Carved wooden decoy
It’s that time of year once again, to begin preparations for celebrating the holidays in style!
November’s First Thursday celebration on November 1, together with our Annual Holiday Opening on November 10, are the most festive times of the year for our gallery, and the best time to start thinking about unique and artistic holiday gifts!
Our artists this month are Debra Quammen-Chase (pastels), Byrn and JoAnne Watson (decoys), Alisha Fossett (photography) and Lorena Birk (sculptures). Each presents unique and wonderful work you will not want to miss.
Of note is that Bryn Watson carves Santas and other Christmas figures during the holidays, in addition to his carvings of realistic decoys, shorebirds, and song birds!
First Thursday, November 1, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Music by Dian McCracken and Mike Therault
Artist Demonstration by Gayle Kiser
30th Annual Holiday Opening, Saturday, November 10, 10 am – 5:30 pm
Music by Stephen Harvey and John Crocker
Featuring ornaments and cards made by gallery members, along with hot cider and cookies
Scroll down to learn more about our November artists:
About Debra Quammen-Chase (pastel)
Artwork by Debra Chase
“Art is a joyful, spiritual and in-the-moment process for me. Nature is a huge inspiration for these interactions. I focus on the language of art whenever I am engaged in the artistic process. Composition, color and mood have been the primary focus of these recent paintings which were done in 2012 in the Columbia River Gorge near Crown Point.
Recent artists who have inspired me are Richard Diebenkorn (American), Giorgio Morandi (Italian), and French Fauvism.”
~ Debra Quammen-Chase
Artwork by Debra Chase
About Byrn and JoAnne Watson (decoys)
Ringneck Decoy
Little did Byrn know in 1974 as he rummaged through a book store in a Honolulu shopping center that his $4.95 sale table purchase, The Art of the Decoy by Adele Earnest would light a fire and passion that would last for more than 30 years.
This little book launched his long journey toward becoming an accomplished carver. His intrigue with wildlife, particularly birds, has become a passion. Since those days in Honolulu, Byrn and his wife JoAnne have become active in several decoy carving organizations and have competed on a regional and national level.
Byrn carves realistic decoys, shorebirds, song birds, as well as interpretive birds. He also carves Santas and other Christmas figures during the Holidays. Byrn’s carvings took a distinct turn for the better when JoAnne began painting his carvings in 1977. She continues to be his partner in carving, birding, and travel.
Since Byrn graduated from Oregon State University and went to work in California, he longed to get back to the Pacific Northwest. In August 2004, the Watson’s relocated to Centralia, Washington from North San Diego County. Soon after moving to their new home, they became involved in ARTrails of Southwest Washington and were immediately embraced by the art community.
Byrn and JoAnne are very happy here and feel blessed to live in such a beautiful place with such good friends.
The Watsons can be reached at 194 Summerside Drive, Centralia, Washington, 360.736.1082, email jobyrn@comcast.net
