The 2014 Newport Paper Arts Festival Instructors Show opens in the Upstairs Gallery at the Newport Visual Arts Center on March 7 and continues through April 12. Meet the local artists and enjoy refreshments at the Opening Reception on March 7 from 5pm to 7pm. During the Newport Paper Arts Festival, stop in for the Closing Reception on April 12 from 5pm to 7pm to meet all the artists. Sponsored by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, the exhibit in the gallery shows the fine art of the fourteen talented instructors. The exhibit features a fascinating array of art books and blank journals, cards, jewelry, prints, plus a variety of other delightful items.
Cheri Aldrich is a full time multimedia artist. She currently divides her time doing mixed media and jewelry. Themes of nature are a thread in her work and a love of rich textures is evident in her mixed media pieces. Aldrich shows her work locally in three galleries and fairs on the coast.
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 to create pieces of art.
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. Her work has been displayed across the US, Canada, Europe and Japan. She owns Sea Fern Studio in Toledo.
“Tree Book,” handmade book by Denise Gosar
Denise Gosar, a trained microbiologist, has been pulling handmade paper for almost 20 years. She brings a fascination with microbial breakdown to her plant-fiber paper and has taught papermaking since 1995. Gosar makes books with recycled materials.
“Birdcage,” mixed media by Cynthia Griffin
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 the mid 1990s, 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, basket maker, 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.
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, and photography. She has developed a fantastic cast of polymer clay creatures known as the Cellar Dwellers and has been teaching polymer clay classes for three years.
Sarah GaylePlourde of SolaLuna Gallery in Toledo, creates “up cycled” products by making something old into something new using clothing, neckties or paper products incorporated into mixed media art, apparel, hats, note cards, and fairy houses. Her many talents include acting, costuming and set design.
“Seabowl, Barnacle Bay,”
handmade paper basket by Sandi Reinke
Sandi Reinke 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.
Moe Snyder graduated from Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland with a BFA in Book Arts and Drawing. Snyder’s books, boxes, and drawings are in private collections around the US. Originally from Toledo, she now lives in Seal Rock.
“Water Rush,” handmade book by JillTimm
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 professional achievements for her work in fine arts graphics, photography, and graphic design.
Jackie Wygant, a gymnastic and aerials coach, is a master marbler, paste paper maker and unique bookmaker. She has been teaching surface design and book arts since the late 80’s and loves teaching others how to do the things that have given her such joy.
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 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 one of the recent shows.
The Upstairs Gallery, 777 NW Beach Drive on Newport’s Nye Beach Turnaround, is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4pm. The 2014 Newport Paper Arts Festival XIX, featuring 17 workshops taught by these experienced instructors, is on April 11, 12 and 13. For additional information about the show or to register for a workshop, go to www.coastarts.org and search for “paper” or call Sally Houck, OCCA Director/VAC, 265-6569.
