p.m. that evening.
The formal reception for the artists will be Saturday, May 22, from 2-4:30 p.m. (Regular hours at the gallery are Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A Very Happy 43rd Annual Event!

2009-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

THE 43rd Annual Artist Event, "Expect the Unexpected," was well attended and offered a delightful range of surprises - beautiful and tasty. From the artists' work to the delicious food offerings from our members, the evening was a great success.
The glittering lights in the gallery, the buzz of people greeting one another and catching up, and all the wonderful art. It was just a sumptuous night of fun. Doug McMickle played guitar, Christine Kidd headed an army of volunteers who kept the table stocked with savory, tasty snacks, and Roylene Read poured wine samples, both local and otherwise. (Oak Knoll wine hit the spot.)
This annual art event is the largest fund raiser for Valley Art Association, since the holiday sales (the same as most retail stores) help carry us through the other months of the year.
Artists in all media - oils, pottery, pastels, wood, jewelry, fabrics, watercolor - had outdone themselves. There were - and still are - a lot of great gifts to select from and there will be some opportunities to discover the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for individual on your holiday shopping list.
Nearly 100 artists - or more - have something unique to offer. Valley Art artists include Jan Shield, Terry Peasley, Jim Hayes, Linda Hayes, Elaine Walzl, Ginger Steele, Fran Richards, Pat Truax, Jan Su Hirst, Amanda Houston, Robert Schlegel, Dave Johnson, Debby Neely, Stephen Moellering, Jane Aukshunas, Laura Hopper, Vergie Ries, Emily Start, Donna Berget, Joanne Sayles, Diane Muhly, Richard and Deborah Bloom, Donna Clark, Dan Ennis, JoAnn Wellner, Jean Noren, Paul Rasmussen, John Howarth and many, many more.
The art event continues through November 22, Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., and then the gallery will restock with more art and you can find very special gifts for very special people, at great prices, in the gallery - even on Christmas Eve when we strive to help those last minute shoppers.
There was only one person missing from the event on Friday the 13th and that was Catherine Wildt, our longtime volunteer who recently moved to the East Coast. We kept looking up expecting to see her, since her work throughout most of 2009 helped us prepare for this event. Catherine, we miss you!

Annual Artist Event Coming!

2009-10-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

THE Annual Artist Event is coming in November. The date for members of the association to remember is Nov. 13, Friday. Ooh! Unlucky day - supposedly - but lucky if you're a member.
There is a 10 percent discount that night on all of the new offerings in the gallery from Northwest artists in all media. Treats, entertainment and more await you during this event.
Click on the picture for a larger picture and information about the event.
I hope we'll see you there so we can catch up on what is going on in the gallery. So much wonderful art. What will you choose for yourself and what will you give away for holiday gifts?
The event continues from Nov. 14 - Nov. 22 for everyone! Hours are on the flier. Be sure and stop by the gallery at 2022 Main St., Forest Grove.

Rain, Rain ... Went Away on Chalk Art Day

2009-09-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

PUDDLES of color dotted the sidewalks for awhile on September 19, when die hard Chalk Art Festival fans gathered in downtown Forest Grove for a day of fun. Registrations started at 9 a.m. and Joe Mishkin, the balloon guy, was there not long after to lighten up the day with crazy, colorful balloon hats or wings or rocket packs. Whatever those in line wanted! Myself, I got a silly hat. (Click on the link to Joe on his name above.) And here's a video below of one of his hat contraptions in the making.
Dozens of sidewalk squares were sold and pop-up tent shelters covered artists, keeping their work dry. Featured artists, and amateurs galore, produced lots of great art.
Here is work by Amanda Houston above; a wonderful countryside scene. She worked throughout the rain showers and got done quickly. Amazing!
Thank you to all our participants and volunteers. Come back soon for more photos.

Chalk Art Festival Is Coming!

2009-08-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

The 19th annual Chalk Art Festival is coming September 19, 2009. Lots of "9's" this year.
Here's the Official List of Nine Top Things to Do:
1. Buy a chalk art sidewalk square at Valley Art, 2022 Main St., and get some chalk with registration.
2. Bring a snacks along and lots of water.
3. Bring some knee pads.
4. Get a balloon hat from Joe Mishkin the Balloon Guy.
5. Listen to the music on Main Street in Forest Grove and dance a little.
6. Make a scarecrow for the Scarecrow Exhibit on the UCC lawn.
7. Get your face painted.
8. Buy some cookies at Maggie's Buns.
9. Have lots of fun.
Here's our official poster for the 19th annual festival done by Ellie Martin, a Forest Grove High School graduated who's headed for art school in September. Isn't it great?
See you September 19!

New Show Coming in July!

2009-06-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Valley Art will feature two new artists in July through August: Evelyn Fritz, watercolor and collage artist, and Glenn Burris, potter extraordinaire. (Click on the picture to see a larger poster.)
We hope you will join us on the First Wednesday of July - July 1 - to meet these artists from 5 to 8 p.m. at a reception in our gallery at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove.
We think you will enjoy their work - and the work of our other artists, too.

Art Journaling Class at Valley Art.

2009-05-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

WE had fun with our small group on Saturday, May 16. Hopefully, if there is interest, we will have another class in August, with a maximum of eight participants. (Table space to create and art supplies take up a lot of room. Just click on the photos and take a look at what we were working with!)
One class member brought lots of books for future participants to use, another used a sketch journal to document how and when she met her husband, another was trying out different techniques and everyone was learning the difference between gesso and matte gel medium.
Check back often for an update on upcoming classes, see the Valley Art Web site or go to the gallery, 2022 Main St., Forest Grove, for a complete listing.
I started "repurposing," altering, an annual report folder that came in the mail and would have gone to the recyle dump. So much more fun to paint them and use them. - Jeanne Levy

First Artist Reception in Our 'New' Building

2009-05-09T10:43:00.001-07:00

THE MAY-JUNE 2009 featured artists at Valley Art are Jane Aukshunas and Paul Rasmussen.
The artists' reception was the evening of May 6 and the gallery had a good crowd in attendance.
Blooming Hill Vineyard was the featured winery that evening and they offered generous tastings of their fine product. (Their wine label was designed by Jane Aukshunas, a fortuitous connection.)
There were some visitors that evening who were seeing the new gallery for the first time. They missed the earlier grand reopening. We invite everyone who hasn't had a chance to come on down and see the changes. We are so very proud of the new venue we have.
The food at the reception was prepared and served by Catherine Wildt and her band of extraordinary helpers. (Help is always appreciated at these events; if you'd like to volunteer you can contact Valley Art at 503-357-3703 or valleyart@verizon.net. No experience is required.)
Jane Aukshunas works in pastels and Paul Rasmussen works in wood. The two art forms played off each other beautifully in this fine show, which will be in the gallery until the end of June.
You can find more on Valley Art Gallery at www.valleyart.org, where you can also download the newsletter and learn more about our history and class schedule.
And to top all this off, Tualatin Valley Cable Television will be airing a filming of the grand reopening Valley Art had on April 9. If you live in our Tualatin Valley area, you can see the "show" on these channels at these times:
Channel 11: Saturday, May 16 and 23, 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, May 30 and June 6, 12:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 13, 11:30 a.m.; and Saturday, June 20 and 27, 12:30 p.m.
On Channel 21: Saturdays (starting May 9), 2:30 p.m.; Sundays, 7 a.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m.; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; and Fridays, 1:30 a.m.
Valley Art is very grateful for this chance to let others know what a great place it is, through the kindness of Westside Cultural Alliance and Tualatin Valley Cable TV.
Here: Paul Rasmussen, far left, educates guests on the finer points on finding wood's best potential.
Below, Jane Aukshunas (looking at camera), enjoys time with friends at her May reception.
And at the end of the reception, as the moon rose, it was a good feeling to know that Valley Art still stands on firm footing in downtown Forest Grove.
A great big thank you to all our donors and benefactors for making this possible - and, most especially, our volunteers who work without pay (and sometimes thanks) .
Valley Art wouldn't be here without YOU!

Upcoming Artists' Reception

2009-04-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

DURING the months of May and June, Valley Art Gallery welcomes Jane Aukshunas (pastel at left) and Paul Rasmussen (wood turned bowl).
They are the first two artists to share a show in the newly renovated gallery.
The gallery will be open Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., for the artists' reception.
Arts & Flowers will be the featured theme in downtown Forest Grove's First Wednesday celebration and Main Street will be closed and feature flower sales and other booths. Farmers Market has not started yet, but it won't be long now.
Here is the poster for the upcoming show. Click on it to make it larger.

Remember that the regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Stop by to find that perfect gift for that graduation or wedding gift or find something for your own home or garden.
The gallery is located at 2022 Main St., Forest Grove, one block west of Pacific University.

Grand Reopening Was Terrific

2009-04-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

I HEARD IT before I saw it.
A month before the gallery reopened I walked through and you could tell by the new layout of the building - the new walls that were designed to provide more room for hanging art, the shiny, polished concrete floor, the great new lighting - that this place was going to be some place special. Very special.
As I walked through I imagined I could already hear the friendly chatter of art lovers and friends, the clinking of glasses and plates and the smell of good food in the air.
It all came to pass in a big way on April 9, when we might guess all the stars were aligned perfectly, but in actuality there were lots and lots of volunteers working behind the scenes to make sure everything went just right.
From the very moment I entered the building on Thursday and saw the table decorations Margaret Hoerber and her helpers had laid out, I knew this would be a spectacular evening. Just take a look at the gorgeous floral arrangement and display of candies above. (Click on all the photos to see them in more detail.)
The new cabinetry designed and built by Greg Kreibel was painted inside with a rich persimmon color to set off the art and bright new spotlights shone down to highlight every detail of the artists' work. The sleek wooden tops of the cabinets provided a place for friends to stop and chat and rest an elbow or drink.
Delightful music was provided by Pacific University students who played soft jazz - on keyboard and guitar - that was just right in tempo and lent itself perfectly to the elegant background of artwork.
There was a short program with Pete Truax and Jerry Hoerber speaking and introducing the architects (and Bob Richards, who had volunteered to take on the gigantic task of general contractor) and thanking everyone who had contributed to getting the gallery ready for this event either with their energy and work or by their monetary contributions. Donations are still needed and appreciated! Here's Pete Truax in his white jacket.
After the official program the gallery seemed to expand and enlarge even more as it filled with friends eager to see each other and celebrate this new art destination for the city of Forest Grove and the whole of Washington County. There were very few in attendance who could get over the difference between the old gallery and the way it now looks. The changes that have been needed, and the improvements that have been desired, definitely met on this historic evening.
Classes are upcoming at Valley Art also and a list of them along with instructors' names and contact information are available on the gallery's Web site, valleyart.org.
Pottery classes, for children and adults, are offered, along with handiwork in quilting and hardanger embroidery, art journaling, stamping, pastels and a special off-site class by Barbara Hertel.
Looking in through the windows at Valley Art from the street, the display of artwork is rich and varied. An oil painting by Jan Shield in blues and golds, with geese flying, catches the eye - front and center.
It was a lot of work for everyone involved and the Valley Art volunteers and members can't be thanked enough for their contributions to the evening's success. Here is Nedra Hathaway, reception coordinator, at the front door toward the end of the evening.
The party went on until 8:30 p.m. and the grand reopening continues through April. Art in all media can be found and there is something for every taste and pocketbook, as this young customer found out when she discovered the perfect card to send a friend who has moved far away.
THE next big event in the gallery will be the May-June gallery show featuring artists Jane Aukshunas and Paul Rasmussen.
If you missed the grand reopening, don't despair. You can see the gallery 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and the May-June artists' reception will be Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. The theme throughout Forest Grove will be "Arts and Flowers," so be on hand for another fun evening with plenty to see and do!

Gallery Reopening Party April 9th!

2009-04-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

THERE IS so much to see at the newly renovated gallery that it boggles the mind - and eyes.
Such lovely work and such a variety.
Tim Tanner has constructed a new horse out of his assorted recycled bits and pieces and the equine is so elegant! Very striking against the new gallery wall - you'll see it as soon as you come in the door to your left.
Debora h and Richard Bloom have a wonderful Hawaiian protea construction with obsidian chimes hanging - and the tinkling of the stones is charming. Against the newly painted persimmon wall, they blend in wonderfully.
Jan Brattain has been making more wall hangings and even some clothes for the gallery. Her work is bright, colorful and her handwork is that of a true craftsman.
Be sure and join us at the gallery on Thursday, April 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to see the "new" gallery, meet the artists, visit, nibble, listen to music and visit with friends. This is sure to be another historic step in Valley Art Gallery's journey - from 1966 to 2009 - this time a giant step toward the future.
Walt Weber has several bright watercolors for sale, that capture spring perfectly and they just might be the thing to lighten up a room you have - or someone's life! An engaging and thoroughly spring-like grouping of flowering quince in a vase is done with a sure hand.
C. Robinson's prints, "Brookwood II," here with trees in autumn colors, is small but powerful.
Gourds, incised and colored in lovely hues, will enchant the viewer and may even inspire a whole new decorating theme in your home.
Quilted wall hangings can add that special touch to your home, also, with an elegant, artistic homespun touch.
Purses, pottery, oil paintings, pastels, all this and more awaits you at the Valley Art Gallery in Forest Grove, 2022 Main St.

Classes, Classes, Classes Galore!

2009-03-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

THERE IS A great new listing of classes coming for Valley Art and you can find them all in the next newsletter that is due to be mailed out after March 23. From pottery, to jewelry making to pastel drawing - there will be something for everyone.
During our grand reopening reception on April 9, there will be many new works of art to share. Hors d'oeuvres, wine tasting, music and lots of great art and visiting will also be yours for FREE from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on that day.
Watercolor artist Terry Peasley will show a large painting of the Metolius River. Jane Aukshunas, who works in pastels (photo above), will have many cards for sale with her images on them. Paul Rasmussen will display his carved wooden bowls (seen here), Amanda Houston will have pastel artwork.
There will be many more media represented. Please join us on April 9 at 2022 Main St. in Forest Grove.

March and We're Getting Closer to Our Reopening!

2009-03-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

VALLEY ART will be reopening very soon now.
April 9 is the date for the grand celebration and everyone is invited to attend.
Check out the new gallery space, the classrooms, the pottery studio.
There will also be a list of the upcoming Valley Art classes. Barbara Hertel, of Verboort, will be teaching a pottery class off-site at her studio. You won't want to miss this opportunity.
There will be more information available soon.
Check back here often for up-to-date details.
Click on the picture above for a close up of the poster. Reopening hours on April 9 will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Valley Art Was Yarnbombed!

2009-02-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

THIS is a good thing. The front door of Valley Art was the site of a guerrilla knit project and featured on the Australian blog of Grrl+dog. The instigator of many guerrilla art projects - where trees, bicycles, park benches and an odd assortment of other items get cuddled in yarn - Grrl+dog has a blog many people visit.
Now they have the pleasure of seeing our own Valley Art door at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove, on her blog. Click on this link if you'd like to see it too. Scroll down to the pictures under February 25.
Remember: Our grand reopening is April 9!

Getting There ... .

2009-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

WELL, things are coming along with the help of many people. Be sure and check out the grand reopening poster below in an earlier post.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, some of Forest Grove's and Valley Art's most generous benefactors converged to unload items to put back into the renovated gallery.
Of course, renovations are still ongoing, but getting things back into the gallery is important too.
Here, above, you can see the back (west end) of the gallery with the newly opened skylight making things a lot brighter. A persimmon and sage green wall draw the eye to the back of the gallery, and will draw art lovers in too.
These new classroom light fixtures will be pleasing on the eye and lighten up the office, classrooms and pottery studio.
The podiums that were previously in the gallery have stood the test of time for being eminently useful, so they will be brought into service once more, with a fresh coat of paint.
Bob Richards, Pat Truax and Jerry Hoerber stand ready at Valley Art's doors to help unload cupboards from the van to bring into the gallery at 2022 Main St.
Pete Truax and Jerry Frye helped unload these cupboards from the van (big thank-you to VanDyke Appliance). The hydraulic lift on the back of the truck certainly helped with this chore, and where would we be without wheels?!
Mayor Richard Kidd was inside scoping out the office to see where the Internet hook-up should go.
It is satisfying to note how the community - and that is a wide community, from Vernonia to Hillsboro and beyond - has always come together when Valley Art needs help. Whether it was for the contributions to help this renovation along or the hours to apply for grants or painting the walls and woodwork or working with contractors, everyone pitched in to lend a hand.
Remember: The grand reopening is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 9 and we will have a celebration to end all celebrations when we welcome in our new gallery. Be there!

Valley Art Grand Reopening is April 9.

2009-02-15T21:31:00.000-08:00

Valley Art Gallery is undergoing redesign and remodeling at present, as you can tell if you pass by Main Street in Forest Grove.
The gallery's grand reopening will be April 9, 2009, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
There will be work by Northwest artists, music, food and great company.
Come help us warm up our brand new gallery, which has "grown up" to meet the increasing needs of regional artists and the educational needs of our community.
Valley Art has been around since 1966 and has no intention of going anywhere but up, up and up!

Gallery Is Under Renovation.

2009-02-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

RENOVATION or destruction? Hard to tell in this picture, but we can assure you: The gallery will be the gem on Main Street in Forest Grove.
Open for your viewing pleasure on April 9, the grand re-opening!
Come enjoy the newly refinished gallery, new art, music, great food and good company!
We can't wait to entertain you in our "new" Valley Art building.

Annual Artist Event Is Coming - Nov. 4-16.

2008-10-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

THE Annual Artist Event will actually begin on Nov. 3 with Member's Night - a special early opening so members of Valley Art and their invited guests will have the chance to purchase the new work of Northwest artists.
Valley Art members should check their newsletter and special mailing for information. There will be a party on the evening of Nov. 3, with the theme "Vote For The Arts." Dress in something patriotic ... or not. Just be sure to come and shop.
The evening will start at 7 p.m. Bring a goodie to share if you can. The reception committee will have other treats available.
Come early, shop late - that's what we'd like to see.

First Wednesday Tonight.

2008-10-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT was First Wednesday in Forest Grove. Along with crowds coming in off the street from the farmers market, Sake One had a tasting at Valley Art. Roylene Read fixed up the reception table beautifully. Look at those beautiful grapes from her garden!
Isabelle McDaniel was gallery sitter and there were quite a few people coming in to shop and look at Michael Orwick's and Barbara Hertel's artwork.
Catherine Wildt, her husband, Nick, and her gorgeous nephew from New Zealand (ooh la la! that accent) were also in attendance. Lots going on in our beautiful gallery.

Fun With Lark Brandt and Batik

2008-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

ON September 27, Lark Brandt led a workshop on painting watercolors on daphne paper and using wax and India ink to produce a batik like effect.
The six of us - Marcia, Jeanne, Mary, Carol, Linda and Livia had so much fun.
The paintings went onto the daphne paper (from Nepal), which came in three weights/thicknesses. We "saved" some of the natural paper's color by dripping wax here and there on it. Lark is at above at left with an example of her work.
After saving some of the natural color we painted flowers, chickens, landscapes and faces with watercolor paint. We then let these paintings dry by hanging them up. After they were dry we could then take them back over to the hot pot of melted wax and "save" some of the colors we wanted to keep because the next step was painting them with black India ink. Oh, and before that, we rolled them up and pinched them so the paint would seep through those cracks and give the paintings a batik effect.
So here is one of my paintings getting rolled up so it will "crackle."
Next is the scary thing - to paint it all over with ink.
You can see the eyes of my lady's face - she's not quite believing what I've done to her! And I can't say I blame her. But have faith. Sometimes things turn out better than expected and one of the fun things about a lot of art techniques is "unexpected consequences." Many times, when we can't really control the medium, or try something "weird," we come up with something beautiful - or at least interesting.
This next step used up quite a few telephone book pages while we ironed out the wax to reveal the finished product. Here she is!
There were many great paintings turned out that Saturday and we were all surprised at how much fun it was. We learned a lot and before we forget exactly how we did it we should try it again. We are hoping Lark will consider teaching another class at Valley Art. If you get a chance, take this instruction from her. I guarantee you will have the time of your life - just playing away! (Remember: You can click on the photos and see them larger.)
Above, at the right, I hope, is a slideshow of the day. Enjoy!

Here Are Chalk Art Pictures. Enjoy!

2008-09-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

I AM hoping this Chalk Art slide show will show you just a bit of the fun we had Sept. 20th. Join us next year and try a chalk art square for yourself.
For now, click on this link to enjoy a slide show of all the images I was able to take ... and still do a square myself - and dance. I forgot how much fun I had dancing to Big Mama Gayle and Her Sugar Daddies.
(To enable the slideshow, look for the word "slideshow" in the upper left hand corner above the pictures and click on the arrow. The slideshow will start (should start) automatically.

Chalk Art Festival Was Spectacular!

2008-09-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

WOW, what fun we had. September 20, 2008, is come and gone now, but the 18th annual Chalk Art Festival turned out great. The weather was nearly perfect (no rain).
Over 380 people participated and chalked up squares of sidewalk with brilliant designs and pictures. What imaginations we humans have!
American Gothic - the chalked square - was done by Lillian Read.
There were lots of others and they will appear her soon in a slide show presentation. Stay tuned ... and mark your calendars for next September's third Saturday for the 19th Chalk Art Festival.

Can Chalk Art Get Any Closer?

2008-09-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

CAN you say "tomorrow"? Tonight at the gallery - September 19 - Roylene Read and Phil Thias and their Forest Grove High School crew were getting things ready for tomorrow morning.
Folks will be showing up beginning at 9 a.m. The streets must be closed off, however, and the stage set up for Big Mama Gayle and Her Sugar Daddies and the other musicians.
Joe Mishkin will make an appearance and develop outrageous balloon hats for those who stand in line and are patient. Each hat is a one-of-a-kind production and well worth the wait.
Thanks to Valley Art's helpers who swept the sidewalks. And thanks to the students who unpacked chalk, marked squares that were not numbered and lifted and toted. You are wonderful - all of you.
Chalk Art participation is $10, non-members; $7, members. You get a palette of colorful chalk and a square of sidewalk.
See you there!

Nearly Chalk Art Time!

2008-09-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

EXCITEMENT reigns! Only one more week and then it's Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Last evening there were Living Leaves hung on the tree along Main Street in Forest Grove in remembrance of 9/11 and other world shaping events.
We hope you can join with Valley Art on Saturday to enjoy the Chalk Art Festival, Bizzart Scarecrow display, Joe Mishkin the Balloon Man and Penny's Puppets. All day long, we'll have fun, fun, fun!
There is preregistration for Chalk Art on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5 - 8 p.m. at 2022 Main St., Forest Grove. Call 503-357-3703 for more information. I'll include a photo of a Living Leaf - it's one in honor of everyone's "Creative Bone," since we really are all creative when we give ourselves the chance.

Chalk Art Festival is Coming!

2008-09-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

TIME once again for everyone's favorite summer day - the day of the annual Valley Art Chalk Art Festival in downtown Forest Grove.
This year it falls on September 20 and there is new sidewalk to be had. The city has been busy putting in new sidewalks and thanks to Roylene Read, chairwoman, for coordinating things, there are bronze markers set in the sidewalks (by the workers) for Chalk Art. Now there are many more primo squares - nice, smooth, clean sidewalk.
A square and a large palette of colorful, rich pastel chalk is $10, or $7 for Valley Art members. On September 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. families and individuals will bring their drawings, knee pads, brushes, rags, spray bottles of water (to set the chalk colors, if they wish) and hand wipes and begin the work of making great sidewalk art.
This year there will again be live music, vendors, Joe Mishkin - the Balloon Guy and Penny's Puppets. Admission is free if you just want to watch and enjoy the balloons Joe makes for free (Valley Art pays him) and come see Penny's Puppets, too!
Valley Art Gallery is at 2022 Main St. in Forest Grove. Come by and check us out. Registration for Chalk Art begins at 9 a.m., but there is a special pre-registration this year on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the gallery. Don't miss out on all the fun!

Valley Art Reception on First Wednesday.

2008-09-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

It's the First Wednesday of the month, and besides Wednesday Market downtown, Valley Art Gallery welcomed artists Michael Orwick and Barbara Hertel.
They showed their lovely, wonderful work and we all enjoyed each other's company.
There was quite a crowd spilling in from the streets and we are glad for all the new exposure.
The welcoming reception table greets visitors and Elk Cove Winery offered tastings of their Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. Yum!
Barbara Hertel, from Verboort, in the red jacket, visits with friends. Michael Orwick, in the blue shirt, talks with two women visiting the gallery. The lady in the blue is 101 years old. I wish I could tell you her name. She is a gem!

Here is one of Barbara's pots - "Four Moons." You can click on it to see it in more detail - and there is a lot of detail to it. She fires these raku pots in her back yard.
And here is one of Michael's paintings with the setting sun peeking through the trees. His paintings have a fairytale quality about them.
Last but not least I want to tell you how wonderful the front of the Valley Art building is becoming. Thanks to master metal worker, Eric Canon, we have quite a bit of added kinetic sculpture happening at the top of the building. I do so hope this video ends up in this blog space. Let's try it, shall we?

Annual Artist Event Coming Soon!

2007-09-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Valley Art Association presents The Annual Artist Event, November 7-18. The theme is "Preface to the Holiday Season." Holiday hours during the sales event are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Opening night for paid-up members is Tuesday, November 6, from 7-9 p.m. There will be hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and music. Fun and surprises will abound and paid-up members will receive a 10 percent discount on everything they buy that evening only.
Memberships are $15 per year, and with the membership you get the newsletter, a discount on gallery classes and early entry to the Annual Artist Event.
You also will leave a legacy to future generations by your generous donation of dues and hopefully sharing your time and energy to ensure the tradition of art in the community.
Make your mark on the future! Join today. Call 503-357-3703 or visit the gallery at 2022 Main St. in Forest Grove. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Chalk Art is coming! - Oops! Now it's gone for another year.

2007-08-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 15, 2007, brought the annual Chalk Art Festival - the 17th annual, in fact - and boy was it fun! If you missed it ... sorry. That's all I can say. There were around 260 squares filled with colorful images; Joe Mishkin, the balloon guy outfitted us with hats and "space gear"; Eartha the Ecological Clown entertained us with magic and a huge inflatable earth ... what a time we had. The weather turned out to be perfect and Eric Canon had Valley Art's sign made for the front of the building.
Registration began at 9 a.m., with first come, first served. There was a long line and a few complaints, but everyone was really patient and we appreciate that.
We had musical guests, SCRAP set up a tent and kids could make appealing artwork from leftover items, and Forest Grove students painted awesome artwork on faces throughout the crowd.
The Bizzart scarecrow show, with the theme "Balance," was also well received, with several dynamic entries.
It was a totally fun day. Always the third Saturday in September, kids and parents alike enjoy this relaxing, hassle-free festival.
Come enjoy yourself next year. Either produce a work of art or have fun watching others.
Check out the photos on this page.

Our First Wednesday reception in September.

2007-08-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

At our First Wednesday in September we welcomed Martha Denham and Gerald Sticka's show: Inspired By Nature.
The artists were on hand to meet the guests and there were delightful reception treats.

At First Wednesday in October we'll be celebrating Nature's bounty at harvest time. Stores throughout town will be open on this evening.

In November we will be holding a very special reception for the public - "Preface" - the prequel and prologue to the holiday shopping season. The gallery will be filled with all the newest work by our artists. From 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. we'll have entertainment, food and drinks.
Drop by and visit. See what our Northwest artists have been up to and work on your holiday shopping list.

We have new classes for fall.

2007-07-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the classes available at Valley Art this fall on our Web site. Children's art made this summer is below. Scroll down and enjoy the mythological creatures.

Our nonprofit gallery

2007-07-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Valley Art Association is a nonprofit organization run by a group of volunteers who, together, offer Pacific Northwest artists the chance to show and sell their work.
The gallery is at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove, Oregon. Our Web site is valleyart.org, and to reach us by phone, call 503.357.3703. Our bi-monthly newsletter is online at our Web site.
We are proud of our 40-year history, and we hope for many more years of offering the public the chance to view fine artwork, and purchase it at fair prices.
Valley Art also offers classes to the public. The association recently received a grant from the city of Forest Grove to improve the pottery classroom, which has always been a popular draw - thanks to our talented instructors.
Come by to visit us soon.