GORGE ARTISTS

ALONG WITH WILDFLOWERS AND FRUIT TREES, THERE’S SOMETHING ELSE THAT BLOOMS DURING SPRINGTIME IN THE GORGE: ART. The 17th annual Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour takes place APRIL 21-23, coinciding with our technicolor green hillsides and bursts of blossoms that emerge across the landscapes of the Columbia Gorge this time of year.

Forty local artists will showcase a diverse variety of work in this year’s tour, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, textile art, photography and more. The free, self-guided tour o ers a rare opportunity to meet artists in their studio space for an intimate look at where they create their work, as well as the tools and methods they use. It also gives tour-goers a chance to buy art directly from the makers.

“This event is a favorite for me certainly, but it has also become highly anticipated for the folks who have marked their calendars to come visit the Gorge for this special weekend,” said ceramic artist Melanie Thompson, a longtime tour artist. “They are inspired by our spaces, curious to see our process and excited to see what’s new.” Tour artists and their studios are located throughout the Gorge, from Stevenson and Carson, Wash., to The Dalles, and Bingen/ White Salmon to Parkdale. Tour-goers can plan their trip accordingly, making their way from west to east — or vice-versa — over the three-day tour, or just drop into a few select studios.

“Gorge Artists Open Studios put the Gorge on the map as an arts destination,” said pastel artist Christine Knowles. “I have cherished being a part of the tour for many years.”

A few of this year’s artists gave us a preview of the tour by o ering us early access to their studios and a glimpse into their creative worlds. Get a flavor of what’s to come, then mark your calendars!

For more information, including a map, go to gorgeartists.org. Printed guides are also available at area Chambers of Commerce and visitor’s centers, and at more than 90 businesses and retailers throughout the Gorge.

What was your artistic path?

From a young age, I always knew I would be a working artist. When I received a full-ride scholarship to Montana State University, my focus was commercial art. Inspired by my college professors, I decided to major in fine art with a focus in drawing. I received my bachelor’s degree and had plans to be a college art drawing instructor. After applying to graduate school and not getting in, I dove headfirst into simply making art, doing commissions, and applying to shows.

How did you arrive at your medium?

I’ve always been a drawer so that was decided in my mind from childhood. I was drawing before I was even walking. Charcoal specifically for me is my primary medium of choice when drawing.

My husband Eli Lewis makes my custom cradled birch panels. He makes art panels for many artists here in the Columbia Gorge. Once I’ve researched my subject, which is usually wildlife, I take my reference photos to my panel. If not using my own photos, I often work with professional photographers for my reference photos. I apply white chalk paint to my birch panels. I then sand o the majority of the paint, leaving a bit to create a certain e ect I like. is e ect is my signature and easily identi es my work. I then do my drawing. After my drawing is done, I spray x it to stabilize the material. I then apply an acrylic UV polymer varnish. is protects the piece. ey are protected from sunlight and are meant to last for hundreds of years to come.

I’m inspired by the high desert and badlands of Wyoming and Montana where I grew up. e natural world to me is so dynamic and inspiring and is so much a part of all of us. I spend a lot of time outside and I’m absolutely moved and excited visually with the ora and fauna of my environment. e Paci c Northwest is such a contrast from where I grew up but is just as inspiring and diverse.

It ties in directly with my love of nature and being a naturalist at heart. I love the earthy, direct, hands-on feel of working with charcoal on gorgeous birch panels. I love how you can see the grain of the life of the tree in those panels right alongside my drawing. It all goes together so beautifully to me. I love the research that comes with what I want to draw. It gets me outside and around the energy that drives my work. I like that I stand out in a sea of painters in the art world.

I also am fortunate to have the incredible opportunity to be a part of “Western Visions” at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyo., annually, and “Art in the West,” at the High Desert Museum in Bend. ese are incredible fundraising events for these museums, and I get to exhibit and auction next to the top living artists in the country, which is such an honor.

What is it like to be an artist in the Gorge?

Being a working artist here in the Gorge is a true gift. I’m inspired by my stunning environment and the opportunity this unique area offers. So much subject matter! I live in Stevenson, and the rainforest showcases so much to choose from. Everything from elk to old-growth trees, birds of prey and stunning vistas. If I’m missing the high desert, I just head east 25 minutes to Coyote Wall.

Another beautiful aspect is the support of the art lovers in this area. I have many collectors in the Gorge, and I’ve been so lucky to have many inspiring experiences with so many special people including everything from custom commission work, art instruction at our beautiful studio in Stabler, donating to fundraisers for many organizations, to even designing a wine bottle label for Domaine Pouillon in Lyle. It’s an incredibly supportive place to be a working artist and I feel fortunate to live here.