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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2015)
See 1,000 wonders of Cannon Beach 56-foot-long painting to grace White Bird Gallery Story by GREGORY E. Zschomler Art has long been a part of the Cannon Beach ethos. It’s one of the things that makes the city a special place to live or visit. Visu- al art is resplendent in city galleries, and sculpture can be seen along the streets and avenues. Though the buildings themselves are lovely architectural art, they have traditionally gone un- adorned — you won’t see murals in Cannon Beach. They’re not allowed by the Cannon Beach Design Re- view Board. But change and com- promise are in the air. Sis- ter and brother Andra and Daniel Georges, along with Daniel’s wife Rumi Tsuda, have a gift for the commu- nity. The White Bird Gal- lery, housed in the Garret Sea Building — originally owned by their mother, Eve- lyn — is the Oregon Coast’s oldest, continually operating art gallery. It will soon have a new feature. In an effort to draw shop- pers into the Garret Sea Courtyard behind the build- ing, the Georges, who, along with their two nieces, own the building and several nearby, are adding a unique bit of charm: a 4-foot-high, 56-foot-long painting. Technically, it’s not a mu- ral. Rather than being paint- ed on a wall, the art will be displayed under an arched walkway leading to the courtyard from Hemlock Street toward Spruce Street. The collage-like work, by Tsuda, depicts the events, people and landscapes that make up the city’s “1,000 wonders,” from the Fourth of July parade to the Sand- castle Contest, from kite fly- ing to wildlife, as well as the hills and the sea. The piece is whimsical and elaborate, worthy of a lengthy study. Submitted graphic This graphic shows where the walkway and painting will be located next to White Bird Gallery. walkway that will feature the art. “The intent of it is to draw people into this re- ally lovely courtyard.” She said the project has been approved by the Design Re- view Board. Tsuda, a fine arts profes- sional who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, has been working on the large- scale painting in a makeshift studio set up in the former Mike’s Bikes shop in Can- non Beach. The two-month art project was finished Sept. 18, and, after receiv- ing a finishing varnish, the painting will be mounted to a new pergola designed by architect Andra Georges. Tsuda’s sculpture, paint- ing, drawing, fashion, in- stallation and performance art has been showcased around the world, and her work is available locally at White Bird Gallery. She last presented a performance art piece in Cannon Beach in 2005. “I come to Cannon Beach often, since I met my hus- band in graduate school,” said Tsuda. That was more than 30 years ago. “I feel Cannon Beach is a driving force (for art).” She said she’s been thinking about many memories and people while she worked on the painting. “I like to meet peo- ple … and sometimes they tell me their stories, and I like to include them in the sections of the painting.” The pergola is to be con- structed by Coaster Con- struction this fall. Once the structure is completed, the painting will be put in place for the public to enjoy. A formal dedication is to be announced at a later date. “This kind of creative art,” said Andra Georges, “as a family, is in our DNA. It’s something our mom, who owned the White Bird Gallery for 40 years, would be thrilled about.” “I think people will tell their friends, ‘You need to see this,’” said Andra Georges, strolling down the Get busy learning about boats Museum hosts First Sunday program ASTORIA — Join the Colum- bia River Maritime Museum for its next First Sunday Fami- ly Program, Busy Little Boats. The program is set from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. First Sunday Family Pro- grams are a time for fun-¿lled family experiences. At Busy Little Boats, come explore all the different types of boats that make the Columbia River their home. Wind up your own pad- dle wheeler, and send it chug- ging through the water. Create your own origami boat. Investigate images and videos of boats that brave the Columbia River bar. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt that will bring to life the Gregory E. Zschomler is a freelance writer and author living in Cannon Beach. You can reach him at www.greg- oryezschomler.blogspot.com Busy Little Boats 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 Columbia River Maritime Museum 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria Included with paid admission Museum members free workings of the Columbia’s river-going vessels. First Sunday Family Pro- grams are included with paid admission; members are free. The museum is located at 1792 Marine Drive. O rg a n ica lly g ro w n flo w ers Ed ib les • Co o kin g Oils Tin ctu res • To p ica ls Concentrates: Sha tter, Cru m ble W a x, H on eycom b P re-filled oil cartridges and pens now available Hig h C BD p ro d ucts a va ila b le Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler Artist Rumi Tsuda works on the 56-foot painting to be displayed in a walkway next to White Bird Gallery in Cannon Beach. She completed the painting Sept. 18. Submitted photo At the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s Oct. 4 family program, kids and parents can learn about the different types of boats that make the Columbia River their home. N OW ! 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