Adam Gerlach, Author at Village Frame and Gallery

June 15, 2019August 10, 2019

Road Work Ahead, Prepare to Save!

The weather has warmed, the flora is blooming and the fauna are eating the gardens we so carefully planted this spring. It must be…construction season! Yes, they’re at it again in Multnomah Village, the familiar road signs and bright orange and white cones strewn about the roads in the Village.

It’s not easy getting around the Village during construction. To be be honest, parking is at a premium on the best of days. But the Village – the shops and restaurants, the Multnomah Arts Center – is worth it. Come out and show your support for our Village, even during construction!

To entice you even further, Village Frame and Gallery is having a Construction Savings event. Now, through the end of July save 10 percent on one or 15 percent on two or more new custom framing projects! Bring in your projects and save BIG now!

The construction should be mostly complete by Multnomah days. You can find out more about the project here. Meanwhile, show your support for the Village in the heart of Portland – Multnomah Village!

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Multnomah Village, Portland. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. We hope to see you soon!

July 2, 2018August 3, 2018

Meet Karen Story at First Friday July 6th Starting at 6 pm

Pastel landscape with an orb rising at the horizon

Portland encaustic artist Karen Story is back at Village Frame & Gallery with a new exhibition. Come meet her in person this Friday — we’re open late!

Artist’s Statement

Having been a painter, printmaker, and glass artist, the encaustic medium is a natural progressive step for my work. Encaustic painting combines the very process-oriented work of printmaking with the mysterious translucence and transparency of glass, while demanding a foundation of composition, line, and form.

Encaustic painting guides me to work on the canvas in a direct and flexible way. This allows for many surprises and unexpected changes in composition, form, and color. Layering and removal of the layers keeps this process-oriented painting method somewhat archaeological in nature, as there is much scraping back to reveal parts of the painting’s history. A non-attachment to the current phase of the painting develops, and allows a presence and freedom not experienced in other media.

Landscape/nature as a subject allows me to experiment with shape, value, hue, texture, and form creatively. The specific landscapes I am currently working with offer a deep personal connection, which hopefully evokes memory and fantasy in the viewer. The figure and portrait are a great challenge, especially in this medium.

Colorful landscape with orbs floating in the foreground — Mirage by Karen Story

Water is my life’s most common recurring theme. It has appeared in vivid dreams since childhood, and in reality, as an adult, water is the element which rules my life. I am an avid swimmer, live part-time on a river houseboat, snorkel regularly, and do underwater photography. It is a challenging element to capture artistically, since it is translucent/transparent, ever-changing, and distorts elements within it, and reflects those on the surface.

Encaustic painting of body of water, mountains rising up behind it and a stormy, rusty sky — Waterscape by Karen Story

Exhibit Opens July 1st, Artists Reception July 2nd

Join us at Village Frame & Gallery, starting at 6 PM, to meet Karen and see her latest work. We are located at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Can’t make it Friday? Drop by the Gallery in July during regular business hours. We will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3rd and 4th for the Independence Day holiday. Our Summer Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10am-6pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Have a safe and festive Fourth of July!

Koi swimming in a blue pond — Magic Fish by Karen Story

May 30, 2018August 3, 2018

Patricia L. Giraud Exhibit Opening and Artist Reception June 1st

Black and white image, there is a white horse on the near side of a barbed wire fence, there are two darker horses on the other side of the fence. The horses are nuzzling each other in greeting.

Join us for First Friday, starting at 6 pm to meet local printmaker Patricia L. Giraud!

Patricia L Giraud Artist’s Statement

The seeds for my imagery were planted long ago. I have always been intrigued by the complexity and immediacy of the natural world. My childhood days were spent outdoors, quietly exploring shallow streams, scooping up tadpoles, and seizing the opportunity to be near any animal but especially horses.

Working with horses for decades allowed the opportunity to observe how they function and think and to celebrate their form, their nature. Inspired, I began recording, through photography, the essential relationship between horse and rider. The process-rich medium of printmaking brought a new dimension to my explorations of nature on paper. Intaglio offers a variety of techniques with which to express anatomy, forms shaped by light and shadow, large forces at work and intimate moments.

Initially, the horse was chosen as a totem around which the nuances of relationship, trust, vulnerability and stewardship were considered. More recently, I have expanded the scope of those themes to include figures in natural environments–drawing upon memories while interpreting the shapes, textures found in the landscape.

More from this Exhibit

Large bunch of black and white peonies against a yellow background — The Abundance of Peonies by Patricia L. Giraud

Two young girls in colorful dresses standing in front of an apple tree. They are holding hands. Their faces look serious, perhaps even angry. — Blue Apples by Patricia L. Giraud

As always, our artist’s receptions are free and open to the public, starting at 6 pm, First Friday, at Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Summer Hours at Village Frame & Gallery

Head’s up! Our summer hours start this week. Come see us Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm, Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment.

There’s Still a Few Days Left to Save!

15% off new custom framing orders May 24, 2018 - June 2, 2018 at Village Frame & Gallery, Portland, Oregon — Must show printed coupon or this image on your device at time of sale.

May 28, 2018June 7, 2018

In memory …

Recognizing those who gave everything in defense of our freedom — on Memorial Day and every day.

May 24, 2018June 7, 2018

Memorial Day Savings: 15% Off New Custom Framing!

Headed out to the Memorial Day sales this weekend? Grab those items you’ve been meaning to get framed and make your first stop Village Frame & Gallery in Multnomah Village.

Save on Custom Framing Right Now, But Hurry!

We’re offering 15% off new custom framing orders today through June 2nd only.

New Summer Hours at Village Frame & Gallery

Starting June 2nd, we will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Of course we are always happy to make appointments outside regular business hours!

October 7, 2015March 20, 2018

Featured Artist Denise Sirchie

Denise Sirchie working on a sculpture of a fish in her studio

Life Through the Lens of Mosaic

For Denise Sirchie, mosaic is her view of life itself: absent of boundaries, void of restriction, free–the latest evolution in a lifetime of expressing herself through art:

My passion for art was awakened around the age of 9; I attended an art class every Saturday each summer through the age of 14. I was taught the basics: sketching, oil painting, pastels, charcoal, still life and portraiture by an inspiring, memorable teacher. As maturity permitted, a short train ride into Philadelphia allowed me to attend the Philadelphia College of Art. I acquired independence, a taste of city life, but more importantly.new eyes. I believe it was then that I began seeing not the ordinary, but the unique possibilities within simplicity.

After college and several years of traveling, I settled in California. Pottery lured my interest and after 4 years of mastering the wheel, clay and porcelain became my new best friends. Upon marrying and then the birth of my son, my art transitioned once more, this time through a child’s eyes: simplicity in form, with bold, contrasting colors … as innocent and beautiful as a child. A few years later, we migrated north and settled in Portland. Life was sailing along smoothly until an early diagnosis of breast cancer. Lights flashed, sirens screamed, treatments commenced, and realizations surfaced.

Therapy for my soul and mind was found in mosaics. I had always admired the media; my husband supported my interest and insisted I give it a try. Self-taught through the help of books and friends’ advice, I became immersed.

Ten years later, the passion to create and the desire to stay healthy is joined in a marriage of determination. The direction of my art is constantly in motion. The freedom that the media allows is alarming: the reason I love it so. As Ralph Waldo Emerson summarizes: “Artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.” Bzzzzzzzzzzzz

In addition to the mosaic sculptures that draw so many visitors to Village Frame & Gallery, Denise creates stunning architectural mosaics and other commissioned pieces. Her art is included in the book, Mosaic: Finding Your Own Voice, by Brit Hammer-Dijcks, and she is exhibited throughout the western United States. Denise is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and the Pacific Northwest Sculptors.

Village Frame & Gallery is proud to represent Portland mosaic artist Denise Sirchie.

Stop by during October–or any time–to see her original artwork in person. In the meantime, here’s a preview of some of her latest works:

Front view of sculpture of female torso in reds, black, and white in a dancer's position. She has white flowers for nipples and positioned around her body, a large white flower between her legs, and a small red heart under her left breast. — Rosalie

Back view of sculpture of female torso in reds, black, and white in a dancer's position. She has white flowers for nipples and positioned around her body, a large white flower between her legs, and a small red heart under her left breast. — Rosalie

Reminiscent of the mirrors on carousels, this frame has an elaborate frame, is covered in colorful mosaic tiles, and there is a small brass face just below the mirror itself.

Front view of colorful statue of woman's chest and torso in mosaic. The torso is bent a bit at the waist as if it is dancing and there is fringed beadwork on the nipples. The colors are primarily greens, oranges, and blacks.

Back view of colorful statue of woman's chest and torso in mosaic. The torso is bent a bit at the waist as if it is dancing and there is fringed beadwork on the nipples. The colors are primarily greens, oranges, and blacks.

Tribal-style mask with large tan fibers representing hair, a dark brown face. The eyes have circles of black around them and the outside has a circle of blue as if the mask is wearing ceremonial paint.

Front view of two sculptures of women from the shoulders up with very long necks, one is primarily done in darker colors with spiked hair and eyelashes, the other is done in pastels with flowers for eyes and flowers positioned on her shoulders, neck, and hair. — Summer and Winter

Back view of two sculptures of women from the shoulders up with very long necks, one is primarily done in darker colors with spiked hair and eyelashes, the other is done in pastels with flowers for eyes and flowers positioned on her shoulders, neck, and hair. — Summer and Winter

Oblong mask with blue face and gold crown

Mosaic picture of a crow sitting on a branch

July 22, 2015March 20, 2018

Featured Artist Kaye Synoground

Self-portrait in watercolors by Kaye Synoground

Kaye Synoground, beloved mother, wife, teacher, and artist passed away in July, 2015.

Kaye was a career artist with over thirty years of experience including professional illustration, as an owner of her own studio gallery, A Closer Look in Multnomah Village, and teaching at places like the Multnomah Athletic Club and The Multnomah Art Center. Kaye was a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, the Colored Pencil Society of America, the Beaverton Arts Commission, and the Westside Artists group. Her work has been exhibited at the Washington County Museum, the Columbia Arts Center, the Halvorsen Gallery and the Newport Visual Arts Center. She also has had work published in “The Best of Colored Pencil” 1996 and 1997 by Rockport Publishers in Massachusetts.

Kaye passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She had enjoyed a brief remission in the spring and early sumer of 2015, during which time she worked in her studio and put on a lovely retrospective show at Village Frame & Gallery in Multnomah Village. An artist until the end, Kaye showed a zest for art and life that was remarkable and was admired by all that knew her.

Rose in an Antique Bottle by Kaye Synoground

Watercolor of orange and scarlet autumn leaves drifting in front of a blue and gold background — Drifters by Kaye Synoground

Watercolor of back of voluptuous nude woman in shades of blues and peach — Blue Nude by Kaye Synoground

June 15, 2015March 20, 2018

Monday Art Break Edition 1

We Interrupt this Monday for an Art Break

Let the phone go to voicemail for a few minutes and enjoy …

Colorful house under red and green tree canopy with a bright yellow sun overhead. — Detail of Premier by Marie-Claude Boucher

Image of Louis Robechaud's painting Le Caves — Le Caves by Louis Robechaud

Ahhhhh … that’s better, isn’t it?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled activities. Let’s do this again soon.

November 5, 2014May 11, 2018

Featured Artist Farooq Hassan

Artist Farooq Hassan in front of one of his paintings

November 7th is First Friday with Farooq Hassan

“Colors are like music … there are many tones. I’m like a composer who writes a piece of music. There is harmony and contrast. When I see an empty space, I put something to cover that emptiness.”

–Farooq Hassan

Artist’s Bio

Hassan spent his youth in crowded cafes and on the docks in Iraq, striving to capture on paper the colorful scenes playing out before his eyes. He disciplined himself to not lift his pencil from the paper, but instead to draw a person with a single line.

As a young man, he taught high school. “We did our best to create art, not politics,” Hassan recalls. He also collected stamps, a hobby that eventually led to an unusual and satisfying outcome–he ended up designing more than 75 commemorative postage stamps for the Iraqi postal service.

For 50 years he built his standing as an artist. His work was exhibited in London, Amman, Basrah, and Baghdad. In Iraq, he was considered a national treasure. Then, politics changed his life forever.

Between 1980 and 1991 Hassan moved 22 times, always one step ahead of political strife in Bagdad. After the Iran-Iraq war ended and the first U.S. Gulf war resulted in sanctions, times were hard and dangerous, and yet, it was a time when art began to flourish again. Hassan devoted himself full-time to his paintings.

Life in Iraq was especially perilous for his daughter, Dalia, a reporter for the Washington Post and translator for the American and NATO forces. She took an opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. and encouraged her mother and father to follow her.

In 2010, Hassan and his wife, Haifa, joined their daughter in Portland, Oregon. Hassan was 71 years old and he had lost everything: his reputation as a master artist, the paintings he had created in Iraq, and his home. So, he set about renewing himself through painting.

Hassan is currently represented by galleries in Iraq, Jordan, and in Portland, The Geezer Gallery. This month, Village Frame & Gallery is proud to exhibit the work of Farooq Hassan. Join us Friday, November 7th for our First Friday reception, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. to see Hassan’s work for yourself and meet the artist. In addition, local jewelry artist Susan Koch will be showing a selection of her bead designs.

Sample Works by Farooq Hassan

Mixed media painting of woman sleeping — A Dream

Mixed media painting of two women sitting side by side — Silence

Mixed media painting of two women. Their right hands are on their heads and they are looking into the distance. — Deep Thinking

Mixed media painting of men and women writhing in agony. — Suffer, Torn by Farooq Hassan

Mixed media image of nude woman kneeling and leaning forward, a cloth covers her entire head. — Searching in the Dark

Mixed media painting of man and woman curled forward as if suffering — Pain

October 27, 2014March 20, 2018

It’s Almost Trick or Treat Time in Multnomah Village!

Illustration of Multomah Village shops surrounded by bats, jack-o-lanterns, and a witch flying overhead.

Spend Halloween in the Village for a Spooktacular Good Time!

It’s that time of year again! Bring your ghosts and goblins to trick or treat in Multnomah Village this Friday. The fun starts at Starbucks, winds around the Village–through Village Frame & Gallery, of course–and finishes up at Dr. Jensen’s office. Along the way, there are lots of fun things to do and 1000s of trick-or-treaters in costume. This has become a major annual event in our neighborhood, so we hope to see you there this year!

Will we recognize you? What are you dressing up as this year? Tell us in the comments section or on our Facebook page. Better yet, post a picture of you in your costume!

Author: Adam Gerlach