Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 30 March
When artist Becky Albeke sees an old coffee pot or an aging suitcase, she sees them as a canvas for her artistic creations.
Albeke is the featured artist of the month for Oregon City’s First Friday event April 2nd. Her work will be on display at downtown restaurant Mi Famiglia, 701 Main Street, for the monthly First Friday Art Walk on April 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Fridays in Oregon City bring commerce and culture together by pairing local artists with local business owners and entrepreneurs.
Albeke has been painting for 20 years but has not always worked with paper or canvas. Most of the items she finds to work with come from garage sales. She strives to recycle things that work with her whimsical style and uses paint that is safe for the environment.
“I use non-toxic acrylic paints on found objects to produce my works of art,” said Albeke. “Most recently I have had an emphasis on recycled and re-purposed pieces.”
Albeke was not sure what she wanted to do when she signed on for painting classes 20 years ago. Now she is the one teaching others how to paint. “Its more a process of teaching people how to really see what they want to paint. Then, its a lot easier,” she said.
Albeke paints most of the year except in the summer when she stays busy with the berry farm her family owns off Beavercreek Road. She likes the idea of painting things like old suitcases that can be used for storage as well as a decorative item for the house. Part of the fun of it is finding odd items that fit well with her style. “It’s a lot of fun and has turned into a passion for me,” she said.
To sharpen her skills, Albeke makes an annual trip to Eureka, CA for a class in design composition. Her colorful work is now on display at the Three Rivers Artist Guild gallery on Center Street across from Oregon City’s new City Hall. She also has items at Citizens Bank in Oregon City and participates in the Open Studios of Beavercreek tour.
Throughout summer, business on Main Street, 7th Street, and Washington Street hosting an artist or artwork for First Friday will be marked with balloons. First Friday activities begin at 5 p.m. and continue to 8 p.m.
First Fridays in Oregon City are produced by the non-profit Main Street Oregon City and the Three Rivers Artists Guild. The Oregonian is a print media sponsor for the First Friday series.
Posted in Home
Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 25 March
Downtown Oregon City at Night Photo Series
Old Sailboat on Willamette River shot just after midnight using a long exposure with 3,200 speed film. Reflections from lights in Downtown Oregon City create a cloud like feature on the river. The docklight focuses attention on the sailboat with a ghostly luminescence. Photo by Devin Conroy-Groves.
Posted in Home, Photo Album
Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 1 March
Downtown Oregon City Sees New Creative Talent and Retailer
Oh Shiny! Artisan Marketplace opens March 3rd at 216 14th Street
Oh Shiny! Artisan Marketplace is a new business venture in Downtown Oregon City designed to bring recycled, reused, repurposed and green art, local artists and their creativity to retail market. The new shop at 216 14th Street currently has fifteen artists lined up for opening day, with more artists added regularly, so the inventory of locally produced art will always be fresh and exciting.
“My goal in opening this business was to have a creative outlet for artwork and the ability to get it to market,” said Tonya Meyer artist and entrepreneur. “It’s important to get high quality hand crafted product into people’s hands.”
Entrepreneur and artist Tonya Meyer felt that one of the reasons she’s created Oh Shiny! was the need for people to see what can be created with found objects. For more than 6 years Ms. Meyer has been working with recycled, reused and repurposed material in her own artwork.
“I feel strongly about keeping a green outlook on the world and many of our artists make art out of less than nothing, like Joe, who welds animals with junk metals, his creations are astounding,” said Tonya Meyer artist-entrepreneur and founder of Oh Shiny! at 216 14th Street. Mrs. Meyer, an artist and an entrepreneur creates jewelry out of broken plates that would otherwise be headed for the landfill.
Each month Oh Shiny! will feature a different artist. The retail location has more than 1,000 square feet of display space. Ms. Meyer is currently working with 18 artists interested in showing at this downtown retail location at 216 14th Street.
“My goal is to have a 50/50 balance between art and recycled art,” said Tonya Meyer artist-entrepreneur and founder of Oh Shiny! at 216 14th Street. “We’re always on the lookout for new things.”
Starting on the first Friday of every month and going through the month, Oh Shiny! will hold an artist meet and greet, as well as list times that artists will be in the store so visitors and customers can interact with featured artists.
“It’s exciting to see this level of energy and creative evolve in historic downtown Oregon City,” said Oregon City Downtown Manager Lloyd Purdy. “Downtown OC is now on the map for artists, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.”
In March, Oh Shiny! will feature artist and potter, Rob Oxley. He has been throwing pots for a decade, experimenting in different clays, textures and finishes. He will be on hand often at Oh Shiny! working the pottery wheel.
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Posted in Home, News & Press
When artist Becky Albeke sees an old coffee pot or an aging suitcase, she sees them as a canvas for her artistic creations.
