Astoria Visual Arts (AVA)

01/10/2025

Congrats Paul Soriano on being selected for the next AVA artist-in-residence! Paul will receive a free studio space from January 1 - June 30 to work on a new series of paintings.

Paul has enjoyed a lifetime of making art, but stopped making work during Covid. Upon moving to Astoria, he found community and reconnected with family and a new series began to unfold. He plans to explore grisaille (tonal underpainting), reflecting on the loss of love, of youth, and all there is except mere breath.

Meet Paul during Artwalk on January 11 from 4:00 - 7:00pm. You can find him in his new studio upstairs in the Astoria Studio Collective, 372 10th Street (above AVA).

Thanks to our amazing program sponsors and !

01/06/2025

Astoria Visual Arts invites artists to submit work for an open call community exhibit at AVA featuring salmon related artwork in honor of the 27th annual FisherPoets Gathering in February.

Artists may submit 1 to 3 pieces made using any media and in any size, keeping in mind that space is limited so artwork that is over 36" wide must be approved by AVA. Artwork must be ready to hang or install. There is no fee to participate in this exhibit and artwork does not have to be for sale. All artists, residing anywhere, are welcome.

Artwork needs to be delivered to AVA at 1000 Duane Street in Astoria, Wednesday, February 5 from 4:00 to 6:00pm or Thursday, February 6 from 10:00am to noon, or ahead of time by arrangement.

The exhibit will open February 8 and run through March 2. Join us an artist reception during Artwalk on Saturday, February 8 at 5:00pm.

This is the 5th exhibit AVA has hosted in conjunction with the annual FisherPoets Gathering. This annual open call exhibit is one of the many ways AVA serves the communities of the Columbia Pacific Region.

If you’d like your artwork to be considered for additional promotional opportunities, please email images to [email protected].

12/16/2024

Thanks everyone for supporting AVA and helping make Small Treasures a great success! We are incredibly grateful to all the businesses and individuals that donated items, and to Audrey Cereghino and Dylan Morrow, AHS seniors, for their amazing performance as part of their senior project. A special thank you to the Cannery Pier Hotel for their donation of historic photos and artwork. Thank you to all the individuals that volunteered their time to help make this event happen.

We're inching closer to our goal to raise $35,000 this year in honor of AVA's 35th anniversary. Your support makes all the difference!

12/14/2024

The sun has come out for the opening of Small Treasures, our holiday fundraising event! Come bid on amazing gift baskets, artwork, gifts and goodies - or - choose to buy it now! Open today for Artwalk from noon - 8pm. Bidding ends tomorrow, Sunday at 4:30pm.

12/10/2024

TODAY is the DAY! We begin accepting donations for our fundraising event that opens this Saturday during Artwalk. Here are the times we will be open to accept contributions. THANK YOU SO MUCH for supporting AVA, for supporting our programs that empower artists and for supporting the important work that is in the future!

Tuesday, 10am - noon
Wednesday, 10am - noon & 4 - 6pm
Thursday, 10am - noon
(or by appointment, email [email protected])

As a reminder, artists can request commission of up to 30% of their artwork. We love giving back to artists anytime we can. We are here to support you and this community!

12/08/2024

CALL TO ARTISTS
AVA Artist-in-Residence
January 1 - June 30

Astoria Visual Arts invites local artists residing in Clatsop or Pacific County to apply to be AVA’s next artist-in-residence. One artist will be selected to receive a rent-free studio space at the Astoria Studio Collective, located at 372 10th Street, Astoria, for a period of six months. Artists working in any media are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is December 15.

The AVA a-i-r Program is designed to encourage the creative, intellectual, and professional growth of local artists. Finalists are chosen on the basis of merit by an independent selection panel of professionals in the arts and arts patrons. Artists who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply with an updated portfolio and statement reflecting updates and changes.

AVA has supported 38 artists through this program since 2015, made possible by AVA Members who value and support a strong arts community.

Visit astoriavisualarts.org for more info

12/08/2024

Coming up next weekend! Small Treasures Winter Art Sale & Holiday Party! Donations will be accepted Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We're seeking artwork, fiber arts, ornaments, cards, prints, etc. Donations can be something you made or artwork you own that you want to donate. Artists can request a percentage of the sale of their art. See our website for details.

Thanks to all the businesses and individuals that have contributed so far. You are awesome! We feel the love!

www.astoriavisualarts.org

12/05/2024

Kids' Art Reception today, Thursday, December 5, from 4:00 - 6:00pm hosted by organizer and curator Iris Sullivan Daire.

*** 👐 *** 👐 *** 👐 ***

[REPOST, in part. See full post Dream Bird Studio ]

Ancient Hands - Madder Reds: Nurturing Interconnection

Featured Artists: Hand Prints of over 50 children from Summer Art Camp & .astoria After School Art Club.

*****
Curator Notes:
When I learned that the hand prints in ancient cave art sites are predominantly women and children, something shifted inside of me.

Looking at a children’s s hand prints tens of thousands of years old, and looking into a child’s face now- somehow brings home our interconnection across time and space.

These handprints, located on the walls of the Grotto, are rendered in madder and iron. They act as a sort of evidence of our place in the continuum of Ancestors. When we welcome a new human into the world, we are in fact greeting a returning Ancestor.

As a curator it is very important to me to bring children’s voices into the adult dominated art space when possible- for SO many reasons. Most especially for a show about Nurture Culture.

Intuitively it seems to me that the presence of children’s hand prints at ancient sites is confirmation that caring for our young is at its core the most important thing we do. In fact it is actually the whole point.

In my work as an art educator of both adults and young artists I have come to believe deeply that the art space provides us an opportunity to cultivate kindness and cooperation as little else can.

The placement of these panels within the grotto is a reminder of the divine spark that lights us from within. Sparks best tended within community. Sparks most easily seen in the shining faces of our youngest and smallest members.

Special thanks to for support of this work.

11/25/2024

CALL TO ARTISTS
AVA Artist-in-Residence
January 1 - June 30

Astoria Visual Arts invites local artists residing in Clatsop or Pacific County to apply to be AVA’s next artist-in-residence. One artist will be selected to receive a rent-free studio space at the Astoria Studio Collective, located at 372 10th Street, Astoria, for a period of six months. Artists working in any media are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is December 15.

The AVA a-i-r Program is designed to encourage the creative, intellectual, and professional growth of local artists. Finalists are chosen on the basis of merit by an independent selection panel of professionals in the arts and arts patrons. Artists who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply with an updated portfolio and statement reflecting updates and changes.

AVA has supported 38 artists through this program since 2015, made possible by AVA Members who value and support a strong arts community.

Visit astoriavisualarts.org for more info.

11/25/2024

Madder Reds: Nurturing Interconnection
November 9 - December 8

[REPOST Dream Bird Studio ]
Looking towards the light from the stormy darkness... collaborative forest installation as seen from west window of Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) gallery.

Forest Artists:

Howl at the Loom

Seaspell Fiber
Sofia Åsktåstuth
KokoroIndigoculture
Constance Waisanen
Dream Bird Studio

Curator Notes:

For the sensitive a walk in a forest is a visceral confirmation of the interconnection of living beings. The living web is palpable- a saturation of the senses.

The human world is so divided at this time- perhaps a result of so many people being so chronically nature deprived. Humans making their way in the world numb and oblivious, even when in the presence of the most astonishing beauty.

Being present in nature, and at the intersection between the human and more than human worlds, tethers us in our own inherent sacred essence, if/when we are open to perceiving.

Separation is an illusion. A poisonous deadly idea. A spell cast upon humanity in order to control us. Cruelty is learned behavior- it's very contagiousness proof of our interconnection.

What does it take to call us back from this precipice on which we stand? How can we awaken compassion within those consumed by cultivated hate & fear?

Queen Madder is a teacher on the beauty that is possible when power is shared, rather than wielded as a weapon.

11/08/2024

In this international exhibit, Madder Reds: Nurturing Interconnection, organized and curated by Astorian Iris Sullivan Daire, thirteen artists join together to celebrate the many living colors derived from madder root.

Often hailed as the queen of dyes, madder serves as a powerful teacher, illustrating the importance of collaboration. As her many colors emerge only through specific conditions and partnerships, we too thrive when we embrace our differences as we work towards a shared vision.

Join us at AVA for the opening on November 9 from noon - 8pm and experience this show through December 8.

Participating artists:
Sofia Stawåsen Brokvist (Sweden)
Marian Martínez González (Spain)
Shanna G. Robinson (Michigan)
Hannah Regier (Vermont)
Kristin Field (Illinois)
Madeline MeGarrity (Rhode Island)
Jasmine Lace Petrie (Michigan)
Iris Sullivan Daire (Astoria)
Constance Waisanen (Knappa)
Kyla Sjogren (Manzanita)
Isaac Yoder (Portland)
Brittany Boles (Gearhart)
Emma Geddes (Astoria)

Dream Bird Studio Seaspell Fiber isaac.b.yoder Sofia Åsktå
Kokoro índigo culture Howl at the Loom Cold N-Deadly November Second Saturday Artwalk

10/31/2024

The Arts Council of Clatsop County's 3rd annual Arts Summit is this Saturday, November 2 from 9:00am - 12:30pm. This FREE event provides professional development for artists!

[REPOST] Calling all artisans, performers, visual artists, writers, and supporters of the arts! Are you looking for venues, curious about funding sources, or wondering how to make online sales? Free workshops on these topics and more, taught by professional artists.

More information and full program at clatsopcountyartscouncil.com/events

Arts Council of Clatsop County

The Arts Council of Clatsop County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Northern Oregon Coast. Our mission is "to support, promote, and advocate for the arts and cultural enrichment in the county."

10/29/2024

DEADLINE COMING UP!
- October 30, 2024 by 11:59pm -

The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa and Astoria Visual Arts are thrilled to announce their third year of collaboration, offering artists an opportunity to have their work featured in the hotel’s permanent collection.

Artists residing in Clatsop and Pacific County are invited to submit up to three pieces for consideration. This year’s theme, "Coastal Colors," celebrates the many hues of our coastal landscape. The selected artist will receive a $1500 purchase award for their work.

Learn more at astoriavisualarts.org.

PHOTO: "Fog on the Columbia" photograph by 2023 award winner Jody Miller

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa Jody Miller

10/26/2024

Fort George Benefit Night: Astoria Visual Arts & Art Room!
Tuesday, October 29, 2024

All day Tuesday, October 29th, 10% of all dine-in and to-go sales will benefit the Art Room After School Program and expanding arts education for youth!!

Visit Fort George in person or order for pick-up via FortGeorgeToGo.com. Open 11am - 10pm.

THANKS Fort George for supporting local nonprofits!
room.astoria

10/18/2024

** AVA's MEMBER GATHERING **
You’re invited to the annual membership gathering, October 19 from noon-1:30pm at the AVA Gallery, 1000 Duane Street.

Not yet a member? Join from now until the event at the $100 level or above and receive a framed cannery label.

- Light luncheon with the past year's artists and patrons
- Free raffle for a night at Cannery Pier Hotel
- Update from Judith Altruda on the Eugene Landry exhibit
- Informative, fun, interactive briefs from: Derek Ecklund, Jenny Rideout, Jeremy Furnish, Jill Mulholland and John Mueller
- Updates on new programs and exhibits
- Elect directors to the governing Board
- Champagne toast to AVA’s 35 years and the arts!

We deeply appreciate your support in helping us provide free programming that empowers artists and enriches our communities. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!

10/17/2024

There are three more days to visit the Coastal Oregon Artist Residency exhibit at the Anita Building, 1312 Commercial Street! See what these inventive artists have been up to all summer! Open today 11am - 4pm.

John Mueller
"Wall Sconce Study #2"
box spring remnants, paper pulp made from shredded documents, LED lights
(Sold)

Jill Mulholland
"Rocks and Driftwood"
wood, copper wire, rocks, paint
(Sold)

.mueller .mulholland

10/15/2024

Astoria Visual Arts is hosting a winter fundraising event, Small Treasurers, December 14-15, to support ongoing and expanding programming, and we need your help to make this a success!

Artists and the public are invited to donate up to six pieces of original artwork or fine craft not measuring over 10” wide. All media is welcome. Deliver artwork on Wednesday, December 10 from 4 - 6pm, Thursday, December 11 from 10am - 12pm or by appointment.

AVA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All donations may be tax deductions. Artists may request a percentage of the sale of their artwork, up to 30%. We sincerely appreciate your support as we work to provide free programming that empowers artists and enriches our communities.