Historic Downtown Oregon City

Meet the Artist: Russ Eversole, Handy Man and Creator of Rough Cut Elegance

Oregon City’s First Friday celebration of commerce and culture continues in 2010 on the first Friday of every month. Friday, February 5^th local artists and local businesses will celebrate  from 4 to 7 p.m.  Local artist Russ Eversole is one of the participating artists in February’s First Friday. His work will be on display at Hopps Upholstery at 916 Main Street.

Russ Eversole has been an Oregon City resident for five years. He explores his creativity through handcrafted hemlock and cedar boxes. “I don’t work from a blue print,” said Eversole. “I pick out a piece of wood and let my creativity guide the results.”

Russ’s creations range in size from hope chests, to tool boxes and even elegant wine boxes that hold a bottle of wine and up to four wine glasses.  He uses hemlock on the outside for a “rough and rustic” feel and details the inside with cedar or quilted satin or velveteen.

Using standard shop tools: a table saw, router, ban saw and a brad nailer Russ spends anywhere from four to eight hours on a typical handcrafted box depending upon the intricacy of the woodworking. “The pattern, color, and texture of the wood present an opportunity for creative expression,” said Eversole. “Using unique wood with flaws like knots or holes adds character – it’s my goal to bring out the unique character of the wood I’m working with.”

Russ even recycled the old sideboards of his flat bed pickup into a toolbox for himself. Russ is relatively new to the local art scene. He retired from Home Depot and started a handy man business “Rent-A-Russ” in May 2009.  “I love creating and working with my hands,” said Eversole. “In my retirement I get to do that as an artist and a handyman.”

Russ is also the current President and a formative member of the Three Rivers Artist Guild (TRAG) with 120 local artists members. “I’m new at doing art,” said Eversole. “Through TRAG I’ve been introduced to metal sculpture, acrylic painting, oil painting and stain glass on top of my woodworking.” The Three Rivers Artists Guild is open to all levels of artists – brand new or experience – working on all types of art. The group supports artists who express their creative side while “enlightening the community about art and local artists.” The Three Rivers Artists Guild also focuses on developing the creative skills of its members. Producing, participating in and supporting First Fridays in Oregon City is an important part of the guild’s mission.

“I don’t have a studio to showcase my work,” said Eversole. “Interacting with visitors during First Friday is a very nice way to meet people and explore Oregon City’s creative culture.”

Oregon City’s First Fridays are produced as a partnership between the Three Rivers Artist Guild and the non-profit Main Street Oregon City. The Oregonian newspaper is a media sponsor for the series.

Photo Captions: Russ Eversole’s Toolbox, Wine Box and Weathered Box.

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First Friday Schedule for 2010
First Fridays in Winter 4 to 7 p.m.
5th February

First Fridays in Spring 5 to 8 p.m.
5th March
2nd April

First Fridays in Summer 6 to 9 p.m.
(First Friday artists move outside with Arts in Action with artist on the sidewalks.)
7th May
4th June
2nd July
6th August

First Fridays in Fall 5 to 8 p.m.
3rd September
1st October

First Fridays in Winter 4 to 7 p.m.
5th November
3rd December

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