In the Gallery

Adam Gerlach
Spaces Between
February 1st- March 31st, 2024
Artist reception, Friday, March 1st from 5:30pm-8pm

Join us for wine and light refreshments on March 1st, 2024 to celebrate the photographic work of the owner of Village Frame and Gallery, Adam Gerlach. When he is not carefully preserving and framing your precious objects, he’s out in the field, looking for just the right light and composition. Stop by to see these large format prints in person.

We hope to see you there!

-Vanessa and Adam

Installation view of Spaces Between

Endless Light, Carpinteria, CA | Pigment print on cotton rag | 2009/2017

Black Road, Craters of the Moon National Park , ID | Pigment print on cotton rag | 2006/2017

Descending Light, New Zealand | Pigment print on cotton rag | 2004/2017

More from the artist:

Adam Gerlach, BA, MFA, Brooks Institute of Photography
Each of my photographs is captured on film using traditional landscape photographic techniques. The negatives are carefully selected and transformed to exaggerate their more otherworldly qualities. I feel a picture is never complete until a certain luminosity is achieved. I like to test the bounds of what can be printed to help to create a feeling, and to present a more imaginative space for the viewer to contemplate. 

I seek out subjects which are symbolic vestiges of the exploration of an internal landscape. These symbols often represent moments from my own life; either reflections on my journey or postulations of moments to come. They are inspired by quiet instances of mystery and questioning.

The crafting of an image is as important to me as it’s content. Each image is taken through a transformative process that includes traditional film processing, scanning, and digital manipulation with the goal of getting beyond straight documentation into the realm of self-expression. These images become less about the places where they were photographed and more about a dreamlike location caught in the space between reality and imagination.

Through the careful control of light, shadow, tone and contrast a mysterious, and unique space is created inviting the viewer to explore the space between our world and a world unknown. 

We look forward to seeing you and providing the best in fine art picture framing; continuing in the 24 year tradition of Village Frame and Gallery!

In the Gallery

Pamela Chipman
Roaming
November 3rd, 2023- January 31st, 2024
Artist reception, Friday, November 3rd, 2023 from 5:30pm-8pm

Depicting local landscapes as well as exotic locals with sensitivity to light and space the 18 works in this exhibit are dream like and ethereal, reminding one of sites seen on long meandering walks.

These small works make for a thoughtful gift to anyone living in Portland or anyone that loves to travel. The beautiful images are printed on vellum and then gilded on the reverse with a zinc and copper alloy, giving a luminous effect while adding depth and texture.  These golden jewels must be seen in person; they glow in a way that doesn’t come across digitally. Each one is precious and unique.
More about Pamela Chipman:
Chipman studied in the Fine Arts department at UCLA. She moved to Portland, Oregon and co-created the  Blue Gallery an innovative exhibition and performance space. Throughout her career, Chipman’s work has explored visual storytelling and gender roles through a variety of projects, utilizing photography and video, creating books, films, video loops, and public installations as well as prints. Chipman’s work has been exhibited and screened in galleries, on television and in installation work. Her work is also held in public and private collections.

Beth Nichols says Goodbye as Village Frame & Gallery transitions to new ownership!

If you’ve stopped by Village Frame and Gallery recently you’ve likely noticed some changes. In late June I sold the business to Adam Gerlach. I had a chance to work with Adam in the months before the business changed hands. He is an experienced framer with a good eye and focus on quality, and he has the energy of the young! I am so happy that a nice, super-qualified framer is carrying on the legacy of this 24 year old business.

Adam and his wife Vanessa are both artists at heart and in practice. While Adam works with clients and does the framing Vanessa will be “wrangling the art,” meaning gallery shows will continue with opening events continuing on First Fridays. I encourage you to stop in the shop to meet Adam and bring your art finds in with confidence – You’re in good hands!

Nine years ago I purchased my favorite shop in Multnomah Village, Village Frame and Gallery. I met and worked with incredible clients and artists. I hired Lynne to help at the shop and found a friend. I have loved being a part of the fabric of the Village and the Village paid me back in ways I’ll never forget!

Meanwhile, Scott and I are building our “forever home” in Astoria. Getting to know our new city and the Pacific Northwest, taking time to really explore. Oh, I got a new haircut, too! Just in case you see me roaming around Multnomah Village on our monthly excursions back to the city. Please say “Hi!” 

Thank you to our clients, artists and fellow business owners for the last nine years. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

– – Beth Nichols

In the Gallery

F.L. Carrera
Investigations: Chalkboard Series
September 1st – October 28th, 2023
Artist reception, September 1st, 2023 from 5:30pm-8pm

We are thrilled to welcome local artist F.L.Carrera to the gallery for September and October! Join us for an artist reception on September 1st from 5:30pm-8pm and also experience First Fridays in The Village, with many local shops open late! 

“Inspired by the chalkboards that architect Louis Kahn designed and installed for the scientists at the Salk Institute, these paintings reference mathematical, religious, alchemical, Newtonian and scientific explorations. ” -F.L. Carrera

With layered and luminous surface treatments, these works bring together scientific forms, organic sensibilities and hints of chaos, evoking the tension created by human’s need to understand and control nature.
CADUCEUS mixed media with gold leaf/canvas 48 x 48
DOUBLE HELIX mixed media with gold leaf/canvas 48 x 48
ENTWINED mixed media with gold leaf/canvas 48 x 48

“While at work on this series, I found myself drawn to the works of
Archimedes, the philosopher Teilhard de Chardin, Carl Jung, and to the life and complex generativity of another complicated genius, the father of calculus, the author of the theory of universal gravitation, the first to understand the color spectrum…and some say the last great alchemist, Isaac Newton.” – -F.L. Carrera

More about F.L. Carrera: Carrera is a west coast artist and independent curator working in installation, mixed-media and painting.  Trained at Rutgers University, Carrera furthered her education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, the Atlin Centre for the Arts in British Columbia, and was mentored by famed Philadelphia artist Dan Wittels, himself a student of Grace Hartigan. Carrera went to San Diego to pursue a Ph.D. in behavioral medicine as a clinical psychologist.  In 2002 Carrera changed careers to pursue visual art professionally.  Carrera was the recipient of a fellowship at the Atlin Centre for the Arts in British Columbia and nominated for the San Diego Art Prize as one of the “New Contemporaries” in 2012. Carrera recently closed a 4,000 square foot art installation in San Diego called “Museo du Profundo Mundo: The Carrera Expediton,” exploring the world of museum collections, cabinets of curiosity and the role of the  scientist/artist. Recent installations include Oceanside Museum of Art, Mesa College, The San Diego Museum of Art, Grossmont College and The Monterey Museum.Carrera’s installations and paintings often explore the nexus between science and art and man’s complex interactions with the natural world. Carrera currently resides and has a studio in Portland, OR.

Multnomah Days!

Join us on Saturday, August 19th for Multnomah Days! This beloved annual event incorporates a one day open-air family friendly street festival with 120+ vendor booths, a community parade, live music, street entertainers, art, food & beverage carts plus outdoor street dining.

Stop by to see Liz Thoresens beautiful exhibit and pick up some of her handmade cards!

Don’t miss Liz’s show, on view until August 23rd!

In the Gallery: Liz Thoresen, Abstracts

Keeping Pace, 30″x30″ and Moving On, 24″x24″

Village Frame and Gallery welcomes Liz Thoresen to the gallery with a selection of dynamic Abstract Paintings. We are thrilled to be showcasing these layered and textural works, that spark imagination and contemplation. On view July 6th-August 23rd!

“The stimulus for painting an abstract is the self-discovery it brings as I layer paint and apply texture while balancing shapes, lines, and color.  My prompts are often inspirational lines from a book, song, or poem. Many times they are my emotional responses to current events.  Starting with words written on a substrate, I am surprised and energized with what transpires and appears on the canvas as the painting progresses.  The unexpected is my goal.  Abstracts allow for total immersion, unconstrained by a preconceived image.  It is this conversation with the unknown that excites me and keeps me painting over and over. ” -Liz Thoresen

About Liz Thoresen:

Liz Thoresen was born in San Francisco, California, 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 love of painting full time.   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 International Society of Experimental Artists.

“I live in a beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest where it is easy to find inspiration from many different sources. Ideas come from really seeing the world around me and the process of painting allows me to see that world more clearly. I find inspiration from nature, the weather, conversations, quotations, colors, shapes both man-made and natural, laughter, exercise, and the sheer beauty of the world around me. The magic that happens when color blends on paper, canvas, or board excites me and leads me from painting to painting. My aim is to express an idea in it’s own unique manner which prompts me to approach an idea in a variety of ways. I enjoy painting both representational and abstract and paint from a place of joy and hope my art brings you happiness as well. My studio in Beaverton is on four acres across the street from 500 acres of Federal Wildlife Preserve and in a beautiful valley which provides continual and unlimited inspiration.” -Liz Thoresen

Don’t miss this exhibit on view through August 23rd!

See more of Liz’s work on her website: https://www.lizthoresen.com/

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.

Object, Line, Shadow, Sculpture by Dianne Jean Erickson and Chas Martin in the Gallery this month!

Don’t miss this show! Village Frame and Gallery welcomes Dianne Jean Erickson and Chas Martin in the Gallery together for what is an energetic, bold and amazing show! Dianne’s new series Object and Line is a perfect foil for Chas’ bold and colorful sculpture.

Reception!

Join us on First Friday – Friday, May 5th at 5pm for the opening of Object, Line, Shadow, Sculpture and meet Dianne and Chas. The weather, while not warm and sunny is still perfect for a stroll in the Village. Stop in the shops, buy something nice for mom, enjoy the show and have some wine and nibbles with the artists at Village Frame and Gallery, and then grab dinner in the Village. What a perfect evening!

About Dianne Jean Erickson

Dianne Jean Erickson says it best about her paintings: “Each day working in my studio I start not knowing what image will emerge. I allow myself the freedom of indecisions, improvisations, and impulsiveness in my work, and that leads to exciting discoveries. Subjects of my paintings vary depending on ideas that arise. I use multiple mediums including, but not limited to encaustic, acrylic, oil and cold wax. I’m impatient by nature, my process is intuitive, I most enjoy the journey of creating, figuring out what works; what to keep, and what to abandon, until the piece works for me. I have no compulsion to save every work I do, and many become the layered history for a new piece. Creating art energizes me, it’s a place where time is altered, where all my feelings and emotions appear at some time or another; pleased, tired, upbeat, excited, harried, surprised, and hopefully at some point, satisfied.”

About Chas Martin

“My work comes from anthropology and energies of the natural world. My themes include relationships, situations and our role in the grand picture. On a primal level, we all share one community.”

Martin’s sculpture is directly influenced by his exploration of watercolor and acrylic painting. His Portland, Oregon studio is both a gallery and working studio – a collection of finished sculptures, paintings and sketches of works in progress. Martin offers classes, mentors individual artists and hosts meetings for groups like Pacific Northwest Sculptors. Wilderness is his inspiration – both physical and mental. His work combines natural beauty with concepts from physics, mystical influences and spirituality to create images that transcend time, gender, religion, race, politics and culture. Exploration of primal imagery opens doors to self reflection, conversation and growth.

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.

Multnomah Street Scenes II, paintings by Dennis Anderson and First Friday Reception

Renner’s Grill, Street by Dennis Anderson

Street Scenes II – Images of Multnomah Village and Portland

Images so colorful, so detailed you feel you are there. Capturing Multnomah Village and Portland in oil on canvas and board, Dennis Anderson’s paintings are fresh, happy and so familiar. Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to welcome Dennis and his paintings back to the Gallery for a month-long featured artist show!

Reception Tonight

Join us tonight, First Friday, for the opening reception of Street Scenes II – Images of Multnomah Village and Portland. Reception starts at 5 pm and runs through 7 pm and Dennis Anderson will be here to chat with you. Come on out! The weather is, well who knows what it will be doing at 5 pm, but you should visit the Village tonight. Shops are open late and you want to support the Village!

Artist Statement

The spirit of my work is contemplative.

I think of my paintings as Interpretive Naturalism, often finding an interest in routine moments of the urban street scene. In my best efforts, what is important
to me— is to elevate those activities of daily life, to give painterly significance—not merely to present a location, but to enliven what is familiar, often remembered, and frequently experienced.

Medium:
I use the luscious properties oil paint, developing a balance of loose brushwork to more painterly passages, all giving reference and impression to uneventful urban street scenes.
– – Dennis Anderson

Renner’s Grill by Dennis Anderson

In The Windows

Look for new work by Chas Martin in the windows this month!

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.

It’s First Friday! Last Chance to See the Paintings of George Woodcock, Closing Reception 5:30 pm Tonight!

Don’t miss your chance to own a painting by our friend, neighbor and local artist George Woodcock! George and his wife Marie were fixtures in Multnomah Village, their studios located just above Fat City Cafe. You can read more about George here.

Tonight we are celebrating his artwork once again, but this is your last chance. Come out to the Village, all the shops are here and it’s a lovely winter evening. See you soon!

Paintings by George Woodcock
Closing Reception
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Friday, January 6th

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.

Last Minute Gifts for your Holiday List!

Frieda, mosaic by Denise Sirchie

We’re getting down to the wire! The last pictures for Christmas delivery are on our work tables ready for their frames, Lynne has flown off to warmer climes to spend the holidays with family (a brilliant move given our weather for the next few days), and the Village is here to help you with your last minute shopping!

At Village Frame and Gallery we have lots of last minute gifts! In our windows we have Raku pottery by John Berland, mixed media sculptures by Chas Martin, hand-beaded jewelry by Susan Koch and gorgeous mosaics by Denise Sirchie – all uber local artists!

Our Town, original watercolor by Kaye Synoground

A Very Special Kaye Synoground Painting

Kaye Synoground was well loved in the Village. Her iconic images of The Village were collected on the posters she issued every holiday season. In 2001, after 9/11, she created “Our Town,” a quiet snowy Multnomah Village, American flags flying, watched over by Mt. Hood and a snowman sentinel.

Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to offer “Our Town” and another Kaye Synoground original watercolor, “Moon Lit,” both framed with Museum glass and both with Kaye’s original sketches for the images on the back. You can see both paintings in our window. Unfortunately, prints are not available for these and other Kaye Synoground images.

Chas Martin describes his sculptures:
“Why limit paintings to flat surfaces? Why limit sculptures to flat color? I paint sculptures. It’s not new. The Greeks did it. I combine paint, storytelling and a fascination with dimensional figures. I turn petroglyph-inspired characters into archetypal figures. It begins with pencil and watercolor sketches. Sketches become wire armatures – like line drawings in space. I reposition arms, legs, hips and heads until the character’s gesture works. It’s like the interaction between director and actor, exploring how each nuance amplifies their story. I cloak these mixed media characters in paint as a costume designer dresses actors to project their personalities.”

Extended – George Woodcock Paintings in the Gallery
We are pleased to have George Woodcock’s paintings in the gallery through January 7th! There will be a closing reception on First Friday, January 6th at 5:30 pm.

Holiday Hours
Village Frame and Gallery will be closed December 27th through December 31st for a well-earned break. Besides, Lynne isn’t here so…what fun is that? We will reopen, ready to help you with all your picture framing needs on Tuesday, January 3rd. We wish you a Merry Christmas and healthy and happy New Year!

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.

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.