Here are ten pieces of alley art you can view along NW Gasoline Alley in Bend, Oregon. I previously featured artwork decorating another alley in Tin Pan Alley Art in Bend.
This collection of artwork is part of a public initiative supporting local arts and culture in Bend, Oregon. The paintings take Bend’s outdoor lifestyle into consideration.
The people in Alley Art
The first piece is Firebreather by Avlis Leumas. This artwork serves to recognize the work of wildland firefighters in the past, present, and future. When it sells, half of the proceeds will go to The Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a group providing emotional and financial support to firefighters.
This piece, by Sheila Dunn, is a portrait of legendary Bend skier, Emil Nordeen. He moved here from Sweden in 1920 and was instrumental in establishing the Bend Skyliners Mountaineering Club. The group promoted local skiing as well as search and rescue and alpine climbing.
This is The Millworker by Sheila Dunn. The painting depicts millworker Dan MacLennan, who moved to Bend in 1909. Though he lost four fingers in a milling accident, he was known for working efficiently and with great agility.
The places and events
The piece below is Voyage by contemporary artist, Caroline Cornell. It incorporates elements of nature, color, and light into an intriguing landscape painting.
This piece is Dawn of a New Day by Megan Phallon. The painting depicts everyday scenes in a vibrant, almost surreal, way. The artist’s travels in the Caribbean and Central America influences the colors she chooses in her paintings.
This piece by Vicki Roadman is titled Snowpocalypse 2017. Heavy snowfall surrounds the Bend logo. We had 63.9 inches of snow in the winter of 2017-18, about three times as much as usual.
This is Sunset Over Sisters by artist, Kevin Schwarting. He notes how the rich color and form of the earth and sky are separate beings that come together to create a balance.
Wild things
This piece, by Taylor Rose, is titled Tangled. While there are no oceans near Bend, the artist brought a reminder of the sea to the High Desert. The wildlife and natural beauty near Bend inspires her as an artist.
This three-dimensional work is Lookout (with Owl as Witness) by Lloyd McMullen. It includes castoff pieces of metal, garden tools, and other items. It speaks to the tenacious and adaptable nature of owls.
This piece is titled Van Matre’s Eternal Tambourine and it’s by Avlis Leumas. Fred Van Matre built the Tower Theatre in 1940. He was known for creating structures of “good value and honest workmanship.” The builder reached the pinnacle of success and the owls represent ascending to “the apex of the sky.”
For more details on each artist, visit Bend and read the small plaques next to each piece. Maybe you’ll find a favorite piece of alley art as you wander around downtown.
Oh WOW. Your first photo speaks to me. I live in Oregon and the fires last year I had to escape from. I hope you remain safe if you live in the Bend area.
What a beautiful response to this week’s challenge. Thanks ever so much for playing along 😀
Thanks, Cee! Yes, I know you were directly impacted by the fires (and smoke) last year. I hope we both are able to avoid the effects of the fires this year.
Thank you for sharing this series with us! 🙂
You’re welcome, Amy! I’m grateful there’s a new challenge where bloggers can share public art.
What a great way to display art and give local artists a boost! I appreciate your notes about each painting.
Thanks, Becky! It’s nice to see this art when we go downtown.
That first picture tugs an emotional cord for all of us in the west. It could happen anywhere and we are all beholden to those who fight them. The rest of the artwork is lovely too. I loved the Tower Theatre. Thanks for joining in PPAC. 🙂
Thanks, Marsha. Yes, the painting of the firefighter is something many of us can relate to. Today there was a proposal to hire them year-round because fires are becoming more common. Sad, but true.
That is super sad. AZ’s fire season has started with fires both north and south of us.
This sounds like a great project. I think my favourite is Sunset Over Sisters – I love the contrasting colours and the simplicity of the image 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! Yes, I like the contrasting colors in that painting too.
I also like Dawn of a New Day a lot, and Voyage too
Lots to like! Be sure to look at my Tin Pan Alley Art post too. It’s a couple blocks away.
Will do 🙂
These are great ! I wish I had more time last week to stop and explore. The art looks like still another reason to visit and hang around for a few days.
Yes, we have lots of great public art here. Let me know if you come by this way again. It’s too hot to do much now. Hope you’re staying cool!
I’m hoping for an autumn trip to the Redwoods and a return trip through Bend. I’ll use your blog as my resource !
These are beautiful. I especially like that owl!!
Pat
Yes, they are! Yeah, I like the owl too. 🙂
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