Historic Downtown Oregon City

Downtown Oregon City’s newest event, Arts in Action…Fueled by Coffee Rush, is part of a First Friday series that highlights the creative process of local artists. Diane Wright works with pottery and is a Three Rivers Artist Guild member participating in this event on Friday, October 2^nd, in downtown Oregon City.­­­

Diane Wright started making pottery in 2002. A friend had convinced her to take a pottery class at Clackamas Community College. One class led to another, and before Diane knew it, she had fallen in love with pottery. She immersed herself in seminars, workshops, and books on pottery. Diane explains, “I slowly began to buy my own equipment, and now I’m knee-deep in clay and loving it!”

Diane’s technique involves hand-building objects out of slabs of clay. She enjoys creating whimsical figures such as chickens. She also creates birdbaths, large vases, and totems. “Most of my pieces could belong in your garden just as easily as they could belong inside.” She strays from the conventional purposes for pottery and sticks to her motto; “there’s no fine china here!” She glazes her pieces in earthy rust colors and has also begun using reds and oranges. Although her specialty is in working with slabs, she occasionally uses the pottery wheel as well. In fact, she will be bringing her wheel to The Caufield House on October 2^nd. People attending this First Friday Arts in Action event will be able to watch Diane at work and see many of her finished pieces for sale around the café. Diane is not used to displaying her work at places other than the fair, but she’s encouraged by The Caufield House’s enthusiasm about the event. She looks forward to sharing her passion for working with clay. Diane comments, “Arts in Action is a good way to let the local people know of the great art that is located right in this community. Portland has nothing on us!”

Pottery is not only a creative outlet for Diane – it also acts as a stress reliever. She explains, “I can easily loose myself in the clay, and forget about any worries that I might have.” Since Diane’s art leans more on the whimsical side and less on the functional side, she feels that her art form is not confining at all.  She reflects, “I can be as creative and original as I want to be.”

What started off as a small hobby for retired Diane Wright, has slowly claimed whole rooms in her home. Diane’s husband is building her a studio, and she’s very excited to have everything she needs under one roof. She hopes that in the future she will be able to offer classes and workshops out of her home for the public. She shares, “I would have never had time for this before I retired. I’m really enjoying myself.” The secret to her work is to not take it too seriously. “If someone doesn’t purchase my artwork, it doesn’t affect me too heavily because I take pleasure in ­­the process of making it. I enjoy it so much that it will never be a burden in my life!”

Diane’s work will be on exhibit in downtown Oregon City at the Caufield House on 723 Main Street. Join us Downtown on October 2^nd for Arts in Action…Fueled by Coffee Rush and explore the delightful world of pottery with Diane Wright. Keep reading for the complete list of art locations for October 2^nd.

Downtown’s very first First Friday event, Arts in Action…Fueled by Coffee Rush, is sponsored by Coffee Rush at 900 Main Street in downtown Oregon City.  Arts in Action…Fueled by Coffee Rush is produced as a collaboration between the Three Rivers Artist Guild and the non-profit Main Street Oregon City. The Oregonian newspaper has also signed on as a Downtown Oregon City First Friday series’ media sponsor.

What’s Happening Where from 4-7pm on Friday October 2:

• Live Music and Featured Artwork at Winestock at 820 Main Street.
• Arts in Windows Exhibit at 900 Main Street Suite 104.
• Art in Windows Exhibit at Fournier Group at 814 Main Street.
• Meet the Artist at Busch Furniture at 804 Main Street.
• Featured Artwork at Mi Famiglia at 701 Main Street.
• Meet the Artists at Pilates with Fe at 702 Main Street.
• Art in Windows Exhibit at ECP Copy at 623 Main Street.
• Live Music and Meet the Artist at The Caufield House at 723 Main Street.
• Art in Windows at Madco Draperies and Floor Coverings at 818 Main Street.
• Twenty Five Artists showcasing their talent and creative process at Coffee Rush at 900 Main Street.

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