Follow Up on Multnomah Village Open Studios Event

Great turnout both Saturday and Sunday for our Open Studios event this past weekend. Didn't get much painting done as we had a steady flow of guests. So much fun talking "artspeak" with all the folks who came out. Below are a few pics from the weekend's happenings - 

Before the event started, Brenda and Dianne singing "Let It Be"

Dianne offering her hotplate for encaustic monotype opportunity to a guest.

 Don playing "camera shy" in the studio he shares with Suzanne Vaughan

 A sample of Cherie's jewelry

Brenda in her studio with Open Studio guests

Chas sharing his latest project design with Brenda

Current and Upcoming Events

The Open Studio event at Multnomah Village Art Studios continues today, August 4, from 11 to 4. These are working studios, but we scheduled four Open Studio weekends throughout 2019 to share our workspace, equipment, and materials with the public, and to offer viewing of completed artwork as well as unfinished work in various stages. This is the second event of the year, with ones to follow in October and November.  MVAS artists include Don Bishop, Brenda Boylan, Dianne J Erickson, Chas Martin, Cherie Shanteau-Wheeler, Suzanne Vaughan, and me.

Most of my gouache paintings from our trip to France and Italy last year are on display in Multnomah; my acrylic work will be available at my vendor booth at La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival on August 10 and 11, from 11 to 6 both days.

Here's a preview of work from both events. Both events are free.

"Inlet On The Oregon Coast" - Acrylic on Canvas

"Follow The Tracks," Portland - Acrylic on Canvas

 "Inward," Florence Oregon - Acrylic on Board

"A View From A Room," Bordeaux France - Gouache

"A Rainy Day in Montmartre," Paris France - Gouache

Promoting La Strada dei Pastelli

Like I said, I've been busy lately. Today was the first of a two-day Open Studio event in Multnomah Village Art Studios. Chuck Wilson, my friend and fellow team member volunteer for La Strada dei Pastelli, visited the studios and his wife Gina took a pic of the two of us promoting the chalk art festival which will take place next weekend, 11 to 6, August 10 and 11. During the past months, we canvased Beaverton's Old Town business section together several times seeking sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. Here we are on our day off working overtime for a great cause.

I encourage everyone to set aside some time next weekend to attend La Strada - fifteen professional chalk artists from across the county will create large scale chalk art on the pavement at Cedar Hills Crossing Mall, Walker and Cedar Hills Blvd. Live music and arts/crafts vendors. Art activities for the kids. Even members of the Portland Opera will perform. All free! It's going to be awesome!!!

After seeing this photo, I think I need to have work done on my eyelids! How can I still see?!!!

Vegas

Been busy lately. Spent four days in surreal Las Vegas celebrating our son's 40th birthday. My first trip - and probably my last - to that crazy over-the-top world. That being said, we all had a terrific time. Our daughter and son-in-law also flew down from Sacramento and five of Chris' friends from Portland joined in the celebration. Although we stayed at the airport end of the strip, we spent some time in the old section of LV and casinos on and around Fremont Street. I hope they're using solar panels to power all the lights and the mechanical fire-breathing praying mantis. Like I said, crazy over-the-top place!

Overhead Light Show on Fremont Street, Las Vegas