Astoria art in February: FisherPoets, watercolors and waterways

Published 9:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2025

Wander up stairs, through hidden doors and historic buildings to see the latest work from local artists in Astoria’s Second Saturday Art Walk. See below for a full list of exhibit receptions, artist meet-and-greets, live music and demonstrations.

This month’s art walk will run from noon to 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at more than a dozen locations, most within walking distance of each other downtown.

Angi D Wildt Gallery, 106 10th St.

This gallery, open from noon to 8 p.m., will feature the work of Vancouver-based metal artist Larry Holt. His whimsical metal sculptures showcase a masterful transformation of cold metal into expressive art.

Also, explore the gallery’s selection of jewelry and gifts, for charming someone special or treating yourself.

ARTstoria Gallery, 1168 Commercial St.

Come upstairs to a little corner of the world that’s full of color and creativity to fight the winter blues. You’ll find landscapes, wildlife, architecture and flowers — the Pacific Northwest represented on canvas.

Besides original paintings by gallery owner Connie Dillon, ARTstoria has prints, cards, journals, scarves and home decor. The gallery will be open from 3 to 8 p.m.

Astoria Studio Collective, 372 10th St.

Stop by between 4 and 7 p.m. to visit our artists’ studios, learn about Roy Sanchez’s upcoming “Comic Sketchbook” workshop, and join Heather July Goguen in crafting some snarky Valentine cards.

And be sure to see Angela Raines’ new studio space, where she will sell prints at steep discounts. Find the entrance to the collective on 10th Street next to Frank’s Barbershop. Just look for the signs.

Astoria Visual Arts, 1000 Duane St.

“Beneath the Surface — A Fishing Community” brings together Pacific Northwest artists inspired by the mighty salmon and Astoria’s rich commercial fishing heritage.

Held annually in conjunction with the FisherPoets Gathering, this exhibit celebrates the region’s fishing legacy, inviting all to reflect on Astoria’s vibrant maritime history.

Featuring a diverse array of artists and mediums, the exhibit unites artists through their connection to fishing and the waterways of the Pacific Northwest.

Brut Wine Bar & Bottle Shop, 240 10th St.

John Albers-Mead captures extended moments in time with his photography, focusing on composition, light, lines, textures and abstract shapes.

His work captures the passage of time through the blur of movement utilizing long exposures, wind and the movement of the model, giving an ethereal quality to the images.

Delilah, 143 Ninth St.

Astoria local Anna Kaufman explores the natural world in pen and watercolors. Her hatchwork takes us from the brackish waters of the Columbia and temperate rainforests of Northwest Oregon to the high desert of the southeast.

Delilah will offer craft cocktails, locally-minded grub, and Kaufman’s interpretation of our state’s “outer space.” Hours are from 4 to 8 p.m.

Imogen Gallery, 240 11th St.

In honor of the annual FisherPoets Gathering, Imogen is welcoming back all fisherfolk to Astoria with an exhibition by artists who are as comfortable working in the studio as they are setting nets to haul in that big catch.

This year, we host a solo exhibition for George Wilson, a FisherPoet, commercial fisherman and incredibly talented watercolorist. His latest series, “The Place That We Call Home,” is a new series of dreamlike watercolors depicting the quiet moments of a life inspired by living at the water’s edge.

From his homeland in Scotland to Portland, places and the wildlife that inhabit them become his muse and inspiration for his soothing compositions, always allowing his chosen medium of watercolor to find its own path of narration. Stop in between 5 and 8 p.m. to meet Wilson and say hello. The exhibition will be on view through March 3.

Jadene Studios, 1292 Commercial St.

Thirteen years ago, Jadene saw a century-old tree on a coastal rock in Barview. Unfortunately, in December, gale-force winds blew the tree away.

Come find out why the watercolor painting was named “Two of Three Sisters” instead of “Two of Three Graces.” Open from noon to 6:30 p.m.

LightBox Photographic Gallery, 1045 Marine Drive

Opening “The Photographic Nude 2025” for the February Artwalk from 4 to 7 p.m. The show consists of the work of 28 photographers from around the United States. This exhibit is now in its 15th year, celebrating the nude in fine art photography.

LightBox also continues to feature work from The Guild at LightBox, consisting of Jim Fitzgerald, Jody Miller, Julie Moore, Marc McVey, Rachel Wolf, Kathy Radie, Michael Puff and Loren Nelson.

Made in Astoria, 1269 Commercial St.

At this gallery, J. Wesley Willis offers “A Painter’s View,” capturing the spirit of familiar Astoria haunts and landmarks. The scenes spark nostalgia and a reflective connection to this beautiful area.

Inspired by his surroundings and his love of the Pacific Northwest, Willis paints with a discerning eye for light, color and composition. The second month of this exhibit includes new paintings shown for the first time.

Paul Polson Studio Gallery, 100 10th St.

Showing oil paintings: abstract, landscape and figurative, and watercolor paintings of Europe by Paul Polson.

RiverSea Gallery, 1160 Commercial St.

This gallery will present two shows relating to fishing and the ocean’s bounty. “Netted” is an invitational theme show featuring nine regional artists: Lindsey Aarts, Duncan Berry, Rose Covert, Jeremy Furnish, Gregory Gorham, Stirling Gorsuch, Marie Powell, Penny Treat and Judy Vogland.

The exhibit’s title and theme were conceived as a connection to the fishing community and the age-old practice of harvesting from the sea.

Participating artists have been asked to create works reflecting upon some of the connotations that “netted” brings to mind: caught, ensnared, enmeshed, entangled, trapped, landed, captured, snagged, hooked. This show offers a variety of works in printmaking, painting, collage, works on paper, fiber arts, assemblage and sculpture, all coalescing around the theme.

In a separate solo show, Oregon Coast printmaker, FisherPoet and environmental advocate Duncan Berry will offer a selection of gyotaku prints that capture the rhythm of ocean life. His print impressions are taken directly from the inked surface of fish, sea creatures, and plants.

View the exhibitions during the art walk on Feb. 8 from noon to 8 p.m. Meet the artists during a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. with music by guitarist John Orr and refreshments. Both shows continue through March 4.

Sea Gypsy Gifts, 1001 Commercial St.

Meet artist Karyl Hall and enjoy her creative garden flowers made from a variety of dishes. Hall has been creating these for over eight years, repurposing and keeping glass out of landfills. Buy two or more flowers for a discount, or look for those with a red glass or heart shape.

West Coast Artisans, 160 10th St.

Photographs can be works of art when they are well-composed, tell a story and are printed on premium paper. Take that same photo, print it on cloth, add stitching to enhance the image and add depth and dimensionality, and you get a whole different experience.

Janet Hutchings has taken a step back in her long art career and created stitched photographs available for viewing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at this gallery.

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