Astoria Art Walk: Old Town Framing and AVA

Published 2:50 am Tuesday, March 10, 2009

NAUTICAL CHART PAINTINGS AT OLD TOWN FRAMING

Old Town Framing Company will present the paintings of Richard Mickelson during March, with an artist’s reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 14, during Astoria’s Second Saturday Art Walk.

Mickelson has been actively painting for eight years and has resided on the North Coast for the past 30 years. Best known as a Sunday Market map artist, he is quite a bit more than just a Sunday artist.

Nautical charts are the canvas Mickelson uses to paint boats, lighthouses, birds and much more. “Charting the World of Art” is a collection of more than 200 originals and many more limited edition prints. He is particularly fond of birds, which he puts on their respective maps particular to their native location. Every image is associated with its nautical map point. Acrylic and pen are his medium. When a friend asked him to do a painting of his boat on a map (with really knowing what a nautical chart was) Mickelson delivered a realistic, beautifully-composed painting and has not stopped since.

Stroll around downtown Astoria Saturday evening to take in the art and culture. Art walk maps are available at most galleries. Snacks by Anna will be served at Old Town.

Old Town Framing Company is located at 1287 Commercial St. For more information, call (503) 325-5221.

LOST AND FOUND ART SHOW AT AVA

Astoria Visual Arts celebrates its third annual Lost and Found Art Show March 12 through 31. There will be an artist’s reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 14, during Astoria’s Second Saturday Art Walk.

What was once lost is now again found in the artist’s eye. Lost and found art is about serendipity – paths crossing with the recognition of beauty and message.

The Astoria Visual Arts Center is located at 453A 11th St. The center is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. For more information, call (503) 325-4589 or visit www.astoriaarts.com