Get We the People Posters Plus Savings on Framing in February

Want Your Own Set of “We the People” Posters? Come to Village Frame & Gallery!

Three red, white, and blue art posters, one depicting a Latina that says "We the people defend dignity," one depicting a Muslim woman that says "We the people are greater than fear," and one depicting an African American woman that says, "We the people protect each other."
by Shepard Fairey

“It’s really about making sure that people remember that ‘we the people’ means everyone, it means all the people. I think the campaigns were very divisive, more from one side than the other. But (it’s) just reminding people to find their common humanity, and look beyond maybe one narrow definition of what it means to be American.”

— Shepard Fairey

Have you seen Shepard Fairey’s artwork for the inauguration? Were you touched by it? We were too — and I had to get a set. So, I got several 9×12 sets, which will be framed and available for sale in the Gallery starting tomorrow. I have limited quantities  so get here before they’re gone! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the ACLU. 

Need Custom Framing? Save 15% in February!

Have something of your own you want framed? Now is the time to do it. Bring in this coupon (or just pull up this blog post on your phone) and we’ll give you 15% off your next framing order. And yes, we still have a few designer mirrors on clearance.

Two coupons: one for 15% off custom framing February 14 - 28, 2017, and one for 70% off select designer mirrors.

See You Soon!

As always, we’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Featured Artist Amarinda Alpern Kicks Off Fabulous February on the 3rd

Aritst Amarinda Alpern

February is an exciting month at Village Frame and Gallery!

Amarinda Alpern Trunk Show — First Friday, February 3rd Only

Find that perfect gift for someone you love. This First Friday only, from 6 pm – 9 pm, we have a Trunk Show of fine jewelry by Amerinda Alpern, with new pieces sure to quicken someone’s heart! Check these out (click to enlarge):

 

Light, Shadow & Form by Amarinda Alpern Throughout February

In this series of glass sculpture there are endless visual metaphors at play. The works on glass and paper are interactive with both electric light and natural sunlight, during the course of a day and during the seasons of a year. Symbolically the shapes of structure, home or temple mirror the light and shadow that we both live in and the light that lives within us. Ten percent of all sales from Amerinda’s show will be donated to the ACLU (click to enlarge):

 

Aritst Amarinda Alpern
Artist Amarinda Alpern

About Amarinda Alpern

Inspired by the beauty of the northwest, my jewelry collection features my interpretations of plants I found growing in Portland Oregon coupled with nature’s geometry and reduced to classic mid-century shapes and designs. I am fascinated with how nature grows, whether it’s the slight difference between leaves on a tree or the subtle variations in the human form. Geometry continues to hold my visual and emotional attention.

Also in the Gallery this Month

Hand Thrown Fine Ceramics by Carson Culp

Carson Culp is a self-taught ceramic artist who shared a double duty at the Multnomah Arts Center for three years as a Ceramic Technician and Youth Clay Instructor. During his time in Portland he was employed at Mudshark Studios and an apprentice at Kelly Pottery. Carson is influenced by traditional Japanese ceramics expressing that with his wood fired and high-fired celadon work. He is drawn to making functional forms that show balance and quality with a fluid and inorganic style. Carson has been accepted to a one year apprenticeship at the Leach Pottery in Cornwall, UK where he will work alongside the production team and focus on his craft. His
goal is to start a wood fire pottery/gallery and pass on his life experiences to other emerging ceramic artists.

Life Beyond My Body: A Transgender Journey to Manhood by Lei Ming and Lura Frazey

The First Memoir Published by a Trans Man from China

Cover of Life Beyond My Body: A Transgender Journey to Manhood in ChinaBorn in a rural Chinese village and identified as a girl at birth, Lei Ming, is barely cared for during his childhood. Often lonely, terrified and abused, he learns early to fend for himself and look within for answers, but there he discovers a paradox that threatens to undo him. Although he does not yet know the word “transsexual,” at 16, Ming sets out on a secret mission to find relief. Life Beyond My Body tells the true story of his quest to find answers in a society that is closed-mouthed about men like Ming.

Along the way, Ming finds solace and judgement in the Christian church, loves and loses a woman, begins his physical transition using black market testosterone, is jailed over his identity, and arranges for top surgery without blowing his cover. But ultimately, understanding the true meaning of being a man will require reckoning with God.

Buy your copy at Village Frame & Gallery today!

See You in February

We are at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Our regular business hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm.

Book Reading and Signing January 19th

Silhouetted headshot of author Lei Ming

Meet Author Lei Ming — on Tour in the US for a Limited Time — at Village Frame & Gallery

Book signing and reading flyer
Click to enlarge and print

About the Book

Born in a rural Chinese village and identified as a girl at birth, Lei Ming, is barely cared for during his childhood. Often lonely, terrified and abused, he learns early to fend for himself and look within for answers, but there he discovers a paradox that threatens to undo him. Although he does not yet know the word “transsexual,” at 16, Ming sets out on a secret mission to find relief. Life Beyond My Body tells the true story of his quest to find answers in a society that is closed-mouthed about men like Ming.

Along the way, Ming finds solace and judgement in the Christian church, loves and loses a woman, begins his physical transition using black market testosterone, is jailed over his identity, and arranges for top surgery without blowing his cover. But ultimately, understanding the true meaning of being a man will require reckoning with God.

Life Beyond My Body: A transgender journey to manhood in China is the first memoir published by a trans man from China. Learn more at LifeBeyondMyBody.com.

About Lei Ming (Ray)

Ray lives in stealth in China, but is currently in the U.S. to speak about his life and experiences. Life Beyond My Body is his first book. When he is not writing, he uses his language skills to keep the lights on and finance his reading habit through tutoring and translating jobs. A self-described “typical introvert,” Ray spends a lot of time alone, drawing or playing guitar.

Join Us to Meet Ray Thursday Jan 19

Ray will be reading from Life Beyond My Body: A transgender journey to manhood in China

Thursday, January 19th
at
6:30 p.m.
at
Village Frame & Gallery
7808 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97219

This event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. We hope to see you there!

Remembering The Coming of the White Man

This year, Village Frame & Gallery is looking at the wider body of work that comprises the Pacific Northwest art legacy. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook as we explore art and artists from across the region. 

The Coming of the White Man by Hermon Atkins MacNeil

Sculpture of two native american men looking into the distance
The Coming of the White Man by Herman Atkins MacNeil

A gift to Portland in 1904 from the family of former Portland mayor David Thompson, The Coming of the White Man is a turn-of-the-century style 8’8” x 6’ x 6’3” bronze sculpture. It depicts two Native Americans, presumably watching Lewis and Clark breach the Columbia River Gap. The older figure is often said to be Chief Multnomah.

It was this time of year, in 1805, when Lewis and Clark were traveling through this area on their way to the Pacific. They reached the junction of the Snake and Columbia rivers on October 16th. On October 25th they were at The Dalles and on November 3rd, they camped just west of where Camas is today. They reached the Pacific on November 15th.

Local tribes had been trading with the occasional whites who traveled through the Pacific Northwest since the 1790s, but as we know now, the information Lewis and Clark took home from their expedition would have a great influence on the western fur trade and immigration into the area.  After Lewis and Clark, the number of whites coming into the area rose rapidly, with devastating consequences to the native people.

About Hermon Atkins MacNeil (1866-1947)

Photo of the artist, seated
Herman Atkins MacNeil circa 1907

MacNeil was an American sculptor from Massachusetts. He is known for his works depicting Native Americans, for designing the Standing Liberty quarter, for the Pony Express statue in St. Joseph, Missouri, and for sculpting Justice, the Guardian of Liberty on the east pediment of the United States Supreme Court building.

See The Coming of the White Man

It’s a bit of a hunt, but you will find it in Washington Park on SW Washington Way, not far from the Oregon Holocaust Museum.

Can’t get enough art? You’ll love Village Frame & Gallery!

Exhibits are open to the public, at no charge, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

This month, we’re featuring the work of the seven talented Bridge City Artists.

Authentic Tribal Afghan Bags and Textiles, Trunk Show Friday and Saturday

This Friday and Saturday, Village Frame & Gallery is hosting a trunk show of authentic tribal Afghan bags and textiles from the collection of Don Bauer. Don will be here, happy to tell you more about the origins of this beautiful collection.

Trunk Show – Authentic Afghan Bags and Textiles

Friday, Nov 11th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, Nov 12th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

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About the Collection

Don Bauer writes, “I first traveled to Kashmir in 1979, just before Russia invaded Afghanistan. The goal of my trip – purchase collectible authentic rugs for my business.  While in Kashmir I met the Noori family.  I spent time with the Noori’s over ten years, observing the items they collected and found valuable.  I acquired many tribal bags and rare textiles from the Noori’s.  This trunk show is just a part of my collection.”

 

img_20161030_141359  img_20161108_125439  img_20161108_125949

Looking for a Unique Holiday Gift? Turn Your Favorite Tradition into Art

Cookie recipe, cookie cutters, and snapshot of grandmother and granddaughter making cookies in professional picture framing

Snapshot of grandmother and grandchild making cookies next to a handwritten recipe and cookie cutters

 

Everyone has a favorite holiday memory they would love to preserve.

Maybe it’s a shared ritual, a beloved heirloom, or a particular time that was extra special. Whatever it is, this year, give yourself or a loved one the gift of enjoying that memory forever.

Cookie recipe, cookie cutters, and snapshot of grandmother and granddaughter making cookies in professional picture framingWhat memory do you want to preserve and give?

Gather the tangible pieces and symbols of it and bring them to Village Frame & Gallery. We will help you create a one-of-a-kind gift that expresses the joy that memory has brought you and the love you feel for the recipient.

Not sure how to get started? Call us at 503-245-8001.

Consultations are free and we have plenty of ideas to help you get started turning your favorite memories into art.

Don’t wait, the holidays are just around the corner!

To avoid rush fees, bring us your gifts needing framing by December 10th. Village Frame & Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Tru Vue seal that says: 99% UV protective glass helps protect from fadingVillage Frame & Gallery is an owner-operated, full service, custom framing shop, proudly offering the industry’s only Conservation Grade Glass — True Vue — to ensure your framable memories will last and last.

To learn more, check out How to Choose Picture Glass Like a Pro.

Bridge City Artists Reception and Amerinda Alpern Trunk Show This Weekend

Landscape

This month, Village Frame & Gallery is featuring the artwork of the seven talented Bridge City Artists! Plus, we are hosting a trunk show of Amerinda Alpern’s jewelry. 

Artists’ Reception – Bridge City Artists at Village Frame & Gallery

Friday, November 4th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Trunk Show – Amerinda Alpern at Village Frame & Gallery

Friday, Nov 4th, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 5th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meet the Bridge City Artists

Group photo of Bridge City Artists
Back row: Kay Danley, Helaine Hart, Marlie Ranslam, Ikie Kressel, Karen Story. Front row: Dianne Jean Erickson, Karrie Amiton

Marlie Ranslam

Colorful abstract painting
By Marlie Ranslam

I was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin. After attending the University of Wisconsin, I spent four years living in Germany, traveling Europe and seeing art I had previously only read about. It was during this time that my interest in art and architecture became immediate and alive– and I began painting. I was hooked! When returning to the States, my curiosity about art and art history continued and led to Portland State University, bachelors and masters degrees, followed by post- graduate classes at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Throughout a 20 year practice in psychotherapy, art was a constant presence. At this time, still curious and inspired, I’m painting full-time and remain involved in art community.

Karen Story

Nude figure in encaustic
By Karen Story

Painting with encaustic and cold wax medium (pigmented beeswax) is my foremost means of expression of emotions, experiences, images, and interactions with others as well as nature.

The encaustic medium is process-oriented. Much time is dedicated to heating, scraping, layering, preparing the substrate, and mixing medium. The painting construct of revealing, covering and re-revealing with an often surprising and different consequence. The fluid nature of the encaustic process lends itself to exploration of forms and patterns which combine structured and unstructured shapes. The medium allows the application of translucent and opaque layers, building a complex and varied underpainting. The process demands flexibility, using a heating process which accounts for unexpected changes in composition, form, and color.

Other than relationships with people (hence the focus on figural work), water is my life’s common recurring theme. It has appeared in vivid dreams since childhood, and in my adult reality it rules my life as I swim, kayak, snorkel, boat, do underwater photography, and live part-time on 2 islands. Water is a challenging element to capture artistically, since it istranslucent / transparent / reflective. Its ever-changing nature distorts elements within and reflects elements without. The translucence of encaustic wax lends itself admirably to this element.

My paintings reflect my connection to water as well as the figure. My two recurring themes. Color, shape, form, value, texture, and line work together to achieve the depiction of both, using the demanding medium of encaustic and cold wax.

Eileen “ikie” Nolan Kressel

Painting of three birds
By Eileen Nolan Kressel

I’ve delighted in creating art in one form or another, since my drawings-on-the-wall at home in Brooklyn at age five. The wall was blank and I had something to say. I may not be far from that, these many years later.

Art is a good and constant friend, a place to be, providing a voice that gives expression to relationships, challenges, joys, whimsies and sadness. To not create, would be to silence a part of me.

My portfolio includes whimsical paintings and linocuts, along with black and white etchings. I’m fortunate in being part of No. 2 Print Shop in Portland, Oregon where printmakers share ideas, inspiration, perspiration and presses.

Kay Henning Danley

Painting of flowers before a window
By Kay Henning Danley

My work is multilayered, beginning with a freely painted drawing, each layer of transparent paint and collage paper shape informing the next, even when the earlier layers are ultimately painted over and become visual history. I attempt to leave the marks of the initial drawing, as well as the transparent visual history as part of the surface. This layering creates luminosity and richness. This allows my understanding of the image to evolve — it is a dance between the additive and subtractive elements.

I like the physicality of paint, the tools that apply it, and the energy necessary to apply it to the surface. My work is a personal interpretation expressed through imagery. I seek to create a work that is intriguing, enables a viewer to make discoveries with each viewing, and to ponder meaning and connection to their personal world.

Helaine Hart

Abstract with red background and a black, flowing line over it.
By Helaine Hart

The Kemet/Deshret series of paintings emerged after six trips to Egypt. I was intrigued by the obsession of the ancient Egyptians with duality. Their dualistic perspective emerged in their view of the universe, their religion, the concept of Upper and Lower Egypt, and the nature of their land as Kemet, the rich, fertile border of the Mother Nile, and Deshret, the barren desert beyond. The paintings in this series reflect my meditations on the starkly dualistic beauty and profound influence of the land of Kemet and Deshret.

Surrealists and Abstract Expressionists used psychic automatism, a type of automatic drawing, to evoke pure, visual essence from their subconscious minds. I have appropriated and modified their method in my own work. My paintings often begin by pouring color and making marks on a pigmented and textured ground. I allow the emerging shapes and overlaps of color to urge my subconscious to participate in and respond to the serendipitous interaction of gravity, atmosphere, absorption, manipulation, and the addition of other media. In this manner, my paintings seek a balance between accident and intention. My non-objective, mixed media pieces are created with a variety of materials, including acrylic paints and gels, metal leaf, Japanese papers, fabric, dry pigments, and plaster to enhance visual impact and to create unique textures. In my work I use color, texture, rhythm, transparency, and luminosity seeking to express that which is ephemeral, profound, and universal.

Karrie Kaiyala Amiton

Landscape
By Karrie Kaiyala Amiton

I am a painter in Portland, Oregon and growing up in a musical family exposed me to the arts as a way of life. My work has the look and unmistakable color of the northwest. I am heavily influenced by my many years spent on the east side of the Cascades where the sky is blue and the land is golden. I am not as interested in realism as I am in creating an emotional response through color. Although I paint from memory, it is a thrill to have someone look at one of my paintings and tell me they know the exact location.

Recently I have been working on a body of work called “The Space We Share”, a nod to the accomplishments of astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly and the exploration and wonder outside our world. This series has a different style and message so it has been fun for me to experiment with mixed media and sumi ink.

When I am not painting I am usually thinking about it, the wonderful artists I’ve met along the way and the anticipation of creative times ahead.

Dianne Jean Erickson

Abstract
By Diane Jean Erickson

I am a painter and printmaker. I allow myself the freedom of indecisions, improvisations, and impulsiveness in my work, and that leads to exciting discoveries. I have worked extensively in acrylics and oils. My most recent medium is encaustic and its very different technique of painting with wax and heat. This medium has given me a new way to explore my art.

I am interested in line, color and how movement is portrayed in a two dimensional space. Process is an important part of the work. I make my own medium and pigmented wax. The texture and translucency possible with this medium has allowed me new explorations. While working on the substrate and exploring color and design, a conversation begins to form between myself and the creative act as it happens in real time. Images form and transform as I work, sometimes figurative, sometimes non-objective or abstract. When the piece is done, hopefully the conversation has led to a work of art that is both personal and universal in nature.

Close up of Amarinda Alpern's hands making jewelryJeweler Amerinda Alpern

Artist’s Statement

Inspired by the beauty of the northwest, this jewelry collection features my interpretations of plants I found growing in Portland Oregon coupled with nature’s geometry and reduced to classic mid-century shapes and designs. I am fascinated with how nature grows, whether it’s the slight difference between leaves on a tree or the subtle variations in the human form. Geometry continues to hold my visual and emotional attention.

About Amerinda Alpern

Amerinda Alpern holds a MFA in Sculpture from Colorado State University and a BFA from California College of Arts and Crafts. She also trained with Alan Revere, founder of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts.

Jewelry by Amerinda Alpern

Celebration of Life for George Woodcock Oct 23rd at 2 pm

George woodcock painting at an easel

Family and friends of George Woodcock and Marie Bonamici Woodcock are invited to a celebration of George Woodcock’s life October 23, 206 at 2 p.m. at the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

About Our Friend, Neighbor, and Local Artist, George Woodcock

George woodcock painting at an easel
Artist George Woodcock (1928-2016)

George Woodcock was born in Detroit, Michigan. Following an early interest in art, he always drew and painted in his spare time, even when working as a draftsman and designer for automobile companies. In 1975 he gave up working for other people to devote his time to art. He opened his studio/gallery, first in Dearborn and later in Northville, Michigan. He and his wife Marie moved to West Stockbrigde, Massachusetts and had a gallery in the Berkshires for 17 years.

Although primarily self-taught, George studied for a period of time with Art Hartman, well-known Michigan landscape artiest, and also attended Art Student’s League in New York, where he studied with Robert Angeloch.

After moving to Portland, George has took courses at the Oregon College of Art and Craft and Portland Community College, and he studied with Dorothy Fitzgerald.  He exhibited in national shows, local juried shows, and one-man shows in Portland and at the Enid Mount Gallery in Keizer, Oregon. He was a member of the Oregon Society of Artists, North Clackamas Arts Guild, Beaverton Arts Commission, and the Lake Area Artists. George also taught basic drawing and painting in his studio in Multnomah Village.

George continued to paint at his studio above Fat City Cafe in Multnomah Village until he was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on the afternoon of October 5, 2016 — and then a rainbow appeared over Portland.

 

Beat the Holiday Rush and Save

Coupons: 15% off framing Oct 17 - 29 and 70% off select mirrors

Thinking you absolutely WILL, finally get that new piece of art framed to go in the dining room before Thanksgiving? Swearing this year you’ll have your great-grandmother’s needlepoint re-framed as a gift for your granddaughter?

Don’t Wait! Now is the Time to Bring in Anything that Needs Framing Before the Holidays

Things are already busy and about to get busier, so don’t put this off — especially since Village Frame & Gallery is offering 15% off custom framing October 17th – 29th. Just click on the coupons below to print a copy (or bring in this post on your smartphone).
Coupons: 15% off framing Oct 17 - 29 and 70% off select mirrors

We’re Here for You!

Bring your artwork and gifts that need framing to Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 during regular business hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm.

New Works by Gene Flores at First Friday!

Etching of blue jays with human faces

October 7th, Gene Flores returns to Village Frame & Gallery with new, original works.

If you loved what you saw last year, join us Friday night, starting at 6 p.m. for the exhibit opening.

Artist’s Bio – Gene Flores

Photo of artist Gene Flores
Printmaker Gene Flores

I was born and raised in El Paso,Texas, have a BFA from the University of Texas El Paso, and MA and MFA in printmaking from the University of Iowa were I graduated with honors.  I am currently the Dean of the Visual and Performing Arts and Design Division at Portland Community College Sylvania Campus in Portland, Oregon.

I  began my printmaking journey in 1987 and have been making and exhibiting my prints since.  I  venture from black and white imagery to full color printing, all my works are hand wiped and printed.  These are all original prints, that is to say they are not photocopied nor mass produced.  I print a limited edition usually 10-15 prints per edition.  Each edition is unique.

My works are self portraits and are influenced by literature, music, politics, religion and everyday activities.  My images have been described as humorous, insightful, and disturbing.  Viewers often find my works to be thought provoking and challenging. I enjoy challenging the viewer and the preconceived notions of what we take for granted. My works allow the viewer to immerse themselves into another world with reoccurring characters that tiptoe between the surreal and the absurd, a world where anything can and often does happen.

Here’s a Sneak Peek of the New Exhibit

Etching of blue jays with human faces
Blue Jay by Gene Flores, Hand colored etching 9×12 inches 2016

 

Etching of crow landing in front of eggs
In the shadow of sin, Chapter 1: The Eggs by Gene Flores, Etching and aquatint, 12×7.5 inches 2016

 

Etching of half-human, half-bird creatures coughing under smoggy sky
We may not be here tomorrow by Gene Flores, Hand colored etching 18×24 inches 2016

 

Etching of crow standing before tiny human-like creatures with swords who have surrounded a pile of eggs.
In the shadow of sin, Chapter 18: Words Fell by Gene Flores, Etching and aquatint, 12×7.5 inches 2016

Also in the Gallery During October: Ceramics by local artist Carson Culp

See you First Friday: October 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, or any time in October during regular business hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm. As always, our exhibits are free and open to the public.

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.