Columbia Art Gallery in Hood River, OR, announces its July show, “Two Views on Landscapes: Abstract paintings by Judy Hoiness and Lori Latham.” The public is invited to the artist reception on Friday, July 6, from 6-8 p.m., including an Art Talk presented by the artists, starting at 6:30.  The show continues through July 31.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING:
July 6, 2007 from 6-8pm.
Columbia Center for the Arts,
215 Cascade, Hood River.
(541) 387-8877

Description of the Show

The show evolved from the dual desire to feature landscape art of the Pacific Northwest region, and at the same time, art that was different from the literal landscape art often seen in galleries and stores throughout the Gorge.  

Although the art is abstract, there is a familiarity reminiscent of a wide range of landscapes in The Gorge.  According to Heather Marlow, curator for the show: “We wanted to bring people in our community something exciting and alive with color --- something people would really enjoy if it were in their homes, and at the same time, something a little unusual.”

Co-curator Georgette Jones adds that the participating artists will offer a range of sizes and prices, as well as prints. “We wanted to be sure people could find something they’d want to take home.”

About the Artists

Hoiness, a native fourth-generation Oregonian who now lives in Bend, is passionate about landscapes, particularly landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Central Oregon. “My great, great grandfather came to Oregon and settled in the Willamette valley.  Stories of their life and their work on the land, and their appreciation of it, had a tremendous impact on me.”

A signature member of the National Watercolor society, Hoiness has won 37 regional and national awards for her art.  In addition, her work has been published in five books on Watercolor and in the Watercolor Magazine.

Latham, who has called Oregon and Portland home since 1996, shares Hoiness’ passion about landscapes. An art instructor at SITKA on the Oregon Coast, she paints with thick layers of transparent acrylic paints, using many of the same techniques and tools used in faux finishing.

Though their styles and mediums are different, Hoiness and Latham both approach landscape art from a conceptual perspective.

Hoiness, says she follows Picasso’s approach.  “I paint what I think, and not what I see.” She further explains, “My work is done from strong sensations and thoughts of what I have experienced as I walked, ran, or hiked over the land.”

Latham, like Hoiness, also paints from her thoughts and sensations about a place. “I work without forcing anything into being. The structure of the landscape is elusive as it emerges. Shapes and textures slowly surface as I continue to ask and answer the question that is an integral part of my painting, “What would happen if …”

Show curator Marlow summarizes by saying: “This is a show that is sure to delight the senses. Hoiness and Latham are both exceptional artists with extraordinary depth and appreciation for the beauty of the world around them.”

Sponsors

This show is made possible by the generous contributions of the Center’s sponsors for the quarter, Jean Harmon and Paul Randall., along with Bellas Bead and Art Supply.  In addition, Lucy’s Informal Flowers will be doing abstract arrangements inspired the featured artists’ work.

Columbia Art Gallery is housed in the Columbia Center for the Arts at 215 Cascade Ave., in Hood River, Oregon. Hours are daily. 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.