What inspires artists in Tigard?

“I walk everyday around a lake and through the woods.  This is always inspiring and my work reflects my love of buds, blossoms and fallen leaves in the handles on my mugs, stamps on my vases and vines on my masks. I love the feel of porcelain clay in my hands.  When I put my hands around a ball on the wheel, I close my eyes and relax.  The more I center myself, the easier it is to center the clay.  I don’t always plan what I’m going to make and, actually, the less I plan whether it’s a bowl, cup or vase, the better the piece turns out,” says ceramic artist, Susan Gallacher-Turner.

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

Encaustic artist, Pam Nichols says, “I have learned that creating art is a practice that inspiration comes to me when I am working. I don't wait to be inspired; otherwise I might not do anything.  I made it a habit to do something I enjoy first thing when I go into the studio.  I write in my journal for a few minutes about anything that is in my head at the time. When I am writing, I look around my studio and am so grateful to have the space I have and everything else that is in my life. Then I just start working, which leads to working on something else which leads to more new work.”

There's so much to see!  And it’s FREE!   So mark your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Tigard artists: Susan Gallacher-Turner, Pam Nichols, Virginia Parks.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

Inside the Studio: Pam Nichols

Creating art takes more than talent and inspiration, it takes time and space.  Every artist’s space is as unique as the art they create.  And that’s what makes the FREE Washington County Open Studios tour unique, too.  You get to visit the artist and see them create in their studios across Washington County. 

Today, you can get a quick inside look into one of our 41 artists on this year’s tour.  As well as an insight into their art process and what you might see on our tour, October 17^th and 18^th.

Pam, tell us about your new studio set up.

“I’m so excited about my new studio space. If you were at my studio last year, I have upgraded to the whole downstairs of our split level house. There are no stairs to come into my work space just a few turns. Having this new space allows me to work on much larger panels, to have all my tools and supplies easily read to use. My dog loves to hang out with me due to how cool our downstairs is during this super-hot summer.”

When you begin your work, Pam, what inspires you?

“I have learned that creating art is a practice that inspiration comes to me when I am working. I don't wait to be inspired; otherwise I might not do anything.  I made it a habit to do something I enjoy first thing when I go into the studio.  I write in my journal for a few minutes about anything that is in my head at the time. When I am writing, I look around my studio and am so grateful to have the space I have and everything else that is in my life. Then I just start working, which leads to working on something else which leads to more new work.”

Pam, how do you find your way to art in spite of obstacles?

“My biggest obstacle was, and still is, myself.  Once I choose (in my mind) to be an artist and tell everyone around me that I am artist was a big hurdle to overcome.  It required pride and confidence; it feels good, well great now.  I have doubts sometimes, who doesn't, but I know that creating art is what truly makes me happy and I believe that if you focus on what makes you the happiest, then everything falls into place. Passion for doing what you love is a gift to be shared with the world.”

What weird, different material or technique do you use, Pam?

“Rust, Rusty Metal and more Rust!”

Pam, when people come to your studio, what will they see you doing?

“I will be demonstrating the process of encaustic painting.”

See Pam’s new studio and get inspired October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm during the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

Where Do Artists Make Art in Tigard?

“I’ve worked in many spaces in and around my home over the last 20 years.  My first studio was in a corner of the master bedroom on a tall drafting table where I could paint out of reach of my toddler and preschooler.  My current work, in porcelain clay, requires several different kinds of spaces depending on whether I’m throwing, hand-building, sculpting or doing horsehair raku.  Now, I lovingly call my studio Thing 1 and Thing 2,” says ceramic artist, Susan Gallacher-Turner.

Susan says, “Thing 1 is my garage where I throw, do raku and fire my work in the kiln. Thing 2 is inside my home where I hand-build and sculpt.  But no matter whether I’m working in Thing 1 or Thing 2, Jilly, my sweet yellow lab, is there curled up on her bed keeping me company.”

See where artists, Pam Nichols, Susan Gallacher-Turner and Virginia Parks make art in Tigard and in your neighborhood during Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 17 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 artists will be opening their studio doors for you.  And it’s FREE.

Encaustic artist, Pam Nichols describes her new studio, “I’m so excited about my new studio space. If you were at my studio last year, I have upgraded to the whole downstairs of our split level house. There are no stairs to come into my work space just a few turns. Having this new space allows me to work on much larger panels, to have all my tools and supplies easily read to use. My dog loves to hang out with me due to how cool our downstairs is during this super-hot summer.”

Inside or outside, upstairs or down, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm. Free tour map and artist information is on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

Studio Tour Artists Spring Shows.

Fiber Work by Terry Grant

 It’s spring and our artists are popping up everywhere.  Here are some places to see our 2014 tour artist shows.

Terry Howard Grant:

Art On Broadway: Stepping Into Spring and Guest Show.

Terry Grant said, "I just delivered my work to Art on Broadway, for their Spring Boutique show/sale. I was so pleased to be asked to be a guest artist for this show. My new small stitched "drawings" will be shown for the first time.”

This show features guest artists and 20 award winning gallery members of Art On Broadway exhibiting a variety of media including glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, paintings and mixed media.  Opening reception is Saturday, April 11 from 6-9pm.  The show runs through May 1. 

Pam Nichols:

In April, Pam will be featured at 503 Uncorked in Sherwood, Oregon.  “Come join me for my ending artist reception.  Enjoy wine and art and live music,” said Pam.  The reception is Friday, April 17 starting at 5:30pm.

In June, Pam opens her solo art show entitled “Fusion: Rust & Wax” at Art On Broadway.  Opening reception is June 13 from 6-9pm and the show runs through June 27.

Sgraffito Bowl by Susan Gallacher-Turner

Susan Gallacher-Turner, Barbara Hertel, Ana Quinn:

Ceramic Showcase at Veterans Memorial Coliseum May 1, 2, 3.

“This is my second year in the Group Booth and I just can’t wait.  It’s always such a beautiful show filled with amazing work,” said Susan Gallacher-Turner. 

This year, Ceramic Showcase features a benefit installation entitled, Plates of Plenty.  Showcase members have donated plates and platters to raise money for Growing Gardens, a local non-profit helping low income families and schools grow their own food. 

Beautiful functional and sculptural clay work, clay demonstrations, a clay play table for children and adults and live music!  It’s all free!  More information and directions click http://www.ceramicshowcase.com/

Ceramic Showcase in a new location: Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Over 200 northwest artists

10am-7pm Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday. 

2014 Downtown Beaverton Art Walk

 Sharon Orella and Darla Boljat:

“I think this is a great opportunity for artists and art lovers,” says Sharon Orella.

Sharon will be showing newly created small copper pieces.  

Art Walk in Downtown Beaverton May 1 from 5 to 8pm. 

Get info on the 2015 Washington County Open Studios Tour.  Enjoy live music, demonstrations and lots of great art.

Copper Repousse by Sharon Orella