MHCC STAFF SHOW OFF ARTISTIC TALENTS

Colorful, creative work from Mt. Hood art instructors is on display in the Visual Arts Gallery through Oct. 17.

To help kick off the faculty exhibit, a reception on Sept. 26 was held for the nine participants in the faculty exhibit, each of them using different mediums in their art. It was a chance to enjoy these instructors’ artistic skills and hear how they enjoy expressing themselves.

The exhibit goes from classic paintings, to some stunning woodwork, to pieces made of glass.

With the variety of items, visitors are sure to find something that catches their eye.

Nathan Orosco has many pieces at the show, the majority made of glass. Two look kind of like a mosaic, each featuring a lot of little pieces. He also has three glass flags at the show, with a wavy motion to them.

He doesn’t just have glass pieces, though. He also made two metal masks, made of bronze and aluminum, plus a piece that seemed to be a human spine.

Orosco’s pieces are expertly made, and real gentle on the eyes.

Matteo Neivert shows several beautiful paintings that leave a lasting impression. There are five nature-based pieces, painted on wood, and two pieces on canvas that looked like they were actively moving on the canvas. Neivert mainly used acrylic paint, but some of his paintings use more than just the acrylic.

His paintings feature mostly warmer colors to feel inviting, which fit for the nature pieces. On one of his canvases however, he used nothing but cold colors. This gives off the feel of a cold climate and setting the piece was portraying.

Edie Overturf offers several pieces made from wood that really toy with the human mind. The great thing about art is how you can get someone to think, and his pieces often tap into the human psyche and focus on current events and arguments.

One piece touches on the weight of responsibility and effect of self-doubt on a single individual. Another talks about the global warming argument: It’s presented as if it were on a movie announcement board, while in front of it was a small sign reading “fake news”.

Overturf’s pieces are very psychologically inviting and fun to think about.

At the far end of the hall hang Richard Cutshall’s pieces, which could be described with words such as grotesque or disturbing. The choices of color and shading can really cause discomfort in one’s mind: His pieces invoke a certain reaction – doing what all good art is supposed – creating a sort of psychological warfare, in this case.

Mary Girsch centers on digital art, more than paintings or sculptures. She played with circles and color palettes to create soft-on-the-eyes pieces that can also be interpreted as an optical illusion. She has three on display at the show, each with different forms and palettes, that make for a less atmosphere in the gallery.

Donna Ryan made her pieces from blocks of wood. Her subjects aren’t a specific person or specimen, but are of lovely landscapes. She used a subtractive style of art, which is when you start with a whole piece of your medium and take away from it to make a final product.  Her mix of warm and cool colors stick out, and are unique in the exhibit.

Also on display are several beautiful vases and bowls that show a professional quality. Natalie Warrens has created stunning ceramic bowls, cups, and vases with a nice polish and choice of bright colors that make them really seem like they belong in your cupboards.

There also are many jars and vases made by John Hasegawa, which have a more earthy, gray feel to them. His pieces are wonderfully crafted, and look like they are sturdy and hard to break.

In the center of the gallery is a huge painting by retired Mt. Hood staff member Georganne Watters. This painting a woman in a flowing dress, was stunning and was one of the main attractions at the showing. The piece used pastel colors in combination with white to make it a bright piece that made your heart feel lighter.

The entire art show was filled with love and talent. It was great that the staff at MHCC is so committed to their personal joys as well as their teaching. Every piece at the show was unique and not like anything we’ve seen before. Art is a gateway to one’s passions and psyche.

The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.