Our Foundry has moved!

Announcing our new and improved Firebird Bronze Foundry! Yes, we’ve move down the road to Damascus, OR.

With our new location comes the same attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. If you are interested in learning more about our services please visit the website at firebirdbronze.com.

In addition to our Foundry services, we now offer Foundry tours. Our tours are offered by appointment only, so give Tina a call and she will fill you in on the details and set up an appointment.

Our new address and contact:
11251 SE 232nd Ave, Building E
Damascus, OR 97089
503-912-0400
info@firebirdbronze.com
Tina McDowell, Office Manager
Mark Golden, General Manager

Something new in Troutdale!

The West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts. The Festival spans events in Troutdale and Cascade Locks, Oregon, from Friday, October 2nd, through Sunday, October 4th.

Saturday is the keystone of the Festival, with art, music, wine, and food in Troutdale, Oregon, taking place in the Sam Cox Building and Glenn Otto Park by the beautiful Sandy River. Some of the highlights include:

• Regional fine artists will be displaying their work for sale in the Sam Cox Building at Glenn Otto Park by the Sandy River. (It’s not too early to think Christmas)
• A Quick Draw event is slated for the afternoon, when twenty of the area’s best artists will complete a painting in 90 minutes while you watch in awe. The completed works will be offered at live auction in the evening.
• Art Challenge artists will be interpreting the 2015 theme of “Rock” in their favorite art medium.
• All live and silent auction proceeds, plus Festival booth sales, will benefit ALSO’s Soaring Hearts art program, the Chamber’s support of the arts in our region, and participating artists.

Local vendors will offer sweets, lunch fare as well as beverages from the area’s best wineries. They’ll be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages for the kids too! Other events over this festive weekend include Troutdale First Friday, October 2, from 5-9. On Sunday, October 4, in Cascade Locks, OR – enjoy Lox in the Locks at Lorang Gallery and Heart of the Gorge Bronze Foundry Tour at Soderberg Studio. Also on Sunday, Troutdale will host a pumpkin carving competition.

Local galleries and businesses will have special showings and events all weekend, so make a day or three of it and come explore our art and our community. The Fall Festival of the Arts is about celebration. Celebration of our community, of the art that is such an integral part of our community, of the beautiful wines and food and music that abound in our region, and, always and of course, of the magnificent beauty of this place we live that feeds and informs the thriving arts scene in our beautiful city, affectionately known as the Gateway to the Gorge. Be sure to mark your calendars!

For more information be sure to visit: http://www.fallfestivalofthearts.com

Native American potter, Jeff Roller at the Gallery

Jeff Roller is a well known clay potter, who has recently turned his attention to crafting his traditional contemporary artworks in bronze. A sixth generation of potter in the Tafoya family from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico’s Rio Grande River Valley. He first remembers digging clay as a young boy. He went with his grandmother and mother to the clay pits in the foothills near Santa Clara and Puy e Cliffs, the dwellings of his ancestors from about 900 to 1580 A.D. Jeff remembers those early trips as powerful, but also almost scary. Even as a child, he knew that spirituality and the making of pots were inseparable. “My grandmother made the prayers at that time. I knew that I had to have the right respect. If not, I couldn’t take the clay,” Jeff says now.

That respect for Mother Clay has only grown stronger over the years. When he was a little boy, Jeff made animal figurines and then his first pots. At first, it was a craft, a fun thing to do and a means of making money in the summertime for things a boy wants. But increasingly he understood the spiritual nature of the clay. “Sometimes, you want to make a certain shape and it just will not form. It’s a way of life, this traditional way of making pottery”.

The honoring of Creation and his place in it is where Jeff’s art emerges. Since he is also a hunter, the earth and its creatures frequently are depicted in his art. The mountain peaks, the animals, the creatures of the water, even the stars are among many traditional designs Jeff utilizes in his pottery. Jeff sees himself as less significant than the water and mountain and animal spirits that he depicts in his work. “I do it in their Honor”.

Jeff will be working from Rip’s studio beginning tomorrow, through this Saturday, June 21st. He will be working on a large vessel piece incorporating two rams. His first two bronze sculptures, including “Solitaire”, featured above will be available in the Gallery at special pre-cast pricing. His sculptures are very limited, set in edition sizes of only twelve. In addition Jeff has two traditional clay pots in his available inventory.

This is a great opportunity to see the work of a very sought after artist on our home turf.

First Friday: Father Daughter Duo

Gallery favorite, Michael Orwick paints in a style all his own, self-described as “Inspired Expressionism.” He is a master of creating mood through atmosphere and color, utilizing space, a sense of place, and time of day to convey his vision. His work hints at a story and it is what he leaves untold that engages the viewer in the creative process of storytelling.

Also showing on First Friday will be Elena Orwick, the 9 year old daughter of Michael Orwick. She has already had several gallery shows. “I see beauty in everything, everyone. Why do I see everyone’s beauty? Because everyone is special, and that is what inspires me to show and share my art.”

Enjoy entertainment by guitarist and vocalist, Bryan Arakelian and complimentary wine tasting.

Be sure to visit Ali Peret and see what’s new. As always, our Gallery is full of beautiful work by some of the Pacific NW’s most popular painters: Bev Jozwiak, Brenda Boylan, Jm Brodrick, and Phil Smith. Not to mention, raku pottery by Bev Curtis, and metal wall art by Donna Yde. Katie Hovis of Whimsy has brought in brand new, gorgeous jewelry for summer.

Come buy the Gallery on June 18-22 when Native American Pueblo potter, Jeff Roller will be in the Gallery sculpting and offering some of his pieces for sale.

We continue to receive new art for The Pearl Art Auction. As a reminder, we are accepting work through June, so if you would like to downsize your collection, this would be a great opportunity. The Auction is scheduled for September 1 at Urban Studio in the Pearl District of NW Portland. We are now accepting registrations to attend. For all the Auction details visit, http://www.thepearlartauction.com. While in the Gallery, be sure to visit our Auction Preview corner where you can view some of our lots right now.

If you are an artist consider setting up at the East County Bite, scheduled for Saturday, July 26. Coordinated by the Troutdale and Fairview Business Associations, this event should be fun and well attended. They are seeking art vendors for each 10’ x 10’ space. For more information contact Renaye Delano at renaye@kaardelsafety.com.

Art festivals in Oregon and Washington

At Caswell Gallery we all love summer, not only for the warm weather, but for the many notable art festivals held throughout the region. We try to attend as many as possible, and you’ll see Rip at some of them as well. This list is not complete, but is a very nice sampling of what is taking place over the next few months.

OREGON

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
June 20 – 22, 2014
Lake Oswego, OR

The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts is a major regional arts event, presenting the creative endeavors of artists from all disciplines of the art world. Event features over 120 artists, food, wine & beer tent, and music.

6th Annual Plein Air & More
June 27-29, 2014
Cannon Beach, OR

The Plein Air & More event includes artists’ receptions along with a collaborative show of art work. More than fifty artists, represented by Cannon Beach’s art galleries will be creating works of art on location throughout town and on the beach. Individual galleries display the finished works on Saturday and Sunday.

Art and the Vineyard
July 4-6, 2014
Eugene, OR

From its inception as a small art auction and wine-tasting event, Art and the Vineyard has grown into the premier art and wine festival in the Southern Willamette Valley.

Gresham Arts Festival
July 19, 2014
Gresham, OR

The City of Gresham will present the 2014 Gresham Arts Festival continuing the annual summer tradition of a regional celebration of art, artists, music and community. Talented artisans from around the Pacific Northwest will showcase work in historic downtown Gresham.

Sisters Quilt Walk
July 1-31, 2014
Sisters, OR

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show’s is the largest outdoor quilt show in the world. The show began when the founder, Jean Wells Keenan, hung a dozen quilts made by her students outside her quilt shop. A few more ladies brought their quilts to show, then a few more and a few more, eventually becoming an annual event.

Art Burst Northwest, formerly West Linn Arts Festival
August 2-3, 2014
Lake Oswego, OR

ArtBurst Northwest is a fine arts and crafts festival located on the grounds of Marylhurst University. The festival has evolved into a high-quality juried art show showcasing talent from throughout the Portland metropolitan area.

Art in the High Desert
August 22-24, 2014
Bend, OR

Art in the High Desert is Central Oregon’s premier juried fine art and craft show, exhibiting over 100 highly acclaimed artists from across the US and Canada. Art in the High Desert takes place on the banks of the Deschutes River, in the Old Mill District.

Art in the Pearl
August 30-31 and September 1, 2014
Portland, OR

Art in the Pearl has been named one of the top 10 Arts and Crafts Festivals in the country. The festival fills the Northwest Park Blocks with art, theater, music, and hands-on activities for people of all ages.

Corvallis Fall Festival
September 27 & 28, 2014
Corvallis, OR

Corvallis Fall Festival is the area’s largest art festival celebrating its 42nd year. Our mission is to serve, support and showcase Corvallis while helping local arts and crafts thrive.

Stormy Weather Arts Festival
November 7-9, 2014
Cannon Beach, OR

Each November Cannon Beach’s art community gathers to collectively celebrate diverse talents during this popular festival of the arts. Galleries, shops, hotels and restaurants host a variety of writers, singers, composers, painters, sculptors and more.

WASHINGTON

Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend
July 25, 26 & 27, 2014
Bellevue, WA

Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair produced by the Craft Cooperative of the Northwest. It features 200 artisans, musicians and craftspeople from the Northwest and beyond. The Bellevue Festival of the Arts takes place along with two other art fairs, Bellevue Art Museum’s ARTSfair and Bellevue’s 6th Street Fair. Together these three fairs are known as Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend.

Anacortes Arts Festival
August 1-3, 2014
Anacortes, WA

In our 6th decade, we features 250 diverse artisans who transform six blocks of historic downtown. Extending down to the water, Arts at the Port showcases over 30 northwest fine artists in three exhibitions.

 

Artist profile: Lillian Pitt

Lillian Pitt will be joining us for First Friday on May 2, 2014. A Native American artist from the Big River (Columbia River) region of the Pacific Northwest, Pitt was born on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. She is a descendent of Wasco, Yakama, and Warm Springs people.

Pitt is one of the most highly regarded Native American artists in the Pacific Northwest. Her works have been exhibited and reviewed regionally, nationally and internationally, and she has been the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions. Her awards include the 2007 Earle A. Chiles Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the 1990 Governor’s Award of the Oregon Arts Commission, which declared that she had made “significant contributions to the growth and development of the cultural life of Oregon.”

Primarily a sculptor and mixed media artist, Lillian’s lifetime of works include artistic expressions in clay, bronze, wearable art, prints, and most recently, glass. The focus of her work draws on over 12,000 years of Native American history and tradition of the Columbia River region. Regardless of the medium she chooses to use, Lillian’s contemporary works are all aimed at giving voice to her people.

“Everything I do, regardless of the medium, is directly related to honoring my ancestors and giving voice to the people, the environment and the animals. It’s all about maintaining a link with tradition, and about honoring the many contributions my ancestors have made to this world.” While glass is her most recent medium, Lillian continues to create works in all of the various media she is known for, including clay, bronze, jewelry, prints, and mixed media.

Lillian’s works are found in personal collections, art galleries and museums. They are also found in numerous public spaces including parks, schools and cultural institutions throughout the region. Her most recent public works are featured at the Vancouver Land Bridge, one of the seven “confluence” projects along the Columbia River, designed by internationally renowned architect Maya Lin.

Just as her ancestors would have done, Lillian makes creative use of whatever materials are available and appropriate to the task at hand. Lillian’s most recent works are made from the mediums of cast glass and fused glass.

Lillian says, “I love using glass because of the sense of depth I can create in my sculptures, and because it helps me to create the kind of spiritual quality I’m often trying to achieve.”

Be sure to join us on First Friday and meet this unique artist and learn more about her work and technique.

Images: Shadow Spirit in the Grasses; Dreamer

The Pearl Art Auction

We are currently in the process of accepting submissions for our first annual fine art auction, The Pearl Art Auction.

If you have been thinking of selling some of your art collection, perhaps to downsize or make room for new pieces, The Pearl Art Auction could be you answer.

The Auction will be taking place on Labor Day, September 1, 2014 at Urban Studio, a contemporary event venue located in the Pearl District of Portland. It has been scheduled to coincide with Portland’s annual “Art in the Pearl Festival” which takes place all weekend long. The Pearl District has a reputation as an arts culture hub and is very popular with visitors to the region.

Rip Caswell’s main goal with The Pearl Art Auction is to increase recognition of the Pacific Northwest, and in particular the Portland/Vancouver area, as a major art market. It is Caswell’s hope that this event will unite art dealers and artists of the region in the common cause to build a signature event which will put Portland, Oregon on top and gain the attention of artwork collectors across the nation.

Taking cue from highly popular and successful art events such as the annual Jackson Hole Art Auction and the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, Caswell and his staff have taken action toward creating a similar event in his home state. Announcements have been sent to galleries, art collectors and artists in the region, along with requests for submissions of artwork for the auction. Work will be juried in and quality kept to a premium.

For more information about The Pearl Art Auction, including attendance and the submission process, please visit the website: www.thepearartauction.com.

Sculpture 101–weekend intensive starting in April

Caswell Gallery is offering Rip’s Sculpture 101 class for the artists and novices. Our next class will be a weekend intensive of the 3 week Sculpture 101 class. Rip will cover the same exact material as in the 3 week session. The schedule will be:

Saturday, April 5, 10-1pm at Caswell Gallery in Troutdale, OR. Students will start their sculpture under Rip’s guidance and take their piece home to continue work.

Sunday, April 6, 1-3pm at Firebird Bronze in Boring, OR. Students will finish their sculpture and initiate the start of the casting process.

Saturday, April 12, 10-4pm at Firebird Bronze in Boring, OR. Students will continue with the casting process and finish their bronze on this day. Bring lunch.

Bring your favorite sculpting tools. We will have some tools available for purchase. Clay is included in the cost. Call Caswell Gallery at 503-492-2473 to register. For specific details on what will be covered visit: http://www.firebirdbronze.com/sculpture-101-class-weekend-intensive/

First Friday in March

Ahhh spring!! We were off in January, snowed out in February, but we’re ready to roll into spring in March.

Come celebrate the onset of Daylight Savings Time and First Friday with fresh, new work by Brenda Boylan, Michael Orwick, Bev Jozwiak, and Bev Curtis. Preview a selection of work by Lillian Pitt for her upcoming show in May. Catch up with Rip, enjoy a little blarney with Kathy (just back from her trip to Ireland), and check on the progress of Chad’s “Helmet Hero” monument. Entertainment by Quincy Blanchette and wine tasting, of course. Festivities start at 5 pm and go through 9pm.

Because we’re so anxious for spring, here’s a little trivia about Daylight Savings Time from timeanddate.com. Did you know:

Not all countries, in the northern hemisphere observe DST, but many do. Records show that the phrases “spring forward and  fall back” have been used as far back as the early 20th century. DST allows more daylight in the evening (which we all love). 

Benjamin Franklin first suggested Daylight Saving Time in 1784, but the instigation of DST is mainly credited to English builder, William Willett who proposed the Daylight Savings Bill to House of Commons in 1908. It was not until WW I (1916) that it was adopted by several European countries. The US adopted DST in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which also established the standard time zones as we know them. Most states in the US observe daylight saving time except Arizona (but the Navajo Nation does) and Hawaii.

Image: Autumn’s Wake by Brenda Boylan

Announcing The Pearl Art Auction

The people of the Pacific Northwest have waited a long time for a signature art auction and the wait is finally over. The inaugural auction is scheduled for Labor Day, September 1, 2014, and will be held at Urban Studio, a contemporary event venue located in the arts culture hub known as the Pearl District of NW Portland. The event will be held in conjunction with the popular Art in the Pearl Festival, which operates in the Pearl Park Blocks, a short walking distance from Urban Studio.

Rip Caswell saw that the Pacific NW region of the U.S. was missing an art related event of such caliber, and so planning began on The Pearl Art Auction in order to fill that void. Expectations are that the event will draw buyers from the entire western states and that The Pearl Art Auction will become one of the west’s greatest art events. Visit the website for more information on how to register, submit art for consideration, and more!