COMMUNITY

MERRIE JO SNOW is one of the artists who will be showcasing their artistic creations at the 28th Annual Nestucca Valley Artisans Festival, held Aug. 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. 

Nestucca Valley Artisans Festival returns to Pacific City, Aug. 20-21

By TIM HIRSCH
of the Sun

Pacific City may be loved for being one of the most picturesque spots on the Oregon Coast, but the scenic wonderland doesn’t have a lock on beauty in all its forms. No, the creations of coastal artisans, too, catch the attention of beachgoers and coast lovers as well.

Enter the 28th annual Nestucca Valley Artisans Festival, which is returning — after a two-year absence thanks to the pandemic — on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21 for a two-day run at Kiawanda Community Center. The show, which will feature 15 artists who will display a variety of art forms and mediums, will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on both days. While some artists are newcomers to the show, others have shown their work every year since 1993.

Amongst those showing their art at the show will be painting and print artist Merrie Jo Snow.

“I create monoprints on a large format Takach press using etching inks,” say Snow about her technique. “The process involves painting a reverse image on plexiglass using brushes, rollers and palette knives. The plexiglass plate is placed on the press bed, a sheet of BFK Rives paper placed on top of it, and then run through the press creating a unique print. I find that printmaking and painting are closely related, and I like to work on one image both on the Takach press and in paint on canvas.”

Others showing their work will be Michael and Linda Soeby (pottery), Lynne Wintermute (oil and cold wax painting), Bill Cary (pottery), Arlon Gilliland (painting and masks), Dana Hulburt (acrylic painting on birch panels), Victor Guschov (painting), Barb Haddad (ceramics), Alita Pearl (silver jewelry and leather), Danelle Jones (nature illustration), Karen Gelbard (handwoven apparel), Kent and Nancy Searles (lapidary, wire wrapping, ceramics), Nancy McEwen (painting), Kelly Howard (blown glass), and Mark Cavatorta (ceramics).

“It’ll be good to get together with local artists who we haven’t seen in a couple of years,” Cavatorta told the Sun. “There’s been a lot of shows canceled in the last couple of years. I think the artists feel good about getting back out there.”

He said part of the fun is in sharing not just with artists but with the public attending the show.

“I really enjoy talking to people about the work I do,” he told the Sun. “I have interesting conversations with people (interested in my art).”

He says that’s not a unique feeling among artists.

“Artists like to get out there and share (their work) with people and talk about the experience creating it,” Cavatorta said. “From my perspective, it makes the artwork more meaningful (when people know the story behind it).”

All are invited to come join the fun and go home with something beautiful. For more information, call 503-392-4581.