The 2014 Newport Paper Arts Festival Instructors present an intriguing and fascinating show in the Upstairs Gallery at the Visual Arts Center from March 7 through April 12 with an Opening Reception on March 7 and a Closing Reception on April 12, both from 5pm to 7pm. This annual exhibit features a multitude of 3-D pieces and unique works. A combination of mediums and individual work has been the basis for this show for many years. “Everything, without exception, was excellent. Remarkable quality throughout!” was the comment made by a visitor to last year’s show.
Sponsored by OCCA, the exhibit shows the fine art of fourteen talented instructors. The show features a fascinating array of art books and blank journals, cards, jewelry, prints, mixed media work plus a variety of other delightful items.
Cheri Aldrich is a full time multi media artist. She currently divides her time doing mixed media and is jewelry. Themes of nature are a thread in her work and a love of rich textures is evident in her to mixed media pieces.
Deb Curtis has explored the world of fiber arts since she was 10. Her explorations include making paper from silk, cedar bark, yucca and other gathered materials. She’s been weaving baskets since 1982 and uses a variety of techniques and materials.
Denise Gosar a trained microbiologist, has been pulling handmade paper since 1995. Denise brings a fascination with microbial breakdown to her plant-fiber paper. She has taught papermaking since 1995.
Cynthia Griffin, a graphic artist for 18 years and a 20-year member of the Rogue Valley Calligrapher’s Guild, has a passion for ink, paper, calligraphy, bookbinding and 3D mixed media art.
Dolores Guffey is a founding member of the North Redwoods Book Arts Guild. Actively involved with book arts since 1995, she teaches workshops for Guilds and book arts conferences in California and Oregon. One of her books is included in Thread Loves Paper by Emily Marks.
Nancy Holley, a printmaker, watercolorist, basketmaker, papermaker, bookmaker, singer-songwriter, and hula dancer, co-founded the Rogue Valley Art Peace Collective which offers paper art retreats and on-going exploration of creative paper design..
Heather Fortner, a foremost Gyotaku and Nature Print artist, utilizes a 30-inch etching press to create mono-prints and teaches classes in both mediums since 1986. Her work has been displayed across the US, Canada, Europe and Japan. She owns Sea Fern Studio in Toledo.
Margo Klass, a mixed media artist whose work includes sculptural box constructions and artist books, teaches bookmaking workshops in both Alaska and Maine. Her work resides in many private homes as well as in the collections of museums and national parks.
Jeanne Kroeger has worked in jewelry, metal arts, beading, calligraphy, illumination, etching, fabric arts, biological illustration, and photography. She has developed a fantastic cast of polymer clay creatures known as the Cellar Dwellers and has been teaching polymer classes for three years.
Sarah Gayle Plourde of SolaLuna Gallery in Toledo, creates “up cycled” products by making something old into something new using clothing, neckties or paper products which are incorporated into mixed media art, apparel, hats, note cards, and fairy houses.
Sandi Reinke, who has appeared on HGTV, Discovery, and DIY television shows. She loves turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and is always gathering materials. Whether beachcombing, wandering in the woods, or walking in downtown Portland, if it isn’t nailed down, she picks it up.
Moe Snyder graduated from Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland with a BFA in Book Arts and Drawing. A member of For ArtSake Gallery in Newport’s Nye Beach, her books, boxes and drawings are in private collections around the US.
Jill Timm, an award winning book artist, focuses on small editions of hand-crafted books using non-typical materials. She has earned grants, awards, and profes≠sional achievements for her work in fine arts graphics, photography, and graphic design.
Jackie Wygant, a gymnastic and aerials coach, is a master marbler, paste papermaker, and makes unique books. She has been teaching book arts since the late 80’s and loves teaching others how to do the things that have given her such joy.
During the Newport Paper Arts Festival, stop in for the Closing Reception on April 12 from 5pm to 7pm and to meet all the artists.
Each year, the Newport Paper Arts Festival instructors present an intriguing and fascinating show. This exhibit features a multitude of 3-D pieces and unique work. For additional information call Sally Houck, OCCA VAC Director, 541-265-6569.