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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 23, 2016)
20 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Sisters artist known for bright colors By Jodi schneider McNamee Correspondent Acrylic artist Casey Gardner has a penchant for bright colors. Born and raised in Portland, Gardner was influenced by art in high school. She attended Southern Oregon University and majored in communi- cations and minored in art. “I started painting when I was in college, and haven’t stopped,” said Gardner. “My style of painting is simple. Color is what ties my paint- ings together.” Gardner and her husband, Randy, moved to Bend in 2006 while a home was being built at Sisters R&B Ranch, a family-owned working horse ranch, where Randy would be the new ranch manager. While living in Bend Gardner took classes at the Art Station, Art Central’s creative learning center. “I really began thinking of myself as an emerging art- ist after taking art lessons for awhile in Bend. I was always painting at home creating col- orful canvases for friends,” said Gardner. “My focus isn’t really so much on classes; it’s more about becoming an artist. “I work at Clearwater Gallery part-time. When I originally contacted Clearwater Gallery I let them know them I would love to work there. I love creating art, but also wanted to learn the business side of art.” Gardner is a guest artist at the gallery, and four of her paintings are on display in the enclosed porch area of the The Open Door restaurant. Each Fourth Friday Art Stroll Clearwater Gallery has a different theme, and their artists are asked if they would like to contribute a painting. “This month is ‘Exploring the Greats’,” Gardner said. “It’s about finding a famous artist that you like and trying to paint through their eyes. So I chose the Russian-Israeli art- ist Leonid Alfremov, and my painting is called ‘Shine On’.” Chris Nelson, manager of Clearwater Gallery, explained to The Nugget why Gardner continues to amaze her as an artist: “First, I think Casey is an incredible person just for who she is. She puts her whole self into everything she does in life and as an artist. I love her bright colors and her inter- pretation of what she’s paint- ing. She’s really great at what she does, and in the way she’s learning. Casey’s always pull- ing in what she learns from other artists.” Many artists are drawn to a she puts her whole self into everything she does in life and as an artist. I love her bright colors and her interpretation of what she’s painting. — Chris Nelson particular subject matter when painting, yet Gardner is rather unique in that she is open to painting almost anything. “It’s whatever jumps out at me, from a chandelier to ele- phants,” Gardner says. Gardner thinks of herself as an impressionist and is known for her bright colors on canvas. Gardner has 13 acrylic paintings on display in Angeline’s Bakery, from aspen trees to a VW bus to brightly colored giraffes. Two works at The Cottonwood Café appeal to the appetite: a single strawberry and a very photo by Jodi sChneider MCnaMee Casey Gardner is an ardent artist. juicy looking cherry pie. She also has a natural abil- ity connecting with children. Gardner teaches kids of all ages to paint with acrylics a couple of times a month in her art studio. Her youngest client was only two weeks old. The baby and her sib- lings — all under 4 — painted a background, and the fore- ground was a lovely bouquet of flowers. “I believe you can start a kid in art as soon as they can hold a paintbrush,” she said. “My goal is to save all the proceeds from my lessons and painting sales and move my family to New York for the summer,” said Gardner. “I feel New York is the heart of cul- ture in the United States, and I want to expose my kids to that cultural experience. I would like to get them into theater classes and art classes. I want to explore where art is huge. I would also like to expose my kids to different cultures around the world.” For more information visit www.caseygardnersacrylic paintings.com. AT T E N T I O N S I S T E R S B U S I N E S S O W N E R S : Do visitors know what’s special about your business? If they don’t, they won’t search for you. Get the word out with the Sisters Oregon Guide... 35,000 Guides Distributed Statewide! 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