Nature is frame for 30 artists at third annual Forest of Arts

The third annual Forest of Arts on Sept. 19 and 20 at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest, a 140-acre forest in Oregon City, allows visitors to sample the best of two worlds — nature and nature-inspired art.

The event is presented by the Three Rivers Artist Guild and takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 16750 S. Brockway Road; the demonstration forest is operated by Forests Forever Inc.

Visitors can view forest-inspired works by more than 30 artists, enjoy breathtaking views from the patio overlooking the vast forest, and hike on manicured trails.

Food and beverages are available at the family-friendly event, from Christopher Bridge Wines, Growler Run Beer, Astoria Salmon Chowder, and ribs and barbeque prepared by the Hopkins staff.

Three of the artists represent three different styles of art and hail from three different cities in Clackamas County: They are Melissa Gannon, Lauren Goding and Judy Haas.

Melissa Gannon

Painter Melissa Gannon is a Gladstone resident who works in acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. At the Forest of Arts she will show a selection of her paintings and also will have cards and prints for sale.

“Hopkins is a great location for a show and is located in a very scenic area. The demonstration forest is a really unique place. This will be my third year at this show,” she said.

She said she always enjoys spending the weekend at the show, meeting people and talking to the other artists.

View her work and find out about her upcoming workshops and classes at melissagannon.com.

Lauren Goding

“I will be selling my handmade branch and stone jewelry, stone magnets, mini-mountain paintings, as well as other nature-inspired pieces. I collect fallen branches and raw stones and piece them together so their small details become the unique focal point of each piece,” Lauren Goding said.

This is the Oregon City resident’s second year participating in the Forest of Arts show, and she could not think of a better place to show her work.

“It’s all inspired by the natural world — its patterns, colors and textures. I began making my current pieces when a friend invited me to make and sell items at their Christmas tree sale a few years back, and since then I am always especially excited to participate in shows located in nontraditional venues,” Goding said.

“I’m most looking forward to showing my work in an environment similar to where it came from, and being surrounded by both artists and visitors who have a passion for the natural world,” she said.

In October, Goding will travel to Beijing and Shanghai in China, collecting new materials, drawing inspiration from her surroundings, and creating new work along the way.

Judy Haas

Milwaukie resident Judy Haas will show some of her original, acrylic, palette-knife tree art at the show.

“I love to paint on natural wood, so several of my paintings are on sanded-wood panels from my husband’s workshop, which I think fits in nicely with a forest show. I’ll also have a few of my more whimsical pieces in prints and cards available,” she said.

All her work will be available for purchase.

This is Haas’ first time participating in the show, and only recently joined the artist guild.

“So much of my artwork is centered around nature, so to be out in the incredible setting of Hopkins among other amazing artists to share our work and fun ... it just seemed a natural that I’d want to be there,” she said.

Haas added, “I’m looking forward to chatting with folks about the wonderful artists in our community, how nature influences art and enjoying the beautiful Hopkins Demonstration Forest.”

If you go

What: The Three Rivers Artist Guild presents Forest of Arts

When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20

Where: Hopkins Demonstration Forest, 16750 S. Brockway Road, Oregon City

More: Three Rivers Artist Guild, threeriversartistguild.com; Hopkins Demonstration Forest, demonstrationforest.org