The Cows of Multnomah

View of Tualatin Valley North of Multnomah (courtesy of Multnomah Historical Association)

Dairyland

Multnomah Dairy was established at what is now SW 40th and SW Vermont; Fruitiger and Silver Hill Dairy were established at the present-day Mittleman Jewish Community Center; Elco Dairy on SW Shattuck, purchased by Alpenrose Dairy after a fire destroyed their original operations; Fulton Park Dairy, Hillsdale Dairy, the list goes on…the area that Multnomah Village and Hillsdale call home was once vast dairyland. The photo above pictures Multnomah Dairy (at the right) and the house in the foreground still exists at 3522 SW Texas. The area, once known as pasture for dairy cows, is present day Gabriel Park.

Cows and dairy farms played a major role in Multnomah until the late nineteen forties. The dairies consolidated, land was sold for schools, residential homes pressed into the area and business districts flourished creating what we now know as Multnomah Village and Hillsdale.

Cow House, or Casa Vacca

Casa Vacca, our neighbor to the east, sought to celebrate the rich dairy history of the Multnomah area. For almost six years Casa Vacca served first Mexican tapas dishes, later transitioning to their Italian specialties and wood fired pizzas. Sara, Nick and Pete provided an inviting gathering place with delectable bites and fine spirits.

Succumbing to the vagaries of COVID restrictions, supply chain issues, unsteady employment situations and health issues, Casa Vacca sadly closed their doors for good last week. The note on the door says, “We did our best. Thank you for your incredible Loyalty and Support.” Village Frame & Gallery will miss Casa Vacca and Sara, Nick and Pete and wish them good luck in their next adventures.

Cow by Sara Star Medici

Cow

Cows graced the walls of Casa Vacca – old photos, artwork and a very big, very special painting. Cow, shown above, was quite popular. It hung over the windows, high on the wall. At 48 inches high by 60 inches wide, Cow is an imposing figure and a fitting tribute to the history of Multnomah Village. Painted by Casa Vacca co-owner Sara, it adds its own flavor to the history.

Cow is now for sale at Village Frame & Gallery. Call us at 503-245-8001 or stop in to see it before it’s gone to grace another home in Multnomah Village.

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.

First Friday Tonight and Acrylic Paintings by Liz Thoresen in the Gallery!

The weather is lovely and it’s socially distanced First Friday in the Village! Things are a bit different, but shops are open and extending their hours (and some are having great sales!) So come on out tonight, enjoy a beverage or dinner al fresco and stop in at Village Frame and Gallery to see the new show in the gallery – Acrylic paintings by Liz Thoresen. Her show opens today through the end of September. We’re open tonight until 7pm and hope to see you!

On the Horizon by Liz thoresen

About Liz Thoresen

Liz Thoresen 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 passion of painting full time. An award wining artist, 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 the International Society of Acrylic Artists, and the International Society of Experimental Artists.

Colorful Musings III by Liz Thoresen

Publications: Her painting “The Ride of Your Life” was included in Lesley Riley’s books “Inspirational Quotes Illustrated” and “Quotes Illustrated” and her painting “Gizzy” was on the cover of the February 2015 issue of the international magazine, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. “Staying the Course” was selected to be included in the Q1 2018 international magazine, 1340. Her painting, “Whispers in the Grove” has been selected by the US State Department for loan at the US Embassy in Brunei. 

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our adjusted regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. You can call us at 503-245-8001.

Multnomah Days (Ad)Venture in the Village this weekend; New shops in the Village and more!

Been to the Village lately? It looks a bit different. Restaurants are serving food under colorful canopies, we have new shops and restaurants opening as I write and Multnomah Days, starting today through Sunday, August 16th, has taken on a whole new look! A digital hunt for prizes, discounts, and more, Multnomah Days 2020 encourages you to explore many of the unique delights the Village has to offer. Perfect timing!

(Ad)Venture in the Village

Join us this weekend for (Ad)Venture in the Village – a clever digital twist on a classic scavenger hunt. A list of clues will be released on the Multnomah Village website beginning at noon on Friday. Decipher the clues to find which Village businesses have a special offer. QR codes posted at participating businesses will lead you along your path. Find out more here.

What will be the Village Frame and Gallery prize?! Click here for a sneak peek.

What’s new in the Village?

We’ve been awaiting the opening of Y’alla for quite a while and it’s finally here! Located in the old O’Connor’s location, Y’alla has options for take-out, delivery, dine-in and dine-out! The menu is currently taped to the windows and had us drooling. Hours and info at https://www.yallapdx.com. And as you drive by on Multnomah Blvd, check out the awesome mural on their back deck!

We peeked in the window of Arranged & Rooted Studio this morning and we’re so excited! Taking over the space where Anne Bocci once resided right next to Fat City, Arranged & Rooted opens at 4 pm today! Hours and more at https://www.arrangedandrooted.com.

Mad Sass Soap company is open in the space once graced by Jones & Jones Jewelers. It looks cool and inviting and a perfect addition to the Village. See more about Mad Sass Soap at https://madsasssoap.com.https://madsasssoap.com/

In the Gallery

Walk Breathe, oil and pastel paintings by Susan Kuznitsky remain in the gallery through the end of August.

Woodcuts and etchings by Jeanette Nuxoll will hang in our windows through the end of August. The perfect addition to the atmosphere for al fresco dining at Casa Vacca Italian!

Read more about Susan Kuznitshy and Jeanette Nuxoll here.

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our adjusted regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. You can call us at 503-245-8001.

Walk Breathe – oil and pastel paintings by Susan Kuznitsky in the gallery; Intaglio prints by Jeanette Nuxoll in the windows and more!

Featured artist Susan Kuznitsky


Summer Days by Susan Kuznitsky

Village Frame & Gallery is pleased to feature local artist Susan Kuznitsky in the gallery with oil and pastel paintings in a show we call Walk Breathe. Susan writes:

“I have never appreciated the peace and safety of my home as much as I do now. The outside world has never felt as scary. I make it a point to remind myself each day how lucky I am to be here at the end of my road, in the woods, surrounded by nature and most recently, my hummingbirds that have finally found my feeder. Don’t get me wrong, it has been no picnic adjusting to this new lifestyle. Me, myself and I can get pretty down in the dumps!

Enter Zoom… After a crash course on learning how to use Zoom, I am teaching Pastel Classes Online. And loving it! I am also using Zoom to connect with other artists all over the country as we support each other in this new world, as well as staying connected with friends and family.

Early Evening Walk by Susan Kuznitsky

As part of my ‘The Art of Staying at Home’ therapy I painted a series of oil paintings from photos I took while walking through the beautiful woods at Gabrielle Park near my home. Walking in the woods is the other way I have been keeping myself sane.

Forest Path by Susan Kuznitsky

Check out Susan’s website with paintings, workshop information and how to commission paintings by Susan, it’s worth a look! The address is www.susankuznitsky.com.

Intaglio prints in the windows by Jeanette Nuxoll and outdoor dining at Casa Vacca Italian Bistro & Bar

Quiet by Jeanette Nuxoll

We are happy to welcome Jeanette Nuxoll back to the gallery windows! Now is a perfect time to stroll by the shop, stop at the new Casa Vacca Italian Bistro & Bar alfresco dining area for a bite and beverage (check out their new menu and hours here) and enjoy Jeanette’s artwork in our windows! Read more about Jeanette Nuxoll here.

Miss the Dusty Divas show?

Serenity by Donna Stevens

Dusty Diva Donna Stevens has a new website where you can view her lovely pastels including Serenity, above. Her website is www.donnastevensfineart.com.

Yes, we’re open!

Yes, we’re open! We have temporarily changed our hours to allow for proper sanitizing and reduced staff, but we are excited to welcome you back to the gallery. We’re happy to work with you in the gallery during business hours, by appointment after hours and virtually via telephone, email and text. We look forward to your next project!

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our adjusted regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. You can call us at 503-245-8001.

“A Slice of Life” Fine Art in Pastel with the Dusty Divas

Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to present “A Slice of Life,” fine art pastel paintings by the Dusty Divas – local artists Donna Stevens, Kristen Horn, Donna Sires and Beth Keyser. An artist reception is planned for Friday, March 6th at 6 pm. Please join us to see these lovely pastel paintings and meet the artists!

Read more about the artists at the links below:

It’s First Friday in the Village!

The weather has been mild and we’re all itching to get out. Join us for First Friday for beautiful art, meet the Dusty Divas and grab a snack while you’re in the Village!

Our Framed Art Sale Continues!

Village Frame and Gallery’s entire framed art inventory is on sale now, at our lowest sale prices ever! No longer on the gallery wall, we still have wonderful artwork for sale in the display windows and on the picture rails. We have smaller items tucked away in back, so let us know what you’re looking for and we can check our inventory. We still have a few precious Kaye Synoground holiday pieces at great sale prices.

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 Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Artist Reception Tonight at 6pm, Renner’s is Open and Our Framed Art Sale Continues

It’s February. It’s gray, but not raining, and it’s First Friday! Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to feature Elana Einstein and Janet Collamer in the gallery this month.

About Elana Einstein

Elana Einstein is a local Portland artist and a retired preschool teacher. She now enjoys her time dotting mandalas and other symbolic themes. She also uses multi media photo manipulation to create dotted personal photos.

She paints acrylics on canvas, wood, rocks and other recycled and natural materials. Einstein says “creating mandalas is a meditative activity that provides peace of mind to the creator and observer. Through my art I try practicing generosity, loving kindness and gratitude every day.”

About Janet Collamer

Janet Collamer is a painter who is greatly inspired by native art in the Americas, Africa, Asia, but especially Australia. Janet lived in Mexico for two years and the murals and bright colors used there also inform her work.

Janet is a retired public school teacher where her best day of the week was Art Day. Janet lives in Beaverton with her husbands and sons.

Join us tonight, 6pm to 8 pm, for an artist’s reception to welcome Elana and Janet in the gallery. After the reception, stop by Renner’s to welcome them back to the neighborhood. Yes…

Renner’s is Open!

They’re still working out the kinks, but Renner’s Bar & Grill and Suburban room opened to the public for the first time in almost two years last Friday night for a fundraising event. The same faces are there and our neighborhood Five Star Dive Bar is back! The interior, rebuilt completely from the ground up has the same layout and a new curved bar. It’s still Renner’s, but updated.

We are so pleased to welcome Renner’s back to the neighborhood, it’s been too long. Renner’s opens at 11:00 am every day. We hope to see you there!

Our Framed Art Sale Continues!

Village Frame and Gallery’s entire framed art inventory is on sale now, at our lowest sale prices ever! No longer on the gallery wall, we still have wonderful artwork for sale in the display windows and on the picture rails. We have smaller items tucked away in back, so let us know what you’re looking for and we can check out inventory. We still have a few precious Kaye Synoground holiday pieces at great sale prices.

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 Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Opening Tonight: Women with Attitude, Holiday Gala in the Village!

First Friday and Artist’s Reception Tonight!

It’s First Friday and we’re celebrating Women with Attitude by Dianne Jean Erickson with an artist’s reception from 6pm to 8pm. Stop in, have a little wine and talk to Dianne about her Women. Browse Dianne’s work and decide which is your favorite Woman with Attitude!

Holiday Gala Tonight!

Don’t miss this family-friendly event – tonight is the Holiday Gala in the Village. The festivities are about to get started and the tree lighting is at 7pm. Stop in the shops and grab a bite or a beverage while you’re here and be sure to show Multnomah Village small businesses some love this holiday season!

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 Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Women with Attitude, Golden Tickets and the Holidays at Village Frame & Gallery

Dianne Jean Erickson and Women with Attitude

Village Frame & Gallery is pleased to present Women with Attitude by local artist Dianne Jean Erickson through the month of December. Opening today, Dianne’s Women seem to feel right at home at Village Frame & Gallery or, maybe we just love them so much! Read more about Dianne here.

See Dianne’s Women in the Gallery during regular business hours, or stop in and meet Dianne at the opening reception on First Friday, December 6th starting at 6 pm!

Afternoon Tea by Dianne Jean Erickson, oil and cold wax

It’s Golden Ticket Time in the Village!

Shop local and save when you collect and redeem Golden Tickets at local Multnomah Village and Hillsdale businesses this holiday season! Village Frame & Gallery is offering 10% off custom framing projects, or spend $30 and receive Golden Tickets to use at other local businesses!

Framing for the Holidays

Snow Bowl by Kaye Synoground

Forgot about that artwork you picked up from a street artist this summer? Love that painting you got from Mom and Dad, but hate the frame? Now is the time to bring them in for framing in time for holiday celebrations! Village Frame & Gallery is accepting framing projects for delivery before Christmas through Saturday, December 14th. After that date, custom framing orders for Christmas delivery will be accepted based on materials availability and as schedule permits. Don’t delay, come in now and take advantage of Golden Ticket deals!

Looking for something special? Village Frame & Gallery still has original paintings and a few Multnomah Village posters by Kaye Synoground. The selection is limited to what we have on hand, so stop in soon!

Holiday Gala in the Village this Friday!

Yes, the tree lighting, the horse-drawn carriages, Santa and the choirs, it must be the Holiday Gala in Multnomah Village! And at Village Frame & Gallery, the opening reception for Dianne Jean Erickson’s Women with Attitude! The reception starts at 6pm. So come on out to the Village this Friday for fun, food, music and art! Don’t miss this family-friendly event in the Village!

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 Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Anne Bocci returns to the Village, Halloween Fun and First Friday, “Oh my!”

Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to welcome artwork by Anne Bocci in the Gallery during the month of November! Join us this Friday, November 1st, at 6pm for an artist’s reception celebrating Anne’s return to Multnomah Village!

About Anne Bocci

Anne Bocci is an artist, painter and jewelry designer. After decades of being an artist herself she opened Anne Bocci Boutique & Gallery in Multnomah Village in 2007 to support other artists and designers. In 2016 she expanded to Portland’s Pearl District to a larger space to celebrate more artists and to mentor designers. Besides promoting artists, Anne finds an oasis in creating art herself.

She has studied with the acclaimed Alexander Rokoff and Julia Armstrong Peltz. Her artwork can be found in shows around the US, and in the gallery space she has in the Pearl District, 416 NW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209. http://annebocciboutique.com

It’s Halloween in the Village!

Halloween in the Village is upon us again! Businesses all through the Village will be participating in a community wide Trick or Treating event. Candy, games, and more will be provided by businesses along SW Capitol Hwy and on SW Troy in Multnomah Village. This Thursday – Halloween – October 31st, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, rain or shine!

First Friday in the Village!

Take advantage of the dry weather and come out to the Village this Friday! Grab a bite, browse your favorite shops and stop in to see Anne Bocci and her new paintings!

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 6 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Figural Abstractions by Karen Story

Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to present Figural Abstractions, a new show by Karen Story, now in the Gallery through September.

Family Texture by Karen Story

Artist’s Statement

My interest in depicting the human figure began at PNCA where I received my a BFA in 1991. Whether working on an isolated figure or one in interaction with another, this never-ending challenge has been my studio companion.

Having recently begun working with media which are textural, I found that I needed to change my approach. I began to use a palette knife and other tools besides a paintbrush to apply cold wax. Encaustic is also quite textural.

Being influenced by California figure artists of the 60s, I also began using colors not found on the body. This has been a serious challenge for me. I want to keep the form in proportion and anatomically correct while using texture and color abstractly.

This new body of work is the result of this challenge to abstract within the figure. I hope you enjoy viewing it.

–Karen Story

Artist’s Reception First Friday

Join us for an artist’s reception on First Friday. Meet Karen and speak to her about the work, the process and inspiration. The reception begins this Friday, September 6th, at 6 pm. Make an evening of it in The Village! Grab a bite, stop in to see the new exhibit in the Gallery and then walk down the block and visit JP General, a hip new shop at the end of the block!

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 6 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4 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.