1st Friday at Gallery Calapooia featuring John Mikkelson & Marjorie Kinch

MARJORIE KINCH

This December, the vibrant works of local artist Marjorie Kinch will be featured in an upcoming show at Gallery Calapooia in historical Albany. Known for her energetic use of color, Marjorie brings warmth and joy to her watercolor paintings, a theme that resonates particularly well in the darker winter months. With a palette that seems to burst with life, Marjorie’s art invites viewers to experience an uplift in spirit while viewing the beauty found in the Northwest. Marjorie grew up amongst a fir tree forest with a raging river that was heard loud and clear from the house. She wandered the area both on foot and places where her horse could take her. After finishing school and moving to Corvallis, she is the happiest outdoors looking for frogs and whatever beauty nature beholds. Whether outdoors in the woods or indoors painting in her studio, complimentary and harmonious colors are the center of her paintings. Marjorie layers paint to achieve bright and glowing transparent watercolors.

For this exhibit, Marjorie is going to present some of her paintings of animals. Studying the best presentation of how to capture the soul of the animal has been the latest challenge Marjorie has attempted. Some of her newest renditions of animals will be exhibited during this show. The artist's connection with animals, from her rescued dog to the colorful cat of a friend, and birds who pass through the area are to be displayed.

This show is a perfect opportunity to collect one of Marjorie’s works, whether as a special holiday gift for someone else or a beautiful treat for yourself. Each piece reflects her diverse inspirations, from florals to animals to vibrant local landscapes, making it easy to find something for any art lover in your life. Marjorie’s show promises to be a visual celebration of her gift to the world, and she hopes her work brings as much joy to others as it does to her.

JOHN MIKKELSON

It’s time for some brightness. That’s the mindset that Albany woodworker John Mikkelson takes each time our grey Pacific Northwest winters set in. A member artist at Gallery Calapooia in Albany’s historic downtown, John has long enjoyed playing off the contrasts between various wood species to create boldness and drama in his work.

There are many uniquely beautiful woods out there that can provide distinct looks. But, with a few notable exceptions, the raw materials that woodworkers have to choose from all tend to lie on a brown-ish spectrum. Want to feature some bright green or blue in your woodwork? Well, that takes a different approach entirely. John has leaned carefully into incorporating epoxy resin and vibrant wood dyes into his work allowing him to retain the sense of movement that figured wood grain offers.

John’s notebook of ideas grows each day, with both boldly colored designs and plenty of traditional wood creations awaiting their turn at the workbench. The challenge and delight in translating beautiful pieces of local hardwoods into works that are uniquely, enduringly appealing is what sends him to his shop each day – especially the grey, rainy ones!  

John and Margorie's art will be featured from November 26 to December 28. 

For more about this month's featured artists, their work, and other artist information please visit Gallery Calapooia.