Natural Forces - Unnatural Talent

The Show is titled Natural Forces and it is on display from June 18 through July 10 at Jacobs Gallery in the Hult Center.

As I walked up to the Hult Center my friend Renee Manford, who is one of the four artists in the show, was having her picture taken outside...

... and seemed pleased with the result.

Walking into the gallery her print titled "Clouds on High" was hung with the show sign.

The show was one of the best I've seen this year...

... and was a chance to see some of Renee's art on display. Some like this beautiful hand painted print titled "Water Falling off Cliffs" was one I had previously only seen on Renee's Website .

"Twilight at South Beach Yachats Oregon" is another new monoprint by Renee I had not seen in person and was happy to see up close

Jacobs Gallery is always a great experience and always has diverse art from some of the best artists in the community.

Lynn Ihsen Peterson's Display was an amazing view of the natural spectrum next to wispy clouds over the plains.

Another of the four artists that was thee tonight was April Waters who had a group of admirers ...

... following her and she was answering questions about her larger than life portraits.

April calls them "Sheroes" because they are women who have made a positive difference in the world. Her favorite of the paintings is Helen Caldicott, M.D (on the right)

"While living in the United States from 1977 to 1986, she co-founded the Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization of 23,000 doctors committed to educating their colleagues about the dangers of nuclear power, nuclear weapons and nuclear war. On trips abroad she helped start similar medical organizations in many other countries."

You may also recognize Anti-War Activist Cindy Sheehan (on the left) who lost a son to the Iraq war and forced us all to look harder at the human cost of that war.

April's work was a great reminder that beauty isn't just skin deep.

"The Cove" is a very new work for Renee and this is my first chance to ever see it. It is truly a great piece of art.

I think the only thing Renee enjoys more than painting is being able to talk with others about art.

There were several people in attendance for the opening but the real thrill will be the First Friday Art walk July 2 and the opening of the Bach Festival that starts June 23 and ends July 11.

My buddy Ron was there wishing Renee well for the show.

So why is it the Jacobs Gallery always seems to have consistently great shows? Part of the reason the quality of the art and the other part is the Director and staff. Beverly Soasey is an outgoing and talented director...

... who treats every visitor as if they were a friend...

That atmosphere is multiplied to others especially the artists ...and I'm sure the Board of directors.

and I'm sure the Board of directors.

In the end it was a lovely evening of great art and good friends.

Quote of the Day ~ "

Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth." ~ Helen Caldicott