Locals and visitors alike will be captivated when they visit the Artists Gallery in the Sunriver Village at Second Saturday Artists Reception December 14 featuring Carolyn Waissman (photography), Midge Thomas (metal art), Gene Thomas (stained glass), Deni Porter (watercolors), Susan Harkness Williams (gourd art), Greg Cotton (wood art) and Nancy Cotton (fiber art).
The quality and variety of fine art pieces is amazing, and the frequently updated displays never fail to engage. A key ingredient in the gallery’s success is the group of 30 artists whose mission it is to make great art affordable to everyone. Although all gallery artists live and work in Central Oregon, seven of those artists actually are living the dream in Sunriver.
Midge and Gene Thomas moved to Sunriver from the valley a few years back. Although Midge admits that she always wanted to run her own gallery, Gene probably never thought that he would get pulled into the dream as well. Midge put her head together with another local, Susan Harkness-Willams and the Artists Gallery was conceived.
Three years later, Midge and Susan are delighted at the wild success of their idea. Midge continues to head up the board of directors, and her artistic passion has evolved from watercolor to metal art. Gene’s stained glass art pieces twinkle in the gallery windows. Susan has taken gourd art to a whole new level, and her handmade jewelry is always popular.
Nancy and Greg Cotton retired from professions in the valley as well. Both are math field educators that are clearly also using the artistic side of their brains as well. Greg produces beautiful wood art (cutting boards, wine racks, chess boards, and more). Nancy sews fabric art and quilts.
Carolyn Waissman is another Sunriver local that has been instrumental in the success of the gallery. Her photography is well known in the area. Deni Porter, a more recent artist to the gallery, displays watercolor paintings. After earning a degree in art and never using it, it is a wonder to be a member of the gallery.
57100 Beaver Dr., 541-593-2127 or 541-593-8274,
www.artistsgallerysunriver.com
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