COASTAL CREATURES

The 2015 Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show

Highlights from the “Encore Exhibition” Bandon Professional Center

December 4, 2015 – January 31, 2016

The 2015 Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show featured 270 works by more than 400 students and adults. This unique open-air gallery showcased original creative work on the downtown Bandon waterfront – one of the most scenic backdrops in Southwestern Oregon. The theme, Coastal Creatures—Real or Imagined, attracted spectacular entries in many styles. The artists drew inspiration from a variety of sources, from classic folk tales and myths to contemporary fan art. The artworks celebrate the simple pleasures of our coastal landscape as well as deepen our appreciation of the natural world. These are highlights from the 35 artworks displayed at an “encore exhibition” at the Bandon Professional Center from December 4, 2015 to January 31, 2016. The encore exhibition included the adjudicated prizewinners as well as a representative selection of other participating artists. We hope you enjoy the show, both in person, and as memorialized by this catalog.

Robert S. “Robin” Miller III January 8, 2016

Applause and Acknowledgments Port of Bandon Reg Pullen, Donny Goddard, Wayne Butler, Rick

Goché, and Kelly Nelson Miles, Commissioners; Gina Dearth, General Manager; Bob Shammot, Harbormaster; Steven Leskin, Project Manager; Trudy Spanier, Special Projects; and Bruce and Theresa Sampson, Operations

Show Curators Ava Richey and Shawn Tempesta Show Judges Kirk Day, Lisa Hawthorne, Angela Haseltine Pozzi,

and Coos County Commissioner John Sweet Title Sponsor Bandon Professional Center Contributors Ace Hardware Company, Bandon Supply Company,

Pat and Sue Reed, Maya Graphics, Art by the Sea Gallery, and Bandon Bait Shop

Artists in the Schools Susan Lehman and Vicki Affatati Teachers Ocean Crest Elementary School: Mrs. Bemetz, Mrs.

Biasca, Mrs. Goddard, Mrs. Massey, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Polamalu, Mr. Sylvester, Mrs. Tulles, and Mrs. Weston; Harbor Lights Middle School: Ms. Augsburger; Bandon High School: Mrs. Ells

Media Coverage The World News publications Show Photography Emma Jones and Jeremy Chaney

All artworks and images depicted herein remain © copyright owned by their respective owners

and may not be used or re-published without written permission. Thank you.

Sparkling Velella Patricia J. Cink (American, b. 1949) Velella – also known as sea raft, by-the-wind sailor, or purple sail – skim across the the ocean surface, their dangling tentacles feeding upon ocean plankton. Prevaling winds sometimes mass-strand velella on the beach, where they will die within hours from dehydration and exposure. This velella still glistens, its sail erect and fluttering in a light salt air breeze. The fading evening sky dapples the sand with light, and the dying velella shimmers with iridescent, cobalt-blue beauty. Adult 1st Place Prize • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Wind Whales II David Black (American, b. 1960) Mr. Black’s wind whales are painted with such attention to zoological detail, and the scene is so ordered and logical, that the existence of these fantasy creatures does not seem terribly implausible. The pelican-pteranodons hint that this may be our familiar coastal landscape, but set in prehistoric times. Adult 3rd Place Prize/People’s Choice 1st Place • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Coming Ashore Brian Noel (American, b. 1974) A kraken – the octopus-type sea monster of myth and legend – lurks beneath the placid Bandon waterfront, its tentacles sneaking around the edges of the backdrop. Mr. Noel, a respected artisan doing business as BearKat Wood, says that while carving and shaping the wood, “the picture took on a life of its own.” Adult Honorable Mention Prize • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic, glass, wood with pyrography on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Fanciful Joan Good(wo)man Fox (American, b. 1939) Ms. Fox is a long-time Oregon South coast plein air painter and poet. The handwritten verse on the painting says:

Sea Creatures under the sea, my eyes can not see but in my head images flow to my brush pictures show. Some are fanciful others really So.

BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Seashore Fantasy Carol Hanlin (American, b. 1937) Ms. Hanlin was a professional dancer with the world-renowned American Ballet Theater and the San Francisco Ballet, and so it is perhaps not surprising that her painting feels more like a performance than a still life. The starfish and sea urchin are on beach center stage, colorfully costumed, and appear to sway and dance before our very eyes. Bandon’s iconic Face Rock is pictured in the background. BPC Special Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and acrylic puff paint on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Sea Turtle Jodi Lee (American, b. 1951) Ms. Lee is a native Oregonian and self-taught watercolor artist. Her projects reflect her western upbringing and appreciation for the unique lifestyle and life forms of the west, especially those at risk. Ms. Lee’s present mission is to paint all of the threatened and endangered species in the Western United States. She says, “I hope to use my work to help ensure their survival.” BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

A Time to Every Purpose Angie Jeanne Thomas (American, b. 1961) The artist is new to painting but she has composed a serene image of quiet power. A sea nymph comforts a fish on hook, encouraging it to be at peace with its destiny. Ms. Thomas says, “there is so much about God’s Creation we do not know.” BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Leafy Seadragon and Friends Joanne B. Drapkin (American, b. 1950) The Leafy Seadragon, native to Austalian waters, is found near kelp-covered rocks and clumps of sea grass. Its long, leaf-like protrusions camouflage it from predators – and help it sneak up on its own prey of plankton and small crustaceans. Ms. Drapkin says she has been fascinated by these spectacular, mysterious creatures ever since seeing one in National Geographic magazine. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and collage on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Mermaid in Silhouette Stephanie Hawk (American) Ms. Hawk’s painting is a fleeting vision – the flash of an overhead sun silhouettes the mermaid’s body – a shock of hair, illuminated pale blue, wisps and billows into the currents. Bubbles swirl around a submerged dross of fronds, grasses, and flowers. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and pressed plant and floral matter on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Sea Creature Laurel Gregory (American, b. 1933) Ms. Gregory’s painting is stippled with thousands of dots, a technique inspired by Australian aboriginal art. The effect gives mesmerizing power to the subject. A mysterious sea creature, part-plant, part-animal, regards us warily, its tendrils unfurled and feeling into the murky ocean currents. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Wolf Eels in Love Holly Stamper (American, b. 1953) “There is no ugly in Nature—only perfection. If the features of an animal appear foreign to you, it is because it fulfills a role in Nature that is truly awe-inspiring; possibly even beyond your imaginings,” says Jackie Hildering of themarinedetective.com. There’s much to like about wolf eels. They are homebodies. They like crunchy snacks, especially of the crab and sea urchin variety. They are good parents, and they form long-lasting pair relationships. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and craft jewels on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Mermaid and Seal Jean McLaren Sharpe (American, b. 1938) Ms. Sharpe studied fashion illustration at Traphagen School of Design in New York City and art at the Vancouver School of Art. Her painting is a harmony of curves. Our eyes are swept around and through the figurative elements of this lovely painting as though we ourselves are being carried along by ocean currents. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Canneberge C.E. Noel (American, b. 1975) Ms. Noel wanted to paint an Oregon Coast subject art nouveau, a design style popular 1890-1910, inspired by natural forms and characterized by sinuous, curvy lines. This Coho salmon, relaxing in its seawood salon, enjoying a glass of cranberry juice, charmingly recalls the print advertisements of that pre-World War I era. Canneberge is French for cranberry. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and phosphorescent paint on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Zebra Butterfly Sea Star Ivy Larue Precourt (American, b. 2008) A starfish takes flight with gossamer wings, paned with rainbow hues. The vibrant, purple background hums with electrical energy. The starfish may be just another marine invertebrate, but in Ms. Precourt’s ecstatic vision, it becomes — a Star. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and marker on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Seal Swimming in the Sea Samuel Noel (American, b. 2003) “This is a harbor seal swimming at the bottom of the ocean. My love of seals inspired me to do this painting. I want to be a marine biologist and take care of seals,” says Mr. Noel. Perhaps no finer tribute to Phoca vitulina – the common seal – has ever been painted. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Cthulhu Matt Noel (American, b. 2000) Horror writer H. P. Lovecraft first described this terrible creature of fiction in “The Call of Cthulhu,” published 1928. Cthulhu slumbers in the sunken city of R’lyeh, somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean, but will rise again when the stars are right. Mr. Noel says: “There will always be something much bigger than you, and Cthulhu represents that.” BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Merrow Megan Noel (American, b. 2001) A merrow is a mermaid, or merman, of 19th century Irish folklore. The literature describes merrow–maidens to have a modest disposition, green-tinted scales, and green hair, sometimes described as a “magical cap.” Ms. Noel interprets her merrow to have tresses of seaweed and coral, and pictures her in meditation, head bowed, willing the sea-floor to grow. Jellyfish dance in thrall to the silent music of the ocean. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

The Legend of Face Rock Shawn Tempesta (American, b. 1951) Gwal’ya, also known as Coquille Mary (1834–1911), was a Nasomah Indian woman and gifted storyteller. Her Legend of Face Rock is one of Bandon’s most beloved place-name origin stories. Ewauna, the beautiful princess, gazes forever skyward, refusing to lock eyes with the evil ocean spirit Seatka, which had grabbed and menaced her during her ocean swim. Ewauna’s loyal cat and kittens rest nearby, waiting for their mistress to be free. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Feeling the Dream Ava Richey (American, b. 1950) Cleaner shrimp may not be most glamorous of crustaceans and one would be hard pressed to find them in the plush toy section of the public aquarium, but they are no less amazing in form and function and practically belong to the realm of science fiction. Ms. Richey’s painting is a lovely study in contrast – two cleaner shrimp glow opalescently against the muck and green-browns of old pilings underwater. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic and interference paints on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Pirates and Mermaids Eric Wyatt (American, b. 1971) In cosplay – a portamanteau of costume and play – participants wear costumes and accessories to bring a fictional character to life. Local talent Robin Wyatt, Harley Davidson, Coleen O’Neill, and Ariana Elbert appear in this cleverly staged image, photographed at the Coquille River Lighthouse. The pirates loom and strut arrogantly – but the mermaids are indifferent; amused, at best. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Fish, Fowl & Folk Lois Olds (American, b. 1935) Entwining shapes of fish, birds, and human beings fuse in this delightful folk-art painting, elegantly reminding us that humans are coastal creatures, too. Ms. Olds says, “I have been a lifelong advocate for the many benefits of creative expression and have seen many lives transformed through the process of self-discovery. Works of art outlive the artist!” So too the message of this artwork is timeless – we are joint venturers on this planet and our futures are interdependent. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Five Starfish Anna Crosby (American, b. 1935) Ms. Crosby is a noted local artist, recently celebrating 50 years of association with the Coquille Valley Art Center. She trained in her college years at the Portland Art Museum Art School and has superintended the Coos County Fair art department for the past ten years. For this painting, Ms. Crosby achieved a convincing hazy, underwater effect by laying and manipulating plastic wrap over wet paint. BPC Encore Selection • 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

What Color is the Ocean? The ocean typically appears “blue” because water absorbs colors in the long-wavelength, red end of the visible light spectrum, leaving short-wavelength blues for us to see. But the ocean will also take on green, red, or other hues as light reflects off of floating algae and mineral sediments. These student artworks, all fantasy subjects painted on smaller panels (12x18 inches), showcase the astonishing variety of colors the ocean might reveal to us under different conditions. Clockwise from top left: Sydni Flynn High School 1st Place Prize Zakary Wilde Martinez BPC Encore Selection – Middle School Rebeca Larson BPC Encore Selection – High School Taarna Lancaster High School Honorable Mention Prize Aryana Gore High School 3rd Place Prize Paige Smith High School 2nd Place Prize 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show acrylic on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Collage – Painting or Sculpture? Collage – from French coller, “to glue” – refers to the artful pasting and assembly of colored paper, string, printed illustrations, found objects, and similar materials onto a backing. These student artworks show how collage can bridge the worlds of painting and sculpture by creating an illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional board. A fourth dimension of time is suggested, even – images appear to flicker, as though cast by a movie projector. From left: Mrs. Bemetz’s 2nd Grade Elementary/Middle 1st Place Prize Baylee, Emma, Makenna, and Sydni Mrs. Polamalu’s 1st Grade Elementary/Middle 2nd Place Prize Benito, Damien, Logan, and Wyatt Mrs. Goddard’s 1st Grade Elementary/Middle 3rd Place Prize Lily, Rowdy, Tyler, Aubrey, Tanner, Gabby, and Alana 2015 Bandon Boardwalk Art Show collage on medium density overlay (MDO) panel

Tsunami Wave Victoria Tierney (American, b. 1942) and staff and volunteers of the Washed Ashore Project of Bandon, Oregon Bandon’s Washed Ashore Project is a non-profit, community-based organization with a mission of educating and creating awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution through art. The artwork above, which is is inspired by the celebrated woodblock print Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), is constructed entirely of marine debris recovered from Pacific ocean beaches. It is a visceral reminder that we face a “tsunami” of plastic pollution in our oceans and an eloquent call to action. Where possible, we must reduce disposable packaging, recycle, and transition to biodegradable materials. appearing by special permission of Angela Haseltine Pozzi / Washed Ashore Project layered marine debris collage mounted on plywood

Thank you. We hope to see you at the 2016 Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show.

for more information, please contact:

Port of Bandon P. O. Box 206

Bandon, OR 97411

(541) 347 – 3206