Join us for our First Thursday Reception at the Broadway Gallery on May 1, 5:30-7:00 pm.
Stroll into the gallery for a tantilizing exhibit by May featured artists Greg L. Gorham, painter and Molly Russ Butson, jewelry. These two talented artists offer some relaxing and peaceful works of art. Visit with the featured artists as well as other Gallery artists, friends, and have great refreshments while listening to the music of John S Crocker.
Greg L. Gorham – Painter
I was born and raised in northern Michigan with its varied types of forested lands, ponds lakes and rivers. The paper birches and evergreen trees of those landscapes along with the lakeside villages, docks and harbors of its lakes continue to be inspiration for my artworks.
Today living in the Pacific Northwest with its similar beauty has added to my inspiration. My time currently is spent exploring and seeking subjects for my paintings in the fishing communities like Ilwaco on the Longbeach peninsula and Astoria on the mighty Columbia River. My paintings and drawings of harbors, fishing vessels, marshes, and other watery subjects have been influenced by that fact. My use of vibrant colors in my newest works is a result of wanting to instill a sense of joy in my viewers.
My development as a visual artist has included instruction in many different mediums including drawing, oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, linoleum block carving and pen and ink which I practice continually to this day. I’m represented by 5 galleries here in the region.
My focus with these paintings is to show a diversity of styles. The different types of trees shown individually snd in landscape formats are painted in vibrant colors to delight the viewer in a unique way. Bold Fauvist colorings highlight the subject in an unexpected way.
Sunrise Crimson
Edge of the Birch Stand
Coastal Pine
Going Up That Hill
Molly Russ Butson- jewelry designer
Growing up in a small northern California town, I always had a love for any type of jewelry. Back in the 60s it was a trend to buy jewelry blanks that had settings for rhinestones, you chose the color of rhinestones to use and made your own jewelry. I remember being fascinated watching my mom “create” her own sparkling jewelry pieces.
I still have the birthstone butterfly pins she made me and my sister. I fell in love with sterling silver at a very young age. When I was nine, I asked for a ankle bracelet with my name engraved, that was my beginning.
My first silver bangle came to me in the 7th grade. It was the year I also got my ears pierced! I am still wearing that same bangle today, and my bracelets slowly became my trademark.
I learned this art called Lamp working, and when I was finally able to take the plunge, I purchased a few supplies, and off I went. Using a single fuel torch called a hot head, I began my journey into Lamp working (glass bead making). Soon to come was a purchase of a small kiln to anneal my lumps of glass, and an upgrade to a oxy/propane setup.
I ventured into torch fired enamels on copper, electro etching and embossing on copper, making cabochons in my kiln and practicing copper soldering bezels. Yhere was no looking back. I bought my first small inventory of silver sheet, wire, tubing bezel wire and a selection of faceted precious stones. As my confidence grew, and learning by practice, practice, practice, I increased the difficulty of my pieces. I learned how to make basket prong settings, setting marquise and pear-shaped stones, and box clasps. I perfected the art of open back step bezel settings as well.
Repurposed porcelain jewelry
Pressed flower under glass in blues
Stain Glass Cat
Stain Glass Leaf Design