Category: Blog

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In the Gallery – Emergence: Intuitive Paintings on Paper by Mary LaCasse and First Friday in the Village!

“Red Pumps” by Mary LaCasse

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.

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The Cows of Multnomah

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.

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STACKED – A Dialog with Line and Color by Dianne Jean Erickson in the Gallery, Artist’s Reception and First Friday!

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.

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Featured Artist Billie D. Wright, First Friday in the Village and Art on Sale Now!

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

Read more about Billie and see more of her work at denisewrightart.com.

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.

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Summer Freedom and Featured Artist Susan Kuznitsky

Dreams of Summer by Susan Kuznitsky

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.

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It’s First Friday and there’s Art in the Village!

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.

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Small Works, Golden Tickets and First Friday in the Village!

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.

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Affinity for Trees, pastel paintings by Donna Stevens – Reminder to sign up for Meet the Artist opportunities!

Swept by Donna Stevens

It’s hard right now, everything is hard. We want to look for things that calm our mind, make us smile and make us feel safe. Seeing familiar things differently can surprise and delight us. Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to host the first solo show by Donna Stevens, Affinity for Trees, where Donna shows us the the hidden side of her subjects.

We’re trying something different this month, making the artist reception safer and more personal with micro-receptions by appointment and even a Zoom reception! We hope to see you (safely) this month!

Artist Statement
Donna Stevens

On walks or hikes, I meet the most interesting trees. I love their intriguing poses, how they grow tenaciously in challenging environments, and the ways in which they appear to interact with their surroundings or with other trees.  Even once the tree itself has died, its skeleton can take on interesting shapes and gestures. 

Like Ents, the tree characters in The Lord of the Rings, they can be shy, difficult to discern.  Often, one must be standing in just the right location when the light strikes in a certain way, not too sunny, not too cloudy, … et voila!  There it appears!

Sometimes they are visible in photos, after the fact, and seem to be laughing heartily that we didn’t see them in the moment. My aunt said to me, “I see trees differently after hiking with you.” 

My journey with pastels as an artistic medium began about 6 years ago, shortly after my return to drawing with charcoal.  Pastels are little more than pure artist-grade pigments (same pigments as in oil paints, acrylics, or watercolors) held together in a dry stick, with a very similar feel to charcoal.  This seemed the most natural way to progress from black and white to color.  Rubbing pastels onto sanded papers … it’s a dusty process!
– – Donna Stevens

So Inclined by Donna Stevens

In-person Micro-receptions Starting on First Friday!

To allow you art lovers an opportunity to view her artwork and meet Donna in person, Village Frame and Gallery is hosting several small, by-appointment receptions.

First Friday, November 6th – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 18th – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, November 28th – 2:30pm – 4:00pm

To prevent spread of Covid-19, safety precautions are in place when visiting the gallery. Occupancy will be limited to 3 attendees per half-hour time slot. Face coverings are required. Gloves for browsing unframed art works and sanitizer are provided.

Please reserve a date and time slot. We are using SignUpGenius, a free scheduling app. Walk-ins are welcome as long as occupancy limits are observed. Persons with a reservation have priority.

Make an appointment to visit the gallery and meet Donna here!

Virtual reception via Zoom – Saturday, November 7th at 2:30 pm


This is an interactive session with the Artist present in the gallery. There will be a brief tour of the framed works and the opportunity to ask questions of the artist. The framed works in this show are featured on Donna’s website as a Collection – look for “Solo Show”.

CLICK HERE to join the Zoom meeting

Zooming in… if you’re familiar with Zoom, you can skip this section
If you’ve not yet used Zoom, it is fairly straightforward. Go to www.zoom.us, download the app, and follow the prompts to allow the microphone and video on your device. Choose a name for yourself; this will be displayed in your “window” on Zoom. A few minutes before the Zoom reception begins, click on the link to join the meeting.

Please mute your microphone when you join. Background noises are picked up very easily by the microphones. Unmute when you wish to comment or to ask questions. The “Chat” function can be used to post comments viewable by everyone or sent privately to a specific attendee. It would be nice if you want to identify yourself with your full name and video, but it is not required.

Hangin’ Ten by Donna Stevens

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.

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Artist Reception Wednesday- Acrylic Paintings by Liz Thoresen

The weather is perfect for dinner or drinks al fresco in the Village! And Village Frame and Gallery is excited to host our first artists reception in six months when we celebrate the show closing of Acrylic Paintings by Liz Thoresen!

Join us on Wednesday, September 30th between 4 and 7 pm to meet Liz Thoresen and see this very successful show of acrylic paintings. We are social distancing in the gallery and can allow three people at a time to maintain minimum distance. (I would grab a bite at Casa Vacca and wait under their canopy if their are people in the gallery!)

About Liz Thoresen

Liz Thoresen pursued her artistic passion from an early age and became an Art teacher in 1973. Her interest at the time was Ceramics and she moved to Australia where she taught High School art and Ceramics at Caulfield Institute of Technology in Melbourne. After returning to the United States in 1980, she and her husband owned and operated a veterinary clinic for 26 years.

She has since retired and has been able to pursue her passion of painting full time. An award wining artist, she has participated in many local and national group and solo shows. Her art has been published in two books and on the cover of the international magazine, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. She is a member of the the International Society of Acrylic Artists, and the International Society of Experimental Artists.

Publications: Her painting “The Ride of Your Life” was included in Lesley Riley’s books “Inspirational Quotes Illustrated” and “Quotes Illustrated” and her painting “Gizzy” was on the cover of the February 2015 issue of the international magazine, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. “Staying the Course” was selected to be included in the Q1 2018 international magazine, 1340. Her painting, “Whispers in the Grove” has been selected by the US State Department for loan at the US Embassy in Brunei. 

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.

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First Friday Tonight and Acrylic Paintings by Liz Thoresen in the Gallery!

The weather is lovely and it’s socially distanced First Friday in the Village! Things are a bit different, but shops are open and extending their hours (and some are having great sales!) So come on out tonight, enjoy a beverage or dinner al fresco and stop in at Village Frame and Gallery to see the new show in the gallery – Acrylic paintings by Liz Thoresen. Her show opens today through the end of September. We’re open tonight until 7pm and hope to see you!

On the Horizon by Liz thoresen

About Liz Thoresen

Liz Thoresen pursued her artistic passion from an early age and became an Art teacher in 1973. Her interest at the time was Ceramics and she moved to Australia where she taught High School art and Ceramics at Caulfield Institute of Technology in Melbourne. After returning to the United States in 1980, she and her husband owned and operated a veterinary clinic for 26 years.

She has since retired and has been able to pursue her passion of painting full time. An award wining artist, she has participated in many local and national group and solo shows. Her art has been published in two books and on the cover of the international magazine, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. She is a member of the the International Society of Acrylic Artists, and the International Society of Experimental Artists.

Colorful Musings III by Liz Thoresen

Publications: Her painting “The Ride of Your Life” was included in Lesley Riley’s books “Inspirational Quotes Illustrated” and “Quotes Illustrated” and her painting “Gizzy” was on the cover of the February 2015 issue of the international magazine, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. “Staying the Course” was selected to be included in the Q1 2018 international magazine, 1340. Her painting, “Whispers in the Grove” has been selected by the US State Department for loan at the US Embassy in Brunei. 

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.

Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 ● (503) 245-8001
Open Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am - 4pm, or by appointment.