"Catch That Wind," a watercolor painting by Bill Steidel.

Bill, Sally and Sam Steidel may be gone, but Steidel’s Art gallery will remain.

Sitting in Bill Steidel’s place, next to the woodstove and among all the fanciful prints and paintings, will be Peter Dueber, who calls himself “the keeper.”

“The gallery is not going away. It’s not going to be an ice cream store or somebody tearing it down and putting up a hotel. We are bound and determined to keep the Steidel gallery going as long as we possibly can,” Dueber said.  

A well-known artist who painted magical kingdoms and romantic landscapes, Bill Steidel died in October following a long illness. His wife, Sally, died three days later. Their son, Sam, a former Cannon Beach mayor, died of heart failure in January.

Among the founders of the Coaster Theatre and the Sandcastle Contest, the Steidels helped to create the Cannon Beach community that still resonates today. The gallery, which looks more like an elf’s cozy home than a painter’s studio, has stood at the corner of First and Hemlock streets in the center of town since 1985.

Dressed in his bowler hat, a paint-spattered apron and surrounded by easels and paints, Bill would hold court in the gallery, entertaining customers with stories.

Dueber, whose family also has deep roots in Cannon Beach and who was close friends with the Steidels, intends to continue that tradition.

“He’s a perfect ‘keeper,’” said Sam’s wife, Deborah Laws-Steidel, who will continue to own the gallery.

What is a “keeper”?

“I think it’s ‘keeper of the castle,’ and the ‘castle’ is Bill Steidel’s art and all the fantasy that goes with it,” Dueber said. “I think I’ll find one of Bill’s aprons and put ‘keeper’ on the front.” 

A writer of whimsical books that both children and adults enjoy, Dueber shares a trait with Bill: the gift of gab.

“I am probably the closest person to being able to take one of Bill’s stories and give you another idea of the same story, maybe because I heard it enough times so I could tell you what Bill would have said. Also, I’m pretty good at making things up at the top of my head.”

Dueber was so close to the family that he can recall when Bill created his paintings and how many prints were made. 

Dueber has spent several weekends at the gallery, and once he finds a permanent residence in Cannon Beach, he intends to move from Portland. Then, he and his sister, Nancy Dueber, will take turns “keeping” the gallery open at least five days a week.

The gallery will be open during the Spring Unveiling Arts Festival between May 2 and May 4, when art around town comes together with live music, wine tastings and artist talks.

Prints and cards will be available, and some of Bill’s originals will hang on the walls.

“Peter has been so much help for me,” said Laws-Steidel, who will still work in her barbershop three days a week. She also will open the gallery for those who make reservations when Dueber isn’t there.

“We have had fun finding originals of Bill’s that I haven’t seen,” Laws-Steidel said. “They’re such a wonderful find.”

Some originals may be for sale. Others won’t be sold, but they will be available for viewing.

Dueber, who is busy looking for a place to live, is happily anticipating his new role as “keeper.”

“I can’t think of anything more rewarding than doing that in my life,” he said. “My whole heart is in this.”

 

Steidel’s Art

116 Hemlock St., Cannon Beach

Showing original work by the late artist Bill Steidel

503-436-1757