Staffing Day at AOB

I usually staff at Art On Broadway each Thursday and Friday. Today I had my camera with me and I took some photos of certain pieces of work on display - sometimes the entire image and sometimes details of the work. Thought I would share some of these images with viewers of this blog in case you haven't had a chance to stop by the gallery this month. Tuesday, May 31, is art exchange day so some of these pieces will not be on display in June. Hope you enjoy this snapshop version on our May exhibit.

Plan to join us on June 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for our artist's reception featuring oil paintings by Linda J. Baker, "Oregon Inside and Out." Music, wine and refreshments will complete the evening.

Linda J. Baker "Oregon Inside & Out" - June 4 Reception

Our showcase event for June is a solo show, featuring member artist Linda J. Baker. The gallery will host a reception to open this new exhibit on Saturday, June 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and we hope you'll join us in this free celebration of art. The show will continue through June 27.

Linda will share her classically styled still life and landscape oil paintings which are reminiscent of the old masters. Inspired by Oregon's bountiful harvest and stunning landscapes, Linda says her goal is to "convey what I see when I stop looking at the world in a casual and remote way and instead see things intensely and immediately." Linda prefers to paint from life whenever possible.

Breakfast In The Gallery Resumes

Today was our first Breakfast In The Gallery event for 2011. Chris Helton started us off with a wonderful pastel painting demo done on Wallis pastel paper. Chris first applied an underpainting of watercolor and worked from a series of photographs she had taken at Beaverton's City Park. Her composition focused on the city's newest art installation, with the playful fountain in the background and lounging figures in the foreground. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home so I have no image to post at this time. Along with Chris' delightful demo, guests were treated to complimentary coffee and continental breakfast fare.

Breakfast In The Gallery will take place once a month through October at Art On Broadway with Gretha Lindwood working in oil on June 18 and Paul Mathenia sharing watercolor techniques on July 16. Rae Campbell is scheduled to demo fused glass design on August 20 and Sue Jensen will offer her process for painting with collage on September 10. The demonstrations take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Since we're located just 3 short blocks from the Beaverton Farmers Market you can park once and enjoy both events. Or you can take the MAX train to the Beaverton Round stop and walk three blocks south to Broadway.

"Another's Perspective" - New Exhibit at Art On Broadway

Another interesting exhibit is coming up at Art On Broadway Gallery in Beaverton. Rae Campbell and Gretha Lindwood will be featured from May 7 through May 28 in an exhibit titled "Another's Perspective." An evening reception is planned for Saturday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.; and, as always, the public is invited to attend.

The two artists shared original photographs and then interpreted the images in their chosen media, Rae with fused glass and Gretha with pastels on sandpaper or oil on canvas.

The May 7 reception will offer complimentary wine and refreshments and the opportunity to meet and visit with the gallery's member artists. We hope you will join us.

New Artists Join The Gallery

It's been a busy couple of months - starting in February, we replaced two openings created when Diane Ahrendt and Beth O'Mahony decided to move on to new beginnings. Willy and Kris Paul, husband and wife from Lake Oswego, accepted our offer to exhibit their art with us. Kris works in naked raku and Willy prints black and white photography on metal. We first saw Kris' ceramics in the 2010 Portland Open Studio show and she introduced us to Willy's work.

In March, we added Rae Campbell, a fused glass artist from Tigard, and Sue Jensen, a Portland painter who works in encaustic, acrylic and collage. Rae is already offering classes at the gallery on Sunday afternoons - each class is a separate lesson resulting in a finished product. Sue served as President of Local 14 in 2010 and brings her talents as an artist and an organizer - we felt so fortunate to have all four of these local talents choose to be a part of Art On Broadway.

Now in April, we have expanded even more. Nanette Davis, Myla Keller and Paul Mathenia of Beaverton, and Stephen Kekule of Cedar Hills are now a part of our group of eighteen. Several of our members knew Nanette from 2008 Portland Open Studios; she works in fiber - hand-dyed silks and papers - creating exquisite scarves, and unique baskets and wall hangings. Myla's exhibit of large abstract acrylics burst with color and use bold geometric shapes and strong emotional lines; Paul's representational acrylics depict traditional subject matter painted with great skill and confidence; and Stephen's meticulous "urban landscapes" are visual tales encouraging the viewer to become a part of the storytelling.

What a wonderful group of artists now make up our membership! Stop by and take some time to appreciate the diversity, skill, and visual artistry of this talented group. We're proud of Art On Broadway and we hope the Greater Portland community will feel the same way.

New Show on Broadway in Beaverton

We are so lucky to have a Broadway address - when it comes to announcing a new opening, we can refer to "on Broadway" and it gives instant attention to the event. That said, we couldn't be happier to invite everyone to "Why Waste A Good Planet?," our next show at Art On Broadway Gallery, 12570 SW Broadway in Beaverton. An evening reception to celebrate new work will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This show is a tribute to the planet Earth - its beauty and its creatures - and our need to keep it safe; it features local artists Chris Helton and Joe Pogan. Chris easily moves from one medium to another and she clearly shows her skills with this exhibit of the same scene repainted in three different materials - watercolor, pastel, and acrylic.





Joe is known for his exceptional ability to create wildlife from discarded metal. Ordinary mismatched spoons become feathers; a cluster of nails becomes a nest; screws, keys, bolts, coins cover the surfaces of his birds and fish - no two exactly alike.

We hope you can join us for complimentary wine and refreshments, and a chance to visit with all the artists in our gallery. Mark your calendars now. This show will continue through April 30. The gallery is now open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Art On Broadway Partners with Cat Adoption Team



The Cat With The Pearl Earring by D. Sanson

Our March 5 reception will be a fundraiser for the Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood. Carlton Cellars will conduct wine tasting, and there will be raffles for wine and cat-themed gift baskets, along with some cat-friendly artwork for sale.

Artist Joni Mitchell and her husband, Bob Ewing, are active supporters of CAT and rescued all five of their family of cats through the organization. One of their family members, Princess Odie, is Miss December for the 2011 CAT calendar and will be in attendance throughout the evening.

Hours for the reception have been extended at the request of CAT; guests can stop by between 5 and 9 p.m. and enjoy complimentary refreshments and a chance to visit with member artists.

The gallery has four new artists this month with fresh and exciting artwork. Kris and Willy Paul from Lake Oswego offer naked raku ceramic sculpture and black/white photography on metal; Sue Jensen of Portland introduces encaustic painting to the gallery; and Rae Campbell of Tigard brings wonderful fused glass artwork to our space.


Vincent Van Cat by D. Sanson

 

Linda Baker, Chris Helton, Sue Jensen, Gretha Lindwood, Kris Paul, Bruce Ulrich, and Donna Sanson all created some cat friendly artwork for the event. The imagery should warm the hearts of all cat lovers. We hope you will join us for a fun evening.


Madame Catisse by D. Sanson





Drawing Classes Starting at Art On Broadway Gallery

Donna Sanson will offer Beginning Drawing Classes for Adults starting in March. If you ever thought about taking a drawing class, or if it's been a long time since you did and you need a refresher, then this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Classes are scheduled for Mondays and students can sign up for either a 1 to 3 afternoon session or a 6 to 8 evening session. The fee includes all basic materials. Each time slot will be limited to six students so sign up early. You'll have fun and learn to really see what you're looking at! Contact the gallery or email Donna at donnasansonartworks@comcast.net

Love Art, Give Art

Love Art, Give Art

February's Special Event, "Love Art, Give Art"

Our February event will be an elegant affair, with champagne and chocolate in celebration of love and romance and to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day. The artwork this month will include a touch of pink here and a dab of red there and lots of hearts and roses scattered throughout the gallery. We hope you will stop by on Saturday, February 5, between 6 and 9 p.m. to enjoy a visit with all our members and see the exciting pieces they have submitted for this month's exhibit.

Below is an acrylic landscape by Nikki Dilbeck and a watercolor floral by Chris Helton. Also posted is an image of naked raku work by our newest artist, Kris Paul from Lake Oswego. The photos are beautiful, but the originals are amazing!



"Love Art, Give Art" - February Reception at Art On Broadway

Another notice to mark your calendars now for the next special event at Art On Broadway (formerly Amato's) in Beaverton's historic district. Our February 5th event will be spiced up with red art, heart art, smart art - the perfect time and place to select a gift that will make your sweetheart swoon!

"Love Happens," Watermedia on Canvas

Fine Silver Jewelry with Swarkowski Crystal

Found Metal Sculpture

Intricate Hand Blown Glass

Classical Oil Painting

Abstract Acrylic

Enjoy the company of our twelve wonderful artists, complimentary wine, and luscious chocolates. The evening starts at 6 p.m. and continues through 9 p.m. We offer layaway and gift certificates; and of course we accept cards and cash. Remember the date and look for reminders in the weeks to come.

Amato's Art on Broadway January Reception

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Ready for the Reception

One week into 2011 already. Still having to concentrate when I record the date on a check, but with online banking there aren't too many checks to write these days.

The new show at Amato's - soon to be Art On Broadway Gallery - is installed and ready for visitors. "New Year, New Works" opened on Tuesday and will continue through Saturday, January 29. The artists' reception is this Saturday, January 8, between 6 and 9 p.m. Bossa Duo will entertain us with live music, and we'll have wine and tasty refreshments for visitors to enjoy. Plan to stop by.

Bert Cohen and myself (Donna Sanson) are featured in January, but all twelve member artists have new and exciting work on display.

Bert has created some stunning silver and crystal jewelry that she will introduce, and I'll have paintings of European scenes that focus on shapes and patterns.

You'll be sure to enjoy the beautiful winter snow scenes by Chris Helton, the always delightful metal sculpture work of Joe Pogan, the striking color and freedom of Nikki Dilbeck and Bruce Ulrich's abstract acrylics, the mastery of traditional oil painting by Linda J. Baker, and the delicious glass work by Diane Ahrendt. Beth O'Mahony recently included fiber art along with her raku and stoneware offerings, Joni Mitchell has added stone jewelry along with her stone sculpture, and Gretha Lindwood is working in both pastel and oil these days. Annie Salness' acrylics are still on display with us and we are thrilled to hear that she is back in her studio again. Go Annie!

We're looking forward to an exciting year and invite everyone to become a regular visitor in 2011 to Art On Broadway Gallery. Donna Sanson

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

All of us at Amato's wish all of you everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Diane Ahrendt

Karen Amato

Linda J. Baker

Bert Cohen

Nikki Dilbeck

Chris Helton

Gretha Lindwood

Joni Michell

Beth O'Mahoney

Joe Pogan

Annie Salness

Donna Sanson

Bruce Ulrich

Peace in 2011



New Year, New Works - Save the Date

"New Year, New Works"
Saturday, January 8, 2011
6 to 9 P.M.
12570 SW Broadway St., Beaverton

Amato's will start 2011 with an artists reception featuring the jewelry of Bert Cohen and the watermedia paintings of Donna Sanson. Mark your calendars now so you can enjoy the new work by these two talented ladies. The reception will also include live music by Bossa Duo, and complimentary appetizers and local wines.

As always, Amato's will display the latest creations of its twelve member artists who work in an array of exciting materials - glass, stone, metal, fiber, pastel, oil, acrylic and watercolor. We have it all at Amato's! We hope to see you on January 8.

Amatos Gallery Holiday Party and Tree Auction

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Annie's Awesome Evening

Our very own Annie Salness was honored Tuesday night by her family, friends, and community with an evening to celebrate her spirit and the love we all have for her. Her closet friends and neighbors put together an awesome fundraiser based on prints of Annie's work and donations by a community of fellow artists. Annie surprised us with her presence and what a joy it was to see her, looking radiant as always in a Christmas green sweater and smiling face and eyes.

Joe Pogan's donation of "Bird on a Hitch" was the first piece of artwork to sell - and well over the asking price. Attendees were very generous and the event was an overall success - happy crowd of people, yummy desserts and coffee, music in the air, and artwork all around. Go Annie.

I posted an album of photos from the event on my Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44223&id=1838922784

Let the Auction Begin!

We're all set for our holiday tree event. The new artwork is in place, the trees are installed, the cookies have been made, and
the gallery is decorated.

We hope to have a good crowd tomorrow afternoon to see the new art, to enjoy the live holiday music, to nibble on the "World's Best Sugar Cookies," (a recipe from the kitchen of dear Mrs. Donovan), and to bid on ten of the most delightful little holiday trees you could ever hope to see in one place at one time.

The trees will be displayed and available for silent bidding through noon on December 18. Be sure to make a visit to Amato's a must-see experience this holiday.  You won't be disappointed!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

With a chill in the air and some snow on the ground, I found myself motivated to add a touch of holiday spirit to the window displays at Amato's Gallery.


One of the things I loved as a child was going "downtown" to see the holiday windows at Kaufmann's, Gimbels, and Hornes department stores in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I continued that tradition with our own children when we lived outside San Francisco. Each year we would ride the BART train into the city to see the wonderful Christmas displays in and around Union Square and up on Nob Hill. 


With our budget, we can't compete with the big stores, but with a little bit of this and a touch of that we can create a festive feeling for the shoppers who walk past our gallery on Broadway Street in Beaverton.  


Glitter and glowing ornaments, metallic papers and ribbons, catch the light and add some sparkle to even the most overcast day.

If you're looking for something special for someone special,

plan to stop in and let us help you select the perfect gift. We have truly unique items to choose from - hand blown glass and sculpted stone, welded metal sculptures and handmade clay pots and plaques, handcrafted jewelry, and paintings in all sizes and media.

And don't forgot to place orders now for your holiday plants and flowers, gift baskets and hostess gifts. Our floral designer can arrange a wonderful basket of specialty items from local sources - coffees, teas, candies, biscotti's, candles, soaps, sachets, lotions, art prints, art cards, and more.

A reminder that our special event in December is scheduled for Saturday, December 4, from one to four in the afternoon. Guests will be treated to live music by Basso Duo and delicious homemade cookies, candies and holiday punch.

A display of one-of-a-kind Christmas trees will be featured, with a silent auction

starting at one o'clock and continuing through noon on December 18.

Be sure to bring your friends and family and decide together on your favorite tree. 

The highest bidders on each tree at the close of the auction will surely make their unique purchase a family tradition this year and for years to come.  

 

Finally, I love how this out of focus photo of Christmas ornaments softens their edges and 

the reflections of the surrounding lights; had to share it as part of my post this evening. 

Sneak a Peek at Another Tree

Another tree is ready for auction at Amato's.

This is a detail of Joni Mitchell's hand sculpted holiday tree. Joni started with a block of lightweight concrete and ended with a flowing spiral tree, sparkling with hints of black marble and rhinestones. The result is elegant and timeless. 

All ten trees will be installed by November 30 at Amato's in preparation for our holiday celebration on Saturday,  December 4, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Guests will be treated to homemade cookies and punch, and seasonal live music by Basso Duo.


You won't want to miss the chance to see these one-of-a-kind artist designed creations. Each one is truly unique. As always, our artists will be available to discuss their artwork and explain how and why they do what they do.


Bidding for the trees will start at the reception and continue for the next two weeks to give the public ample opportunity to view and select their favorite tree. Bring your family and decide together which tree could become a favorite part of your Christmas tradition. At noon on December 18, the bidding will close and the highest bidder on each tree will be notified.


Along with this holiday exhibit, Amato's will feature new art by our talented local artists. Gifts of art will last a lifetime so consider shopping at our gallery for your special friends and family members. 


And, from all of us at Amato's, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches...

I'm giving you a little sneak peek at three of the holiday trees to be auctioned off at Amato's in December. One is a mobile tree, a second is a tree of "jewels," and a third is adorned in all watercolor ornaments. The unveiling of all ten trees especially designed for this event will take place at our monthly reception on Saturday, December 4, starting at 1 p.m.

Amato's gallery will be sparkling with new artwork, holiday punch, sugar cookies, and tree sculptures designed and handmade by our talented member artists. The designs are as clever and diversified as the personalities of each artist. Bassa Duo will be there with their special blend of live music to add to the afternoon's entertainment. Mark your calendars now and spend some time celebrating this season of joy with Amato's family of artists!

Silent bidding on the sculptures will begin right away and continue through noon on Saturday, December 18, when the highest bidders will be contacted to come by and pick up their trees. These sculptures are pieces of artwork and will surely become a cherished part of family traditions for each bidder who gets to take one home.

There's Still Time...

If you haven't seen the latest show at Amato's Gallery, you're missing out. Bruce Ulrich's paintings are strong, intense, and fun. The man likes color and uses it in his artistry to express his joy of life.

His show continues through November 30. Amato's hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will reopen on Friday, November 26, at 10 a.m.

Christmas is coming - Shop Amato's

If you want something truly unique to give this Christmas, consider a gift of art.

Amato's Gallery has printed cards starting at $5, original cards at $10, fine art prints at $35, original paintings at $65, original ceramics at $55, jewelry from $25 and handblown glass for as little as $120. All of our artwork is created by local artists who staff the gallery during afternoon hours and can help you make the perfect selection. Gift certificates are always available so you can stay within your shopping budget. Let us help you surprise your loved ones with gifts they will cherish and remember for years to come.

We will be closed Thanksgiving day, but will open at 10 a.m. the following day. We hope you will stop by.

A Good Crowd Tonight

Despite the rain, we had a very good turnout tonight at the reception for Bruce Ulrich. Our first guests of the evening were Mayor Denny Doyle and his wife; visitors continued to fill the gallery until closing time. 

Bruce's paintings have a strong visual impact; they radiate color and a sense of adventure and risk. Whether he works with watercolor on Yupo paper or acrylic on canvas, you feel Bruce's joy in experimenting with a variety of materials  His show will run through Tuesday, November 30.

Most of Amato's other artists were in attendance tonight. Joe Pogan, who works in found metal, and Bruce posed for a photo; and Mayor Doyle and Paul Cohen discussed Broadway Street and the many new changes that are taking place on our block.

There were lots of new faces in the crowd this evening, as well as many familiar ones. We sincerely appreciate everyone who attends and supports our special events. It was a fun party, catered by our next door neighbor - Gloria's Secret Cafe; guests enjoyed mini sandwiches, cheeses, apple slices with caramel dip, wine, hot apple cider, and a special dessert bar made with dried cherries and pecans.

If you wondering where to hold your holiday party this year, consider hosting it at Amato's Gallery. We are taking reservations for groups of 30 or less, so if you're interested contact us right away.

Presentation to Washington County Public Affairs Forum

I've been asked to make a presentation to the Washington County Public Affairs Forum in a week. Jayne Scott, Director of the Beaverton Arts Commission, invited me to share the journey that Amato's Gallery has taken since last February when local artists joined with Karen Amato and her floral design business. We've undergone a number of significant changes since then, including refurbishing and moving into a formerly empty store front on SW Broadway in Beaverton's historic district. 

What should I talk about, what should I say? I decided to let the artwork do most of the talking for me since we are so fortunate to represent twelve very talented and diverse award-winning artists. Our gallery displays an outstanding assortment of sculpture in glass, metal, stone and clay; memorable two-dimensional images in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor; and stylish hand-crafted jewelry. I've included some images here that will be part of the power point presentation.

I'll also share how proud we are to be able to showcase the talent of local artists and to establish a welcoming fine art gallery within our own community. Collaboration works, and Amato's is certainly a good example of how indiviiduals' dreams, efforts, and talents can combine to achieve a group's goals. 

Plans for Broadway Street in the news!

In Thursday's edition of the Beaverton Valley Times there was an article on another independent small business reinventing itself much like Amato's Floral did when Karen invited local artists to exhibit in her flower and gift shop in early 2010. A&P, at the corner of Broadway and Watson, has added a line of  specialty goods including locally made organic cranberry juice, peach jam marinades, peanut brittle, cayenne caramels, and flavored balsalmic vinegars to their successful appliance repair parts business. It seems like an unusual pairing of merchandise, but the owners were looking for something fun and different. We wish them much success.

The article goes on to say, "Plans for Broadway have shifted as the Civic Plan evolves. Last month, citizens and the city considered a couplet, where Canyon Road and Broadway would be one-way streets and define a new downtown. That plan has since been scrapped, and the Civic Plan is looking at Broadway as a festival street, which could feature street trees and benches, slow speeds for cars and could be closed to cars for fairs or events."

Sounds like good news for Amato's Gallery and other small specialty shops and restaurants. Read the entire article in the October 21 Beaverton Valley Times.

Spend a night out on Broadway!

Mark your calendars now for an evening out on Broadway - that's   SW Broadway in Beaverton, OR.!

Amato's Gallery, at it's new location at 12570 SW Broadway Street, is pleased to present abstract acrylic paintings and collages by Bruce Ulrich for the month of November. The exhibit will open on November 6 and run through November 30, with an artist's reception on Saturday, November 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Our receptions are fun and free and informative, with our family of eleven artists on hand to visit and share their passion for art with anyone and everyone in attendance. Refreshments are provided of course, so plan to stop by and see us.

Amatos Grand-reopening Show