It’s always exciting when Donna Stevens walks through our door. Her particular view of the world is matched only by her enthusiasm to share what she sees through her paintings. The color, the softness, and the sharpness of detail she creates with pastel surprises and pleases the senses. Village Frame and Gallery welcomes Donna’s new collection, 60º North Latitude and Beyond, as well as more recent work in the Gallery through the month of April.
Mackey’s Bench by Donna Stevens (sold)
Read more about Donna and her show 60º North Latitude and Beyond here.
Special Events
Virtual Reception via Zoom – Friday, April 8th, 4:30p–6:00p Please RSVP to Donna@DonnaStevensFineArt.com, and Donna will send you a link to the Zoom event. Bring your own beverage and snack, and ask lots of questions!
In-person Gallery Demonstration – Friday, April 15th, 1:00p–3:00p Donna will have her “field” gear set up to show you the pastels and other tools and methods used when painting.
Voyagers by Donna Stevens
Support for Ukraine
Donna Stevens Fine Art will donate 10% of net proceeds from the sale of her artworks featured at Village Frame and Gallery during the month of April 2022 to Direct Relief to support the provision of medical supplies to Ukraine. For more information on Direct Relief, visit https://www.directrelief.org/.
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
It’s always exciting when Donna Stevens walks through our door. Her particular view of the world is matched only by her enthusiasm to share what she sees through her paintings. The color, the softness, and the sharpness of detail she creates with pastel surprises and pleases the senses. Village Frame and Gallery welcomes Donna’s new collection, 60º North Latitude and Beyond, as well as more recent work into the Gallery beginning April 1, 2022.
An opening reception will be held First Friday, April 1st from 5 to 7 pm.
Aglow in August I by Donna Stevens
Artist Statement
Spend time in nature, sit still for a while, observe the light, and listen to the water, the air, trees, grasses, and animals. Even still water has its own sounds. Dried grasses add their voices to the breeze. A dead tree can have expressive gestures and a sense of character. While making my artworks, I am remembering the times spent within these scenes, the sounds of the wind moving among the trees, and the many moods of the water and sky. I use soft pastels on sanded or other sturdy papers. My works are souvenirs of that soothing internal connection with nature’s special places.
As a child, I drew all the time, usually with graphite or ink. When I returned to art from a long hiatus, during which I enjoyed a rewarding science career and raised my son, I began with charcoal. The tactile nature of using soft pastels on sanded papers seemed a natural transition from charcoal to color.
From Here To… by Donna Stevens Winter is Coming by Donna Stevens
60º North Latitude and Beyond is a collection of pastel works inspired by a 6-week driving and camping vacation through British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska.
In August and September in these northern latitudes, fall is already peaking. The “golden hour” lingers for several hours at both ends of the day. The rivers are wide and deep, and they emanate a quiet sense of incredible power. The permafrost shapes the land and the lives of the people in unique ways. The sky is vast; one indeed feels as if they are standing on the top of the world. On the rare sunny and golden days, the sunlight lifts the spirit and draws everyone out-of-doors.
The paintings in this collection represent some of my favorite memories of this trip, and I hope you will enjoy them, too. – – Donna Stevens
Last Light by Donna Stevens
Support for Ukraine
Donna Stevens Fine Art will donate 10% of net proceeds from the sale of her artworks featured at Village Frame and Gallery during the month of April 2022 to Direct Relief to support the provision of medical supplies to Ukraine. For more information on Direct Relief, visit https://www.directrelief.org/
It’s First Friday!
Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to host an opening reception for 60º Latitude and Beyond on First Friday, April 1st from 5 pm to 7 pm. Join us in the Village for art, food, drink and specials at many of your Village shops and restaurants!
ZINC Bistro & Bar is Open!
ZINC Bistro & Bar is open next door! Previous Casa Vacca proprietors, Sara and Nick, are bringing their own special vibe to delicious small plates and drink specials. Their hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 4 pm to 9 pm. Village Frame and Gallery is thrilled to welcome them (back) to the neighborhood and look forward to dining al fresco in front of the Gallery this summer!
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
Growing up in the Chicago suburbs the month of March was my least favorite month. Anticipation for the first lovely snow long passed, the grass was soggy brown, humps of dirty, salty snow slowly melted next to driveways and streets, and the weather! Temps ranging from the teens to the forties; rain, wind, snow or “gasp” the elusive sunny day! March seemed to come in, and out, like a lion. Here in Portland my crocuses are blooming, the buds on the dogwoods down the street are starting to swell and my husband just cut our lovely, green, grass for the third time this year!
Maui Charmer by Eileen Downs
And Spring has sprung in the gallery, too. Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to present collage paintings by Eileen Downes for the month of March. Her images of foliage and flowers have created a bright and friendly riot of a garden on our featured artist wall. A most cheerful start to spring!
Artist Statement – Eileen Downes
What does it mean to be a “layerist” painter? My collage artwork is composed of many layers, each significant in the process of my art making. I use bits of torn magazine papers as my “palette of paint” working the image by adding and subtracting tonal values of this paper until I create the effect that I desire. Words, phrases, and imagery from the materials that make up the collage become visible upon close observation of the work adding to the meaning of the piece.
I am continually amazed by specific words that appear almost magically between the torn edges as if they are themselves part of the creator of the artwork. Often I use unusual collage materials such as band-aids, gum and candy wrapers, hierloom family photos, and sentimental letters from which to create my layered images. I add a small amount of oil pastel to each piece to increase the textural appeal, and I leave the rough collage edges visible to add to the layered effect. I hope you enjoy looking at my artwork as much as I enjoy making it.
Artist Reception and First Friday
Village Frame and Gallery will be open late for First Friday with an Artist’s Reception for Eileen Downes from 4pm to 7pm. Your Multnomah Village businesses work hard to bring you fun and unique events and items to browse and buy. It’s time to visit the Village!
Artist Update
Donna Stevens, featured artist and friend of the Gallery, is a Signature Member of the Northwest Pastel Society. Her painting “The Watchers” has recently been selected for the NPS Signature Members Show announcement card. The show runs March 4-26, 2022 at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA. Signature status in this society is awarded after an artist has had works selected by Jurors into the NPS Annual International exhibition in three different years.
Donna will premier her new work, “60° North Latitude and Beyond,” at Village Frame and Gallery in April!
What’s Going on Next Door?
There’s been a lot of banging and drilling and painting going on! And two days ago there were delectable scents of cooking wafting down the sidewalk. We’re told that ZINC Bistro & Bar will open its doors on March 16th in the space previously occupied by Casa Vaca. Village Frame and Gallery is looking foward to welcoming our newest neighbors!
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to present Emergence: Intuitive Paintings on Paper by Mary Lacasse. The colorful images wrought by Mary have movement and purpose. The subjects fluid and playful, familiar, and yet unfamiliar all the same.
About Emergence: Intuitive Paintings on Paper
These paintings were inspired by “finger painting” with my grandkids several years ago. I saw how much fun they were having and feeling liberated, began to scoop up paint in my hands and smear or smack it onto wall-mounted paper. The painting “emerged” as I worked with the shapes that appeared—figures, snakes, chickens, or monks and those characters guided the narrative and composition. I never knew who or what would show up on the paper.
“I, Thou” and “Mox Nix, the Monkey Doesn’t Matter” by Mary LaCasse
For a while, some characters appeared to be standing in water, often playful but in other narratives, the figures were presenting more serious or political ideas. Eventually, some paintings felt complete and the ideas compelling enough to share. Pushpin holes, tape and the informal nature of the process all became part of the artworks. I hope you enjoy the exhibit and remember, we are never too old to “finger paint.”
Mary LaCasse, November, 2021
It’s First Friday in the Village!
Get an early start on your Holiday shopping – come to the Village for First Friday! Start at one end – Switch and JP General, PeachTree and Mad Sass Soap, where you’re sure to find great gifts for those on your list. Cheers will undoubtedly put you in a celebratory mood. Then on to Yalla and Level Beer and grab a bite and a pint. Stop in at Root and Arranged for something green, and Indigo Traders for everything else you need for your home!
Finally, stop in at Village Frame and Gallery where we are hosting an artist’s reception from 4 to 7 pm for Mary LaCasse’s show Emergence: Intuitive Paintings on Paper.
It’s Holiday Framing Time!
It’s never too early to bring in your holiday framing projects! Whether you’re framing a photo for a gift or getting your home ready for Holiday entertaining, now is the time to bring your projects to Village Frame and Gallery!
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
View of Tualatin Valley North of Multnomah(courtesy of Multnomah Historical Association)
Dairyland
Multnomah Dairy was established at what is now SW 40th and SW Vermont; Fruitiger and Silver Hill Dairy were established at the present-day Mittleman Jewish Community Center; Elco Dairy on SW Shattuck, purchased by Alpenrose Dairy after a fire destroyed their original operations; Fulton Park Dairy, Hillsdale Dairy, the list goes on…the area that Multnomah Village and Hillsdale call home was once vast dairyland. The photo above pictures Multnomah Dairy (at the right) and the house in the foreground still exists at 3522 SW Texas. The area, once known as pasture for dairy cows, is present day Gabriel Park.
Cows and dairy farms played a major role in Multnomah until the late nineteen forties. The dairies consolidated, land was sold for schools, residential homes pressed into the area and business districts flourished creating what we now know as Multnomah Village and Hillsdale.
Cow House, or Casa Vacca
Casa Vacca, our neighbor to the east, sought to celebrate the rich dairy history of the Multnomah area. For almost six years Casa Vacca served first Mexican tapas dishes, later transitioning to their Italian specialties and wood fired pizzas. Sara, Nick and Pete provided an inviting gathering place with delectable bites and fine spirits.
Succumbing to the vagaries of COVID restrictions, supply chain issues, unsteady employment situations and health issues, Casa Vacca sadly closed their doors for good last week. The note on the door says, “We did our best. Thank you for your incredible Loyalty and Support.” Village Frame & Gallery will miss Casa Vacca and Sara, Nick and Pete and wish them good luck in their next adventures.
Cow by Sara Star Medici
Cow
Cows graced the walls of Casa Vacca – old photos, artwork and a very big, very special painting. Cow, shown above, was quite popular. It hung over the windows, high on the wall. At 48 inches high by 60 inches wide, Cow is an imposing figure and a fitting tribute to the history of Multnomah Village. Painted by Casa Vacca co-owner Sara, it adds its own flavor to the history.
Cow is now for sale at Village Frame & Gallery. Call us at 503-245-8001 or stop in to see it before it’s gone to grace another home in Multnomah Village.
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm.
STACKED Indian Summer 1, 2 and 3 by Dianne Jean Erickson
Village Frame & Gallery is pleased to present the latest series of artwork by Dianne Jean Erickson – STACKED, A Dialog with Line and Color. This series of paintings in oil and cold wax, and encaustic marries bold color with intriguing layers creating works you just can’t take your eyes from. They are perfect for your modern or mid century home and will bring a strong modern twist to any traditional setting.
Artist Reception September 3rd, 5-7 pm
Join us on First Friday, September 3rd from 5 to 7 pm for a reception celebrating STACKED, A Dialog with Line and Color by Dianne Jean Erickson. Dianne will be on hand to meet you and discuss her new work. And ask her about Art in the Village, Dianne’s new venture with Donna Sanson in the Village!
About STACKED, A Dialog with Line and Color
Stacked (Pink/Brown) by Dianne Jean Erickson
A few years ago I created a series of encaustic monotypes on paper and titled the series “Stacks.” The idea came to me when I remembered that a friend, who was at my home for the first time, said “You have a lot of stacks of stuff.” Yes I did, a stack of books waiting to be read, a few magazines stacked on the coffee table, and of course, stacks of artwork and sketchbooks here and there. I also love the work of artists who have arranged piles of blankets, clothes and other items that I’ve seen in my stacks of art magazines.
This year I decided to revisit my Stacks series, but this time using canvas and wood substrates with oil, cold wax and encaustic as my medium. I decided to differentiate between the paper stacks and these new pieces on wood and canvas by calling them “STACKED” (See some of my “Stacks” encaustic monotypes in the print print bin!)
Many of the pieces are painted over previous paintings that I never finished. They already had a history of paint which meant I had the opportunity to let this history emerge through the new application of paint. On the new oil & cold wax substrates I often paint wildly using acrylic, and in a random fashion to give the piece some history of it’s own. “Stacked (Pink/Brown)” is an example, a large section of the acrylic painting reveals itself under a glaze of pink/brown oil and cold wax.
Each painting has a buildup of many layers of paint as I figure out line widths and colors. I am fascinated with the interplay of color and shape, and how even a subtle change in color or the width of a line can make such a difference. I also look for opportunities to let previous color show through, just enough to surprise the viewer when giving the piece a closer look. I enjoy working in a series. Many idea for a new painting happen while working on a current one, offering a chance to explore more of the endless possibilities.
– – Dianne Jean Erickson
Stacked ( Blue Line) by Dianne Jean Erickson
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
The days are long, the weather warm and shops are open in the Village. And Village Frame & Gallery is pleased to feature artist Billie D. Wright in the Gallery. The show opens Tuesday, August 3rd and runs through the end of the month. It’s time to get back to the Village and see what’s going on!
Billie D. Wright – Artist’s Statement
The art you see from my hands is created primarily using multi-media materials. Layering several mediums in a piece allows the expression of a connection with Nature; with All That Is; an Awareness. At the base of the art I create are my beliefs. The layers are then added with imagination and emotion. The creation of art springs from my inner self, mind and soul. When I hit the mark, the viewer feels lifted in Awareness, as well. I truly succeed if Ego has no part in a piece. We artists find no difficulty in learning this lesson. Remembering it in the moment is the trick. – – Billie D. Wright
Artist’s Reception and First Friday in the Village
Village Frame & Gallery is hosting an artist’s reception for Billie D. Wright this Friday, August 6th from 5 to 7 pm. The weather should cooperate for a lovely First Friday – not too hot and just perfect for strolling through the Village. Check all out the new shops, grab a pint at Level Beer and put your name in at Casa Vacca or Yalla for dinner. While you’re waiting, stop by the shop to meet Billie and see the show!
Art on Sale – Now!
Did you know that we have three bins of really great original art on sale right now? Yes, original unframed local fine art is now 50% off when you have it custom framed. Intaglio prints, acrylic paintings and more. And we have many framed pieces on sale at 30 to 60% off. We’d love to help you find a great piece of artwork, just right for that open space on your wall!
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
After what seemed like a long, cool and wet spring, I doubt anyone would argue that summer has arrived in full force. People are out and about, relishing in a new found freedom – smiling, laughing and talking to each other on the street. It feels like we’ve all taken a deep breath and let it out.
At Village Frame & Gallery, we are very happy to restart our monthly Featured Artist shows beginning with pastel artist Susan Kuznitsky.
Featured Artist Susan Kuznitsky
Peaceful Stream by Susan Kuznitsky
During the pandemic Susan taught online painting classes to an international audience, created a series of online painting demos available on YouTube, and completed commissions in both pastel and oil. Read more about Susan here.
“It is so wonderful to finally be able to share my artwork in person once again! Most of these paintings were done during the pandemic. Many were started as demos for online classes. I always knew the power of art but I truly understand it more than ever now. The feedback from students and collectors during this past year has reinforced this…Art is essential!” – – Susan Kuznitsky
Pink Roses by Susan Kuznitsky
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
It’s been a long winter and spring is in the air! Well, at least that’s what they tell us, the weather report hasn’t quite made up it’s mind, but I digress. What’s really exciting is that the Village is coming back to life!
New outdoor dining options are seen in the streets and Marco’s now has covered dining in their parking lot. The empty shops have filled in – Cheers party store moved in next to Yalla and Mad Sass Soap (gotta go there!) Arranged and Rooted, a great little plant shop has moved in next to Fat City, and right next door to Village Frame and Gallery, Indigo traders has opened a lovely, repeat lovely, new shop where the pie shop was! It’s time to get back out to the Village!
Still Life with Cypraeidae by Dianne Jean Erickson
Hangin’ Together
All the shops are hangin’ together, helping each other out and bringing in things to shop, see and do in the Village. And Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to present Hangin’ Together, a cooperative art show with our neighbor gallery Art in the Village. With over thirty artists, Hangin’ Together showcases local artists in a vast array of styles and mediums. Honestly, there is something for everyone!
Like Sisters by Karen Story
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Village, starting with First Friday all day today! Artists from the show will be on hand during the day today to welcome you to our gallery and discuss their works. And we’ll have an artist’s reception tonight from 4pm to 7 pm and Donna Sanson from Art in the Village will be on hand, socially distanced of course.
Beach Find by Martin Conley
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
Sometimes, it’s the small things. With new COVID restrictions the Multnomah Village Holiday Gala is pared down to a regular First Friday with some new, small touches. Golden Ticket discounts can be found at your favorite Village shops. And at Village Frame & Gallery, we are pleased to present Small Works by Lacy Lowry!
SMALL WORKS BY LACY LOWRY
The small works on view are the product of a renewed commitment to art-making and to the creative spirit that too often gets ignored. Each piece is $50 and is available, cash and carry, throughout December. The perfect size and the perfect price for holiday gift giving!
ABOUT SMALL WORKS:
I began making these pieces in the spring of 2019 as part of 100-day-project. I chose to explore a new direction and work representationally. I focused on my love of botanicals and the landscapes that I was adventuring in through the spring and summer months. In creating these works, I spent some hours in my studio each day which greatly improved my daily work habits and my mental health, but also nurtured my connection with the natural world through these mini nature studies.
The common thread throughout this work is my love of color and my connection with the natural world. To capture the transparent light over the ocean, to represent the patterns on a leaf, to find new ways of combining the colors of summer… these explorations help me become more present in my day to day and at the same time take me deeper into myself. Through art-making I am able to cultivate more curiosity, love, and gratitude for my inner and outer world. I hope my art allows the viewer’s own narrative and associations to rise to the forefront, and by inhabiting that space, I hope they too are able to open further to themselves and their world. — Lacy Lowry
FIRST FRIDAY AND VILLAGE LIGHTS
The village has a little extra sparkle this year with expanded street tree holiday lights and festive wreaths. From now through early February multiple street trees on SW Capitol Hwy are illuminated – adding a little extra glow and cheer after dark. Just in time for holiday shopping and the winter days ahead!
Any that’s not all! Join us via Facebook this First Friday, December 4th at 6:40pm for the first ever live VIRTUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING. Follow us on our Multnomah Village Business Association Facebook page as we officially turn-on the lights of this year’s Village Holiday Tree.
Village Frame & Gallery will be open until 7 pm for your holiday browsing enjoyment. Stop in between 4 and 6 pm and meet Lacy Lowry!
IT’S GOLDEN TICKET TIME!
Get ready to shop the village! Golden Ticket runs again this year through December 31st.
Village Frame & Gallery is offering 10% off custom framing when you bring in a Golden Ticket from another Multnomah Village or Hillsdale shop. Purchase over $40 worth of merchandise or framing and we’ll give you a Golden Ticket to use at another local shop!
Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our adjusted regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. You can call us at 503-245-8001.
