Painters celebrate Oregon rivers
By Karly HedrickAugust 5, 2010
The headwaters of Central Oregon's Metolius River were more than a source of cold, rushing water at the second annual Plein Air “Paint Out”—they were a source of inspiration. Twenty-three adult artists and 11 youth artists came to capture the magic of the Metolius on canvas on Saturday, July 24.
The National Forest Foundation’s Plein Air “Paint Out” invited participants to offer an artistic eye to the conservation efforts of the “Tale of Two Rivers,” a campaign to restore the Whychus Creek and Metolius River watersheds on the Deschutes National Forest. Artists planted their easels at inspiring locations along the Metolius River and had four hours to paint and frame their pieces in a timed competition.
Plein Air originates from the French term "en plein air," which translates to “in full area” and describes the act of painting while being surrounded by the scenic outdoors. Judges recognized Jerry Dame, winner of the Best in Show award, and gave honorable mentions to Nancy Misek, David Kinker, Patricia Gifford, and Nicholas Mullahey. Sisters Parks and Recreation District partnered to provide a children’s Paint Out with instruction from Clay Warburton. Adam Novotny and Colton Seymour won the youth competition.
Winning images will be used to promote the Friends of the Forest® National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25. Volunteers can come to the Friends of the Forest Day to get their hands dirty and care for our National Forests. Images of the paintings will also be used by the Sisters Ranger District and National Forest Foundation to enhance conservation reports and presentations. All paintings will be on display at Sisters Art Works from September 25th – October 30th, 2010.
Artists were invited to a reception made possible by the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation and Roundhouse Foundation where they could see the full body of work and enjoy the company of the other painters and volunteers. Held near the Head of the Metolius, the reception was hosted at the home of Betsy Johnson, who wanted to support the event connecting artists and youth with nature. Participants noted that the camaraderie of the day was as inspiring as the river and that it was great to be out in nature with fellow artists.
One artist and former Camp Sherman resident, Katy Grant Hanson, returned to a site she had painted previously. “I painted the Metolius and Mt. Jefferson, and a view I did 10 years ago,” Hanson explained, “but I like my painting now a lot better. The grasses have grown up, but I still got the river.”
Should Hanson revisit the Metolius to paint in another 10 years, local conservationists hope she will see the effects of the “Tale of Two Rivers” campaign. If restoration efforts are successful, she will not be the only one returning to the river— she will be returning with the steelhead and salmon that are being brought back to Central Oregon and will benefit from NFF restoration efforts.
The National Forest Foundation’s Plein Air “Paint Out” invited participants to offer an artistic eye to the conservation efforts of the “Tale of Two Rivers,” a campaign to restore the Whychus Creek and Metolius River watersheds on the Deschutes National Forest. Artists planted their easels at inspiring locations along the Metolius River and had four hours to paint and frame their pieces in a timed competition.
Plein Air originates from the French term "en plein air," which translates to “in full area” and describes the act of painting while being surrounded by the scenic outdoors. Judges recognized Jerry Dame, winner of the Best in Show award, and gave honorable mentions to Nancy Misek, David Kinker, Patricia Gifford, and Nicholas Mullahey. Sisters Parks and Recreation District partnered to provide a children’s Paint Out with instruction from Clay Warburton. Adam Novotny and Colton Seymour won the youth competition.
Winning images will be used to promote the Friends of the Forest® National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25. Volunteers can come to the Friends of the Forest Day to get their hands dirty and care for our National Forests. Images of the paintings will also be used by the Sisters Ranger District and National Forest Foundation to enhance conservation reports and presentations. All paintings will be on display at Sisters Art Works from September 25th – October 30th, 2010.
Artists were invited to a reception made possible by the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation and Roundhouse Foundation where they could see the full body of work and enjoy the company of the other painters and volunteers. Held near the Head of the Metolius, the reception was hosted at the home of Betsy Johnson, who wanted to support the event connecting artists and youth with nature. Participants noted that the camaraderie of the day was as inspiring as the river and that it was great to be out in nature with fellow artists.
One artist and former Camp Sherman resident, Katy Grant Hanson, returned to a site she had painted previously. “I painted the Metolius and Mt. Jefferson, and a view I did 10 years ago,” Hanson explained, “but I like my painting now a lot better. The grasses have grown up, but I still got the river.”
Should Hanson revisit the Metolius to paint in another 10 years, local conservationists hope she will see the effects of the “Tale of Two Rivers” campaign. If restoration efforts are successful, she will not be the only one returning to the river— she will be returning with the steelhead and salmon that are being brought back to Central Oregon and will benefit from NFF restoration efforts.
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