Spotlighting Artists in 6 different Washington County cities, Washington County Open Studio, 10/8-9

Step into the vibrant worlds of artists right here in your community at the Washington County Studio tour (Oct 18/19, 10am to 5pm). Open studio is where artists share their creativity, artwork, and passion in the intimate setting of their workspace.

This is a free event open to the public and taking place at 50 artists’ studios and galleries throughout Washington County Printed map guides are available in shops around town as well as at Grey Raven Gallery, Village Gallery of Arts, and Valley Arts Gallery.

Over the last few months, I have focused on mostly returning artists, but now I want to focus on newcomers.

Tualatin. Visit Juli Lang, Ceramicist. Juli offers classes in addition to making original ceramic creations. Juli says, “Clay invites me to get lost in a world of endless creativity.”

King City. Visit Jan Marie Auten. Jan a realistic painter, says, “I love nature, and I love beauty. Color is the joy of my life.” Nearby, visit Jean Anderson, a watercolor painter. “I came back to watercolor and was so happy to have the same joy as I did as a child. My goal is to reignite that joy in as many people as possible.”

Beaverton. Visit Loren Wilson, Woodworker. “For more than 40 years I have continued to work with wood for the enjoyment of creating beautiful and unique pieces for friends and family. Near Loren you can visit Amy Mower and Cherie Savoie Tintary, Collagists. Amy says “I draw inspiration from vintage periodicals and books. I hope to move people to laugh, think, and ask questions.” Cherie who used to be a photographer says, “During the pandemic I changed my medium to analog collage, and I never looked back.” Sydney Lytle, also in Beaverton, is an abstract painter. Sydney says, “My practice is joyful, willing, and enthusiastic. Evolution, spirit, and nature are constant themes in my work, and how their relationship awakens curiosity, wonder and the witness.”

Bethany. Visit Naveed Hasan, a watercolor painter. Naveed says, “I strive to capture beauty, light and emotion of the world around me. My paintings are not just representations of landscapes but an invitation to pause, breathe, and feel the serenity of nature.

Hillsboro. Visit Neerajana Rai, a mixed media painter. Neerajana says, “I draw inspiration from nature and the world around me like birds, flowers, faces, horses, spiritual awakening, finding calm & peace.” Nearby, Stephanie Anderson, an oil painter and retired roller derby player says, “My paintings are influenced by my background as a mental health clinician working with marginalized, vulnerable and underrepresented populations, as well as, living in cities rich with history, cultural conflict and street art.” Also in Hillsboro, Yulia Goldberg, a felt artist, says, “Felting is my true love, my passion and Ikigai — it helps me to get up every morning and feel happy!”

Forrest Grove. Visit Jeffrey Hall and Shari Erickson. Jeffrey, a water-based media artist says, “I take in energy and imagery from my surroundings and re-imagine it to develop a physical, visceral, and spiritual connection. I build layers and choose colors that evoke feelings and create interesting surfaces.” Shari, a watercolor and acrylic painter says, “My heart’s desire is that my art might encourage a closer look at our incredible universe, which is our gift to nurture and protect and sustain us as we enjoy our place within it.”

As one of the new artists this year, I certainly hope you will all make the time to explore studios on the tour. Remember, supporting your local artists is supporting your community!

Visit www.washcoart.org to find an interactive map and profiles of each participating artist and gallery. Amy Mower is a local artist and lifelong Beaverton resident. She is passionate about the future of the arts in our community.