Exhibits
THE DEE DENTON GALLERY AT LAKEWOOD CENTER
The Lakewood Center Dee Denton Gallery is the longest running non-profit gallery in Lake Oswego. The gallery exhibits the work of professional two-dimensional artists, and varies from solo and duo exhibitions to group shows. Look for exhibits with challenging themes, complex pairings and mediums that celebrate the visual arts!
Location: Main entrance of the Lakewood Center for the Arts.
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays and 10 AM – 4 PM on Saturdays. Also open during performances.
PAST EXHIBITS + ADO
Reflections: Melissa Gannon and Pamela Smithstead, December 24 - January 25
Melissa Gannon and Pamela Smithstead express their perspective through reflections in this painterly exhibit.
Melissa Gannon has been studying graphic design, botanical art and architecture throughout her life. This influences her compositions and structure in her pieces. Melissa states, “Within the last two years I’ve become fascinated with layers: layers in the woods and mountains, layers of my life, life cycles layered within life cycles.” Reflections of this interpretation aid to build her intriguing pieces that give us her unique perspective of nature. The many layers of watercolor, gouache, acrylic ink, acrylic paint, oil paint plus cold wax adds complexity and depth to each painting Find more work at: www.melissagannon.com
Pamela Smithstead views painting as a meditation. “It calms and centers me. It takes me back to places I want to revisit, or allows me to create new places that I would like to see.”, she states. Smithstead works in layers as well to create depth and luminosity. She creates using oil paint on solid surfaces, cradleboard, aluminum, and recently copper. Using broad brushstrokes and lost edges, her impressionistic style allows the light shimmer across the water and trees. Pamela lives on the Sandy River which influences her choice of subject matter. Whether painting water, the forest or the mountain she enjoys “experimenting with ways to re-create texture.” Find more work at: www.pamelasmithstedart@pamelasmithstedart
Meet Melissa Gannon and Pamela Smithstead at Art Decked In, January 12, 5:00pm-7:00pm. The artists will be speaking about their inspiration and technique. Anne and Danny Schauffler will play instrumentals and sing throughout the event. Light refreshments are available for purchase. Get complimentary reservations at: www.lakewood-center.org/ado/
Unexpected Recreations: Solo Exhibition by Nancy Sterling, October 28 - November 23
Nancy Sterling is inspired by discovering and reexamining parts of nature.
She was recognized for her talent at a young age. She studied at the Frye Museum in Seattle at 15 and took every art class in high school as possible. After graduating from University of Washington with a BFA she continued to study with respected artists of the Pacific NW. After working in the advertising field as a creative director, she opened her own Graphic Design Agency for twenty plus years.
Currently, Sterling experiments with a variety of media to combine many elements to create the rhythmic pieces displayed at the Dee Denton Gallery. She begins by considering her options for the background using fabric, clay and paint. Four to five choices present themselves and then the hard decision has to be solidified. Only after the background structure is finished and the frame or hanging mechanism is decided, then the details are attached to complete the artwork.
Nancy has had solo exhibitions at The Community Gallery at Rogue Art Center and the Deschutes Gallery at the Manir in Medford. You may find more of Sterling’s work at Art Presence-Jacksonville, OR, Blue Giraffe-Ashland, OR, Rogue Gallery in Medford, OR, Freed Gallery in Lincoln City, OR, and Gallery One in Grants Pass, OR.nancysterlingfineart.com
Rain Spark Gallery, November 25 - December 23
Rain Spark Gallery is a seasonal gallery of artists that inhabit different locations in Lake Oswego each holiday season. This is the third year that Rain Spark Gallery has partnered with the Lakewood Center for the Arts in the Dee Denton Gallery and was open November 25 through December 23.
17 Rain Spark Gallery members and 9 carefully selected guests are exhibiting this year. This is a cooperative gallery meaning that the participating artists install the fixtures, curate the work, talk with the customers, plan the marketing and de-install the exhibit at the end of the show. The best part is that the visitors can meet the artists. The schedule card by each artist’s display indicates when they are in the gallery
Rain Spark Gallery had another fresh and exciting line up this year. Jewelry, pottery, paper arts, poetry, cards, sculpture (metal, wood, stone for inside and outside), fiber art (wearable, functional and decorative), and 2-D art (fabric collage, mixed media, photography, sculptural, and watercolor photography) plus art books written and created by Rain Spark Gallery artists.
The Community Treasure Hunt ornaments were dolphins this year! It ran Dec. 1-23
LOCAL 14’s Preview Exhibit, September 30 - October 26
LOCAL 14 members and guests who showed their work at the World Forestry Center in October 2025 had a preview exhibit at Lakewood.
LOCAL 14 is an arts organization that was formed in Lake Oswego in 1967. Janet Almy decided to sell some of her paintings to earn money for repairing her broken player piano. She invited a few friends to join her, fourteen in all. She set up a makeshift gallery in her Lake Oswego home, the art sold out and the group decided to hold an annual show. The 14 artists called themselves Lake Oswego Crafts and Art League. (LOCAL 14)
At that time, few women artists were featured in gallery shows so LOCAL 14 dedicated itself to creating a quality gallery showplace for women’s art. Over time, the show grew to include as many as 45 members as well as equal numbers of guest artists. In 2016, LOCAL 14 opened the show to Pacific Northwest artists of all genders.
In 1974, LOCAL 14 awarded its first art scholarship. The organization continues to award scholarships to outstanding local student artists. This program supports two to three emerging artists each year. LOCAL 14 has awarded over $162,000 in scholarships to 147 emerging artists.
For more information: https://www.local14.org/
Lake Oswego Open Studios Preview Show, August 26 - September 28, 2025
This is the third year of the Lake Oswego Open Studio event. Several of the 2025 participating artists were included a month-long preview exhibition in the Dee Denton Gallery at the Lakewood Center for the Arts.
This year there were 42 studio locations in Lake Oswego and West Linn exhibiting 91 artists. This is an unjuried show. All who applied to open their studios to the public are accepted. Many media were represented such as: calligraphy, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, paper, pastel, photography, printmaking, pottery, stone sculpture and woodworking.
The Lake Oswego Open Studios organization is dedicated to fostering the connection between artists and the community. It promotes the development of artists and their professional growth.
The self-guided driving tour is a free, family friendly event that invites the community to visit artists' studios to see how they work, the materials they use and to have one on one conversations about inspiration, personal histories, and about individual techniques. This year, the tour was September 27 and 28, 10:00am-5:00pm. The map and introduction to each artist is found at https://www.lakeoswegoopenstudios.org/ Plan your route carefully so you may meet and interact with as many artists that you are interested in these short two days. Demonstrations and work is for sale at most studios.
Making Waves: 1970 LOHS Graduation Class Reunion Exhibit, August 5-August 23, 2025
The Lake Oswego School system has always been supportive of the arts and 55 years after graduation the Lake Oswego High School class of 1970 group are still creating. Keith Appleman, Judy Bevel Becker, Janet Brockway, Mary Burgess, Gary Byer, Susan Schenck Carrington, Scott Cohen, Mike Ehlen, Craig Falkenhagen, Mary Anne Harmer, Tom Meurlott, Sally Morgan Nelson, Brad Richards, David Rock, Judy Morrison Ross exhibited work.
This year the 5 minute movie trailer "The Last Hot Lick", will be shown. The full length 90 minute movie is available on Prime. Classmate Scott Cohen was executive producer. There was live music at the reception by the classmate quartet "Gerry Atrick and the Pacemakers" Band members are Jim Schlauch, Tom Sand, Dave Chartier, and Stu Rigall.
This exhibit is a tribute to the Lake Oswego art teachers, the artistic endeavors of the class of 1970 and to Mary Burgess who made this art show a reality.
Stuart William Adams Celebration Exhibit: June 25-June 29, 2025
Stuart William Adams
9/10/1962- 11/28/24
Stuart Adams passed away on Thanksgiving 2024 due to a heart attack. Stuart graduated from Lakeridge High School in 1980 and from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Museum Art School in 1984
Stuart crossed paths with many people as he worked in a several Lake Oswego restaurants, Aaron Brothers and most recently at Men's Warehouse. His true life’s work was painting and writing. Stuart stated, “My mission is to bring color to the world, and my greatest joy is in inspiring others.”
Stuart loved the spirit of community. He carried his sketchbook wherever he went capturing snippets of life of Lake Oswego. At every event whether a concert, art show or just sitting in the park, he would document local life.
He was a member of the Lake Area Artists, Rain Spark Gallery, participated in the LO Reads Art Exhibitions and was a regular exhibitor at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts where he won many blue ribbons including Jurors’ Choice. He helped with the LO Arts Council’s sculpture unveiling and was a contributing artist at the the Chamber of Commerce Wine Walk. Stuart Adams work was featured in the Dee Denton Gallery as well as included in group shows throughout the years.
Bill Plympton, award winning animator
The gallery will exhibited 20 original Bill Plympton drawing and cells used in his award winning animation films. Each framed piece was hand-picked in his studio in New York, by the Festival Coordinator, Natalie Wood, Festival Marketing Manager,Tiffany Schuster, and the Dee Denton Gallery Curator, Jan Rimerman. Experiencing his studio with the drawings stacked in hundreds of bins on the perimeter was overwhelming.
This exhibit contained amazing one of a kind drawings that you will recognize from Plympton’s award-winning films shown at the festival. The exhibit includes pieces from his whole body of work- including from his MTV Liquid Television shorts to his newer films like Slide.
Bill Plympton is best known from his collaboration with his friend Matt Gronig who created the Simpson’s. Bill worked on the “couch gags” which opened each episode. The Dee Denton Gallery exhibited a rare storyboard from his never-seen-before rejected Simpsons couch gag! Due to the one-of-a-kind of the project, it took some persuading to include it in our festival.
Bill grew up in Oregon City in a large family with six children. After graduating from Oregon City High School in 1964, he studied art at Portland State. He moved to NYC in 1968 and studied at the School of Visual Arts. There he designed the magazines: Cineaste, Filmmakers Newsletter, and Film Society Review. His illustrations have graced the pages of The New York Times, Vogue, House Beautiful, The Village Voice, Screw, and Vanity Fair. His cartoons appeared in such magazines as Viva, Penthouse, Rolling Stone, National Lampoon, and Glamour. In 1975, in The Soho Weekly News, he began “Plympton,” a political cartoon strip. By 1981, it was syndicated in over twenty papers by Universal Press Syndicate.
Currently, Plympton picks and chooses his projects. He fully funds and owns his work so is not beholding to any grants, advertisers or patrons. He hand draws each cell of his animations and each film requires over 30,000 drawings! The way he accomplishes this is with great motivation and determined work ethic.
This exhibition was framed by Chrisman’s Frame Shop in Lake Oswego. The Dee Denton Gallery thanks them for their continued contribution to this original exhibit and to the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts.
Confidence in Color: Bev Jozwiak and Denise Joy McFadden, May 3 - June 2, 2025
Bev Jozwiak and Denise Joy McFadden are inspired by life and nature. Both artists work in watercolor with bold confident color and strokes. The birds and people tell the story while the backgrounds, rich in graduation of colors, create action and atmosphere.
Bev Jozwiak sports the Master Status of the National Watercolor Society, teaches to elite watercolor societies nationwide and has written two popular watercolor books. She is a stable artist in the Dragonfire Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon, The Silver Heron in Depot Bay, Oregon, The Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington, The Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, Washington and The Attic Gallery in Camas, Washington. Her work has been published in numerous art magazines in the United States and France. She created a painting for the “Open Hearts Big Dreams” exhibit for the 2024 LO Festival of the Arts in the Dee Denton Gallery Invitational. www.bevjozwiak.com
Denise Joy McFadden uses a lot of water in her paintings letting it mix and mingle together on the paper. She tends to paint the same subject three to four times to try different combinations and effects. Sometimes, she weaves the “same’ painting together in different patterns to make the outcome more interesting. She has earned the coveted Signature Status from the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society, Northwest Watercolor Society and Watercolor West organization. Denise continues to have her work juried into their shows. Find her paintings at the Touchstone Gallery in Yachats, Oregon, the Blue Heron Gallery in Florence, Oregon and Second Street Gallery in Bandon, Oregon www.denisejoymcfadden.com
LO Reads "How To Read A Book": March 25 - May 1
Seventeen visual artists and one music composer are celebrating the 2025 LO Reads book, “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood by creating artwork and music.
All of the pieces are inspired by Wood’s moving novel about new beginnings, improbable relationships, and the power of books. This year we have an instrumental performance, scratchboard, watercolor, colored pencil, a woodcut print, a ceramic platter, a book collage, textile, mixed media, beaded collage, acrylic painting, and an encaustic photograph.
The Dee Denton Gallery will display the show for the month of April and move to the LO Public Library on May 2. This show is limited to two-dimensional artwork due to the show traveling throughout the state to various libraries starting in May until the beginning of December. If you purchase a piece at the Lakewood Center through the box office, you will be notified and can pick it up when it returns in early December.
This year’s LO Reads Artists are Mary Burgess, Leslie Cheney-Parr, Susie Cowan, Bonnie Garlington, Dave Haslett, Shobha Jetmalani, Dyanne Locati, Debby Neely, Terri Neal, Maria Olaya, Kara Pilcher, Jan Rimerman, Leanne Streit, Beth Verheyden, Lisa Wiser, Natalie Wood, Jim Wylder, and Beth Yazhari.
Please visit ci.oswego.or.us/loreads for the full schedule of activities from the LO Reads program.
Re-Interpretations: Christopher Shotola-Hardt and Haelyn Y, January 28-February 24, 2025
Studying art history brings an entirely different way to learning about the world. Seeing the world interpreted through artists’ eyes brings more honesty and meaning to what has happened through time.
Christopher Sotola-Hardt “pays both titular and visual homage to art historical matter as framed by contemporty allegory. He references and re-envisions craft, folk-art while disrupting the flow of history in real time. Shotoa-Hardt’s work is include in local, national and international private collections. He is also found on book and album covers. Find more of his work at the Blackfish Gallery in Portland and on his website: https://www.christophershotola-hardt.com/
Haelyn Y has been trained in traditional styles focusing on working in oil and acrylic painting. She additional employs bold colors and impasto to individualize her style. She reflects, “ I have a deep fascination with memory and interpretation of shapes and forms… I attempt to examine the dichotomy between the present and the past.” Her work has been included in many local exhibitions as well as exhibited in Hawaii and France. See more of Haelyn’s work at the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery and on her website: https://www.haelyny.com/
Light and Shape: Lisa Onstad and Angelita Surmon
Onstad and Surmon are inspired by the intimate landscape and unique natural structures of the Pacific Northwest. Both artists work with a unique sense of light and bold shape. Lisa strives to find a balance between luck and intention. Angelita is enamoured of the natural calligraphy created by the tangles of branches and leaves which become embedded in her compositions.
The Steel Queen: December 26, 2024-January 27, 2025
Discover Glass Art Inspired by The Steel Queen
The talented members of the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild have created stunning pieces inspired by Karen Azinger's book, The Steel Queen. Each artwork is paired with a quote from the book, offering you a glimpse into its captivating story. This group is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and significance of glass art while fostering a supportive community for both experienced and aspiring glass artists through education and fellowship.
Art pieces are available for purchase through the Lakewood Box Office and can be picked up starting January 27th after 10:00 AM.
A portion of all artwork sales in the Dee Denton Gallery supports the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Thank you for helping us nurture the arts in our community!
For more information about the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild, visit www.pnwglassguild.org.
Art Decked In
Join us at Art Decked In on January 13, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, for an evening celebrating glass art and storytelling.
Karen Azinger will share insights about The Steel Queen and the inspiration behind it. The evening begins at 4:30 PM with music by Anne and Danny Schauffler, setting the stage for an enchanting experience. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Complimentary Reservations Required
January 18, 3-5PM: Wonders of World Building
On January 18, 3:00-5:00pm Karen Azinger will be presenting a talk, “Wonders of World Building”. This presentation has been given three times at the renowned Willamette Writers Annual Conference. Anyone who is a writer, has ever dreamed of becoming a writer, or who loves reading will enjoy this talk.
This talk will open your eyes to the wonders of world building. Discover how authors create worlds that enchant and enthrall their readers whisking them away to another place and time. World building is an art form that sets fantasy, science fiction and historical fiction apart from all other genres. Drawing on blockbusters like Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune, Shogun, James Bond and the author's own Silk & Steel Saga, whether you are an aspiring writer or avid reader, come see how it is done.
Karen Azinger is the epic fantasy author of The Silk & Steel Saga. Lauded for her rich world building and complex character development, many reviewers compare her Silk & Steel Saga to masterworks like Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time. Before writing, Karen spent over twenty years as an international business strategist, eventually becoming a vice-president for one of the world's largest natural resource companies. She lived in Australia for 8 years and in Canada for 3 years, spending a lot of time in the Canadian arctic. In addition to writing, Karen has been an artist since she held her first crayon. She won an art scholarship in the fourth grade and again in high school, enabling her to attend the Carnegie Institute Art program for seven years straight. Since then, she's dabbled in many different art forms and had her art published in magazines, but when she moved to Portland in 2000 she fell in love with fused glass. Many of the pieces in this exhibit are made by Karen and her husband, Rick Holmes. Come see the Silk & Steel Saga through the artistic eyes of the author.
Symmetries and Separations: October 1 through October 27, 2024
Stephen Adams and Jim Wylder push the limits of their materials and techniques in striking ways. Stephen’s intricate glass and wood sculptures, created through a unique cold lamination process, highlight the dynamic interplay between the brittle clarity of glass and the organic warmth of wood. Jim’s Raku pottery, with its blend of precision and unpredictability, explores Naked Raku, Black on Black Raku, and traditional Raku techniques, where each piece faces the uncertain test of the kiln. Their work is currently on view in the Dee Denton Gallery.
Selections from artists participating in LO Open Studios
Lake Oswego Open Studios is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ home studios and galleries in Lake Oswego and West Linn that provides an opportunity for artists to present their art, their studios, and themselves to the public.
Over 70 artists in 40 locations! Painting, fiber arts, jewelry, woodworking, and pottery are just a few of the kinds of art being demonstrated and displayed. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to visit artists' studios and see artists at work.
Visit LO Open Studios: September 28-29, 2024 | 10am - 5pm
Rain Spark Gallery comes to Lakewood Center: Nov 28th to Dec 22nd 2023
Rain Spark Gallery is a group of professional artists who exhibit their work seasonally in person and year-round through this website. Member artists work cooperatively to curate, run, and maintain the gallery. As experts in our own fields of fine arts and crafts, they support and promote each other in all of their artistic endeavors.
We invite you to explore Rain Spark's varied collections of art created in ceramics, metal, fiber, glass, paper, paint, photography and more. Find unique gifts for friends and family as well as decorative and functional works of art for yourself and your home.
The Baughman-Smith Exhibit-Experimenting Inside and Outside the Box, Sept. 26th - Oct. 30th
En Plein Air artists recreate the essence of the subject by interpreting color, changing light, and movement while painting on location. This is a courageous group! They have to confront changing weather, shifting light, moving subject matter, dust and insects while painting.
These four artists have individual styles, but are more alike than different. All of them had their talent recognized early in childhood, have studied at impressive art institutes and universities plus exhibit their work in outstanding galleries and museums. They focus on composition, shape, color and value (lights and darks).
Celeste Bergin approaches her painting in the Alla Prima style. She directly applies the oil paint colors on top of each other in a wet on wet technique without letting earlier layers dry. This is done in a single uninterrupted session. “I learned to embrace the elements, no matter how extreme. I’ve painted in pelting rain, blizzard like snow, howling winds, scorching heat and smoky wildfires. Why? Because it all started out okay and I didn’t want to leave”, states Bergin. See more of Celeste’s work at the George Broderick Gallery in Baker City, Alla Prima- Portland and the Oregon Society of Artists. www.celestebergin.com
Sally Reichmuth also works in oil paint. She experiences that finding a space that is level and determining when to begin is sometimes challenging. “Finding the right time of day for raking light, or deep shadows that describe form is a big consideration. … that beautiful light is changing fast – I race to get the shadows worked in and try not to “chase the sun” as it presents me with another image and composition by the minute as the light moves across the landscape!” expresses Reichmuth. This body of work is in celebration of the brilliant fall colors reflected in the west fork of the Hood River and the west side of the Columbia Gorge. The 301 Gallery in Hood River exhibits Sally’s work. www.sallyreichmuth.com
Lisa Wiser works in acrylics and water soluble (miscible) oils. She begins with thumbnail sketches and then lays in a thin under painting in one color to define the value relationships. The color is then added by brush and the painting is completed with a palette knife. “I am currently inspired by an attempt to abstract my landscapes a wee bit more. I tend to be super realistic. Pushing color and simplifying shape in my landscape compositions is a big process inspiration. The subject remains the scenes in front of me. Always”, pronounces Wiser. You may see more work in her studio, in the 2024 LO Reads exhibit and in the Lake Area Artists show in the Dee Denton gallery in March.
www.lisawiser.com
Yong Hong Zhong works in watercolor and is inspired by nature. “The dance of hues across a landscape, the subtle shifts in shadows, and the brilliant crescendo of a sunset; are the moments that ignite my creative spirit. Within this symphony of nature, I discover a profound sense of connection, a visual language that allows me to articulate my innermost emotions.”, Zhong explains. He “merges the fluidity of watercolor painting with the calligraphic influences drawn from traditional Chinese art. ... Embracing the spirit of calligraphy, I employ bold brushstrokes to convey the energy and movement found in my subjects, seeking harmony between spontaneity and deliberate expression.” Zhong reveals. Find more of his work at Art on the Boulevard, Rental Sales Gallery and Gray Raven Gallery. www.yonghongzhong.com
The Baughman-Smith Exhibit-Experimenting Inside and Outside the Box, Sept. 26th - Oct. 30th
Soft Action, Up Close and Sacred Spirits Revealed, August 1st - 27th
Presenting photographers Carolyn Hoard, Sven Durland and Nicolette Hume with pottery by Jim Wylder.
The Dee Denton Gallery presents photography created by inspired artists with diverse backgrounds. Each photographer reveals facets of our world through their lenses. The trio’s work is shown in the purest sense rarely altering the images through computer programs.
Carolyn Hoard uses her photography to organically bring out deep true colors in nature. Her grandmother taught her the power of observation and to appreciate the natural world. “I hope to inspire people to see the majestic beauty of God’s creation anywhere and find joy in our wondrous outdoors.”, Carolyn reveals. Hoard uses a high neutral density filter which is held directly against the camera lens. This makes the image darker allowing a longer shutter speed. The images are printed on metal which gives a rich finish to her storytelling. You may see more of Carloyn’s work at the First Friday Walks in Vancouver.
Sven Durland has focused on nature photography since receiving his first camera at an early age. Since then, he’s explored many subject matters and worked with many cameras. Currently, Sven creates his images with a high resolution digital camera with macro lenses. Sven, a native of Sweden, travels the world to capture exotic birds and botanical images. “Nature’s intricate details are magical to me and often beg to be photographed.”, states Durland. “Shapes and textures that are not usually distinguished by the human eye are reproduced and revealed in great detail on my art photographs. I feel that I have succeeded in capturing my image if the viewer does not recognize the subject at first glance, hence making the image more interesting and worthy of a second look.” Sven’s work can be seen in juried exhibits around the Pacific Northwest and medical facilities in the Portland Area. Check out his other work at www.DurlandPhotoArt.com
The Steel Queen: December 26-January 27
Discover Glass Art Inspired by The Steel Queen
The talented members of the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild have created stunning pieces inspired by Karen Azinger's book, The Steel Queen. Each artwork is paired with a quote from the book, offering you a glimpse into its captivating story. This group is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and significance of glass art while fostering a supportive community for both experienced and aspiring glass artists through education and fellowship.
Art pieces are available for purchase through the Lakewood Box Office and can be picked up starting January 27th after 10:00 AM.
A portion of all artwork sales in the Dee Denton Gallery supports the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Thank you for helping us nurture the arts in our community!
For more information about the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild, visit www.pnwglassguild.org.
Art Decked In
Join us at Art Decked In on January 13, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, for an evening celebrating glass art and storytelling.
Karen Azinger will share insights about The Steel Queen and the inspiration behind it. The evening begins at 4:30 PM with music by Anne and Danny Schauffler, setting the stage for an enchanting experience. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Complimentary Reservations Required
January 18, 3-5PM: Wonders of World Building
On January 18, 3:00-5:00pm Karen Azinger will be presenting a talk, “Wonders of World Building”. This presentation has been given three times at the renowned Willamette Writers Annual Conference. Anyone who is a writer, has ever dreamed of becoming a writer, or who loves reading will enjoy this talk.
This talk will open your eyes to the wonders of world building. Discover how authors create worlds that enchant and enthrall their readers whisking them away to another place and time. World building is an art form that sets fantasy, science fiction and historical fiction apart from all other genres. Drawing on blockbusters like Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune, Shogun, James Bond and the author's own Silk & Steel Saga, whether you are an aspiring writer or avid reader, come see how it is done.
Karen Azinger is the epic fantasy author of The Silk & Steel Saga. Lauded for her rich world building and complex character development, many reviewers compare her Silk & Steel Saga to masterworks like Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time. Before writing, Karen spent over twenty years as an international business strategist, eventually becoming a vice-president for one of the world's largest natural resource companies. She lived in Australia for 8 years and in Canada for 3 years, spending a lot of time in the Canadian arctic. In addition to writing, Karen has been an artist since she held her first crayon. She won an art scholarship in the fourth grade and again in high school, enabling her to attend the Carnegie Institute Art program for seven years straight. Since then, she's dabbled in many different art forms and had her art published in magazines, but when she moved to Portland in 2000 she fell in love with fused glass. Many of the pieces in this exhibit are made by Karen and her husband, Rick Holmes. Come see the Silk & Steel Saga through the artistic eyes of the author.
PAST EXHIBITS + ADO
Symmetries and Separations: October 1 through October 27, 2024
Stephen Adams and Jim Wylder push the limits of their materials and techniques in striking ways. Stephen’s intricate glass and wood sculptures, created through a unique cold lamination process, highlight the dynamic interplay between the brittle clarity of glass and the organic warmth of wood. Jim’s Raku pottery, with its blend of precision and unpredictability, explores Naked Raku, Black on Black Raku, and traditional Raku techniques, where each piece faces the uncertain test of the kiln. Their work is currently on view in the Dee Denton Gallery.
Selections from artists participating in LO Open Studios
Lake Oswego Open Studios is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ home studios and galleries in Lake Oswego and West Linn that provides an opportunity for artists to present their art, their studios, and themselves to the public.
Over 70 artists in 40 locations! Painting, fiber arts, jewelry, woodworking, and pottery are just a few of the kinds of art being demonstrated and displayed. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to visit artists' studios and see artists at work.
Visit LO Open Studios: September 28-29, 2024 | 10am - 5pm
Rain Spark Gallery comes to Lakewood Center: Nov 28th to Dec 22nd 2023
Rain Spark Gallery is a group of professional artists who exhibit their work seasonally in person and year-round through this website. Member artists work cooperatively to curate, run, and maintain the gallery. As experts in our own fields of fine arts and crafts, they support and promote each other in all of their artistic endeavors.
We invite you to explore Rain Spark's varied collections of art created in ceramics, metal, fiber, glass, paper, paint, photography and more. Find unique gifts for friends and family as well as decorative and functional works of art for yourself and your home.
The Baughman-Smith Exhibit-Experimenting Inside and Outside the Box, Sept. 26th - Oct. 30th
En Plein Air artists recreate the essence of the subject by interpreting color, changing light, and movement while painting on location. This is a courageous group! They have to confront changing weather, shifting light, moving subject matter, dust and insects while painting.
These four artists have individual styles, but are more alike than different. All of them had their talent recognized early in childhood, have studied at impressive art institutes and universities plus exhibit their work in outstanding galleries and museums. They focus on composition, shape, color and value (lights and darks).
Celeste Bergin approaches her painting in the Alla Prima style. She directly applies the oil paint colors on top of each other in a wet on wet technique without letting earlier layers dry. This is done in a single uninterrupted session. “I learned to embrace the elements, no matter how extreme. I’ve painted in pelting rain, blizzard like snow, howling winds, scorching heat and smoky wildfires. Why? Because it all started out okay and I didn’t want to leave”, states Bergin. See more of Celeste’s work at the George Broderick Gallery in Baker City, Alla Prima- Portland and the Oregon Society of Artists. www.celestebergin.com
Sally Reichmuth also works in oil paint. She experiences that finding a space that is level and determining when to begin is sometimes challenging. “Finding the right time of day for raking light, or deep shadows that describe form is a big consideration. … that beautiful light is changing fast – I race to get the shadows worked in and try not to “chase the sun” as it presents me with another image and composition by the minute as the light moves across the landscape!” expresses Reichmuth. This body of work is in celebration of the brilliant fall colors reflected in the west fork of the Hood River and the west side of the Columbia Gorge. The 301 Gallery in Hood River exhibits Sally’s work. www.sallyreichmuth.com
Lisa Wiser works in acrylics and water soluble (miscible) oils. She begins with thumbnail sketches and then lays in a thin under painting in one color to define the value relationships. The color is then added by brush and the painting is completed with a palette knife. “I am currently inspired by an attempt to abstract my landscapes a wee bit more. I tend to be super realistic. Pushing color and simplifying shape in my landscape compositions is a big process inspiration. The subject remains the scenes in front of me. Always”, pronounces Wiser. You may see more work in her studio, in the 2024 LO Reads exhibit and in the Lake Area Artists show in the Dee Denton gallery in March.
www.lisawiser.com
Yong Hong Zhong works in watercolor and is inspired by nature. “The dance of hues across a landscape, the subtle shifts in shadows, and the brilliant crescendo of a sunset; are the moments that ignite my creative spirit. Within this symphony of nature, I discover a profound sense of connection, a visual language that allows me to articulate my innermost emotions.”, Zhong explains. He “merges the fluidity of watercolor painting with the calligraphic influences drawn from traditional Chinese art. ... Embracing the spirit of calligraphy, I employ bold brushstrokes to convey the energy and movement found in my subjects, seeking harmony between spontaneity and deliberate expression.” Zhong reveals. Find more of his work at Art on the Boulevard, Rental Sales Gallery and Gray Raven Gallery. www.yonghongzhong.com
The Baughman-Smith Exhibit-Experimenting Inside and Outside the Box, Sept. 26th - Oct. 30th
Soft Action, Up Close and Sacred Spirits Revealed, August 1st - 27th
Presenting photographers Carolyn Hoard, Sven Durland and Nicolette Hume with pottery by Jim Wylder.
The Dee Denton Gallery presents photography created by inspired artists with diverse backgrounds. Each photographer reveals facets of our world through their lenses. The trio’s work is shown in the purest sense rarely altering the images through computer programs.
Carolyn Hoard uses her photography to organically bring out deep true colors in nature. Her grandmother taught her the power of observation and to appreciate the natural world. “I hope to inspire people to see the majestic beauty of God’s creation anywhere and find joy in our wondrous outdoors.”, Carolyn reveals. Hoard uses a high neutral density filter which is held directly against the camera lens. This makes the image darker allowing a longer shutter speed. The images are printed on metal which gives a rich finish to her storytelling. You may see more of Carloyn’s work at the First Friday Walks in Vancouver.
Sven Durland has focused on nature photography since receiving his first camera at an early age. Since then, he’s explored many subject matters and worked with many cameras. Currently, Sven creates his images with a high resolution digital camera with macro lenses. Sven, a native of Sweden, travels the world to capture exotic birds and botanical images. “Nature’s intricate details are magical to me and often beg to be photographed.”, states Durland. “Shapes and textures that are not usually distinguished by the human eye are reproduced and revealed in great detail on my art photographs. I feel that I have succeeded in capturing my image if the viewer does not recognize the subject at first glance, hence making the image more interesting and worthy of a second look.” Sven’s work can be seen in juried exhibits around the Pacific Northwest and medical facilities in the Portland Area. Check out his other work at www.DurlandPhotoArt.com
Pacific Northwest Essence July 1st - 30th
Sarah Bouwsma, Patrick Cameron, Joe Robinson, and Aubrey Sloan drawn to the magnetism of the Pacific Northwest. Each creative celebrates nature’s strength and essence in a distinctive style.
Sarah Bouwsma and Patrice Cameron have hiked together for three years in the early morning searching for rivers offering rocky boulders and falling waters in Oregon and Washington. They photograph the water studying the river’s movements and sounds. They start their creative process after returning to their studios. Often their paintings show similar views of the same locations visited.
This inspirational approach is not unique to Bouwsma and Cameron. The French Impressionists, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Morisot, Guillaumin and Bazille painted en plein air, outdoors, together on a regular basis. This group influenced one another and exhibited together often painting the same scene. As the French Impressionists had specialized techniques unique to their own style, Bouwsma & Cameron do too.
Bouwsma’s watercolor paintings weave shapes together to create a distinctive watery effect. “By creating a continuously shifting flow of varied shapes and colors, I absorb and connect with nature. I interpret patterns to make sense out of complexity and create a meaningful sense of place, ” states Bouwsma.
Cameron is known for her acrylic glazing technique making movement and dimension the goal of her watery landscapes. She is a self taught painter and has taken drawing classes at the former Marylhurst University. Patrice is a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon and the Lake Area Artists. She began her journey as a watercolorist and now uses acrylics and satin glazing medium on cotton canvas. Cameron exclaims, “I tone my canvas with a medium value, grid it and the reference photo, sketch on the canvas with brush and paint, block in my values, then paint with abandon!”
Joe Robinson and Aubrey Sloan are the heart and soul of East Creek Pottery in Willamina, Oregon. East Creek is a Mecca for potters that prefer firing their work in wood fired kilns. The East Creek Anagama kiln was built in 1983 by famed Oregon artists Nils Lou, Tom Coleman, and Frank Boyden with the mission to bring ceramic education via wood firing to the west coast. The first of its kind built west of the Mississippi, the kiln and 20 forested acres on which it sits were owned and managed by Nils Lou. When Nils died unexpectedly, the kiln and property were in limbo. Thanks to a community effort, East Creek Art, LLC, was established with the purpose of continuing the East Creek educational mission and the rich tradition of making.
Robinson volunteered at the LO Festival of the Arts starting in middle school and as an adult worked on the steering committee. Starting his pottery career in 8th grade, he became an award winning potter in high school and followed his passion until his valued professor at Linfield University, Nils Lou, died. Joe is now creating the enormous pots you see in the Dee Denton Gallery, operates the East Creek Art Center and teaches ceramics at Linfield University. Joe’s work focuses on master craftsmanship interacting with the unpredictable nature of open flame kilns. The clay work serves as a canvas for flames to paint on, encouraging micro-geological movements in erosion, accumulation, and melting. Joe is a board member of the Oregon Potters Association.
Aubrey Sloan is a full time artist with a BFA in ceramics from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. She creates programs, workshops and her artwork at East Creek Art. Programs, teaching workshops, and creating work. Sloan’s work focuses on developing the surface of each piece through hand carved textures. The sinuous and intentional movement of the carving process across the exterior surface of each piece creates a landscape inspired aesthetic. Each surface is influenced by the consideration of the shape of the form and references textures of fluid movement and geological development in nature. Aubrey is an active member of the Oregon Potters Association.
Pop! Goes the Festival: June 2- June 28, 2023
It’s the 60th year of the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts and the Dee Denton Gallery is celebrating by rolling back to the iconic 60s art style. The Invitational, “Pop Goes the Festival,” will be showcasing four professional artists. They will be exhibited before, during & after the 2023 Festival of the Arts. This year the exhibit space has expanded. It will be located in the two main rooms of the gallery in the main entrance of the Lakewood Center building as well as down the southwest hallway. The invited artists are: Phyllis Yes-acrylic and mixed media, Mark Randall-acrylic and mixed media, Raphael Schnepf-Oil, and Leslie Peterson-Sapp-Acrylic and Mixed Media.
Phyllis Yes is the featured artist this year at 2023 Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts Dee Denton Gallery invitational. She has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. Her powerful work focuses on the theme, “Feminize.” In the 1960’s she brought to light a feminine edge to what were viewed as masculine trades, tools and toys. She taught at Oregon State University and Lewis and Clark College, is a playwright and has been featured on many national television programs.
Mark Randall exhibits mainly in the Pacific Northwest. His art focuses on opinions of the times. Mark uses a variety of eclectic materials including found objects to make a statement whether generational, political or historical. Randall has won many awards at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts including The People’s Choice Award in 2011 and the Best of Show in 2013.
Raphael Schnepf’s work is in the San Francisco Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He created rock posters, album covers and comics in the 1960’s. Today, he concentrates on large stained glass installations, en plein aire and photo realism painting.
Leslie Peterson-Sapp shows her work in local and national shows. She contemporizes historical nostalgia. She is recognized by dramatic subject matter of human emotion placed in settings which often include mirrors, door and windows.
A portion of art purchased in the Dee Denton Gallery is donated to the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Thank you for your support.