WIND: The Soul of the Gorge

A “juried” art show featuring artists of the Mid-Columbia region

The Columbia Art Gallery in Hood River is pleased to present a new show, featuring art that depicts wind in the Gorge. The show, titled “WIND: The Soul of the Gorge,” begins on Friday, July 7, and runs through Monday, July 31.

The public is invited to the artist reception on Friday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Wine and hors-d-oeuvres will be served.

Show organizer, Catherine Swain, says, “Wind is a trademark of the Gorge. It helps to shape our landscape; it’s a source of energy; and it’s a key driver of the sports scene. Given the status of wind in the Gorge, it’s a natural and fun theme for an art show. We’re looking forward to seeing some very imaginative artwork.”

Swain says that the show is a “juried” show, and that any artist or “wannabe” artist residing in the Mid-Columbia region is eligible to participate. She adds that the works will be evaluated based on their adherence to the theme, originality of concept and quality of presentation.
“People’s Choice” awards will also be given. A ballot box will be housed in the gallery all day on opening day (July 7), and people visiting the gallery on that day are encouraged to cast their vote for their favorite piece of “wind” art.

Also part of the opening day’s festivities, show sponsors Big Winds and Wind Wear are each donating a $50 gift certificate, to be raffled-off at 7:45 p.m. that evening. Tickets cost 50-cents, and can be purchased at the gallery, anytime on Friday, July 7. Proceeds will benefit the Columbia Art Gallery.

Swain says that visitors to the gallery should expect to see some rather unique art, because artists were encouraged to use unusual materials, come up with surprising concepts and make personal statements about the wind.

Swain adds that because WIND is an “open” show, no one will know who is going to participate in it until artists submit their work. The deadline for submission was June 24th, just a week before the show opens. Swain says this makes things a whole lot more exciting than a traditional show. “The whole thing is a secret until the very last moment. People are just going to have to come to see for themselves who the artists are and who will win the awards.”

Also during July, Columbia Center for the Arts Lobby will feature the artwork of Charla Young of Underwood, Washington. This is a farewell exhibition of her work, as she is moving to Flagstaff, Arizona at the end of July. This will be the last time her paintings will be available for sale here in the Columbia Gorge.

A multi-media presentation by author William Layman, about his book River of Memory: The Everlasting Columbia will also take place at the Columbia Center for the Arts on July 7, in the theater from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

River of Memory honors a place and time now gone from view. It restores an unfettered Columbia through more than ninety historical photographs that capture the river as it once appeared. Layman will be introduced by Brent Foster, Executive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information about the show or other events sponsored by Columbia Center for the Arts, please call 541-387-8877.