Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (July 27, 2017)
16 // COASTWEEKEND.COM Continued from Page 6 Ostrom’s artwork is “kind of a microscope of Astoria history,” said Mac Burns, executive director of the historical society. “I think it is an amazing collection. The fact that it’s all in one collection still is incredible.” Ostrom’s art ranges from sketches and paintings, to wood carvings and birthday cards. Carlson said if you really look at the paintings while holding them at a par- ticular angle, hidden faces appear in clouds and water. “He’s drawing architec- ture. He’s drawing boats. He’s drawing people,” Orange said. “That’s very meaningful to me as a view- er. It’s like he’s capturing time with his drawing.” Living two lives Ostrom was born July 13, 1904, in Astoria and graduated from Astoria High School, where he played basketball and football. He enrolled at the University of Oregon to play football but, when he could no longer afford school, began to work in a sawmill while playing club basketball. Later, Ostrom became the owner of the Snug Harbor, a saloon that was also a restaurant, coffeehouse and a place to display his art- work. Carlson said that, at one point, Ostrom’s bar was almost shut down because people were boycotting him for not serving to intoxicat- ed people. But customers continued visiting the Snug Harbor to see Ostrom’s artwork. “His art helped his business survive,” Carlson said. To this day, Carlson said they are finding more of Ostrom’s work. Family members could each have around 20 pieces of art. Carlson went exploring in his aunt’s attic and found Ostrom’s carvings. Ostrom dedicated most of his life to making art. Carl- PENINSULA SADDLE CLUB & BRIM’S FARM & GARDEN PRESENTS 72 nd J uly 29 & 30, 2017 1:00 p.m. Family night starts Saturday after Rodeo “Featuring free fun events for kids up to 12 years” Friday, July 28th 6:30 pm • Rodeo Parade Downtown Long Beach Latigo & Lace Drill Team • Beer Garden • Vendors • Concessions Admission: PRES ALE Adults $9.50 Seniors $8.50 Children (6-12 yrs.) $4.50 * Peninsula Pharmacy Adults $10.00 Seniors $9.00 Children (6-12yrs.) $5.00 Children 5 & under FREE COWBOY BREAKFAST Sat. & Sun. 7a.m. til 11 a.m . 6407 Sandridge Road • Info 1-800-451-2542 LONG BEACH, WASHINGTON SUBMITTED PHOTOS ABOVE, RIGHT MIDDLE, RIGHT BOTTOM: Pieces by Arvi Ostrom son said he has work that his grandfather made from the 1920s to the 1990s. “He was drawing all the way up until he died.” Carlson laughed as he recalled the time he drew with black crayon in grade school, which caused the teacher to “freak out” and tell his mother something was wrong with him. Looking back, he believes it was because he watched his grandfather draw with chalk. He remem- bered thinking: “That’s what Gramps does.” As years passed, Carlson would visit his grandfather often and play music for him. He said he has written songs about Ostrom’s art, a huge influence in his life. “I was really close to him,” Carlson said. “I always appreciated what he did, and he understood that I was just always interested in what he was doing.” Carlson has made it a goal to show Ostrom’s work because he knows “how hard it is to be an artist,” he said. “I don’t think a lot of people understand artists PAUL CONTE/FOR EO MEDIA GROUP Ken Carlson, Arvi Ostrom’s grandson, looks through his grand- father’s collection. have to live two lives.” A documentary of Os- trom’s story titled “Portrait of an Unknown Artist,” featuring Carlson, Burns, Orange and Ostrom’s daughter Jean Montgom- ery, can be seen at vimeo. com/221374747?ref=em- share CW
