What’s On View?—Here in the Rogue Valley, the vibrant fresh greens, reds, pinks, and purples of spring are beginning to fade into the pastels and muted tones of summer. Yet there are rich and saturated hues that come about as other colors fade, such as the rich gold of dried grasses, and the alpenglow of summer evenings.
The emotional intent of pastel colors is to soothe, calm, and create physical harmony. They often evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance. Because they offer a wide variety of hues, pastels can create a light spectrum capable of transmitting certain types of energies depending on their respective wavelengths of color.
Our guest artist show for July is the Pastel Society of Oregon. Member, Bonnie McManus, has coordinated a lovely show of Oregon pastel artists. Even when finer pastels are highly-saturated in drawings, there is a quieter and softened quality to the color. But working with pastels is not for the faint of heart. Mistakes cannot be easily fixed, paintings can be easily smudged, and depending on the pastels used, masks may be required to prevent breathing in toxic materials from the pastel dust. Pastel painting is a technique developed in the 15th century, and pastel art often expresses a timeless and “old world” essence. We believe you will find this new art display restful, and sophisticated.
Nancy Yturriaga Adams is our Member Artist of the Month. Her ceramic vessels, bowls, perfume bottles, and lidded jars are often adorned with fruits, lizards, birds, hares, and dragons. Oh, and Horney toads! Exquisite is an understatement. Come meet Nancy and let her tell you all about it!
Opening Party! for the artists is July 8, 1-4pm. Luxurious Diamondback Wines will be available for tastings. A rare treat!
July’s Talk of the Town features Larry B. Smith, presenting and signing his recent book The Emerald Necklace: From Goldmines to Woodland Trails. This book tells the story of a teacher and his 5th-grade students who saved woodlands and created the “emerald necklace” of hiking trails around historic Jacksonville. July 20, 6-7:30pm. Gallery opens at 5pm. Books will be available for purchase.
Art Presence Art continues to grace the walls of local wineries. The dynamic and dazzling art of Brenda Mills Brannan remains through July at Weisinger Family Winery in Ashland. If you haven’t been there yet you’re missing out. Fine wines, extraordinary views, and beautiful art, what’s not to love?
New at Hummingbird Estate winery are the oils and acrylics of Sue and Steve Bennett. Brilliant flowers, country roads, and lively landscapes are featured in Hummingbird’s main rooms. This winery overlooks the Rogue Valley and offers the only White Pinot Noir in the valley. The deck invites beauty and lounging. Reception Friday, July 7, 5-7pm.
Dos Mariposas Vineyard & Lavender Farm will be featuring the work of Dara Daniel. She creates vibrant geometric abstracts, along with portraits of creatures including horses, birds, and bison. Her paintings often vibrate with color but can also be soft and textural. Art, a pond, lavender, and wine on a summer’s day, what could be finer? Artist reception TBA.
Featured image: “Rocky Point,” P. Coons