Orland Arts Commission

In Their Own Words

Cheryl Caldwell:
"My favorite childhood memories involve animals...horses, dogs, cats, and of course, art. I loved to draw animals, especially horses, and I drew on every spare piece of paper I could find. Paper was in short supply at our house, so my primitive little illustrations ended up on blank pages of my mother's cookbooks and even in the family bible. Even today, feeling each subject come alive as I paint is so rewarding. Each painting progresses differently, so I just let the work slowly evolve until it feels right, and I learn something new from each one."

Beth Bjorklund:
"I love to paint. Sometimes art can be a creative outlet and other times it's an escape into another kind of problem solving. Simply put, how do I get what I see in front of me to appear on my canvas. Either way, painting takes my mind away from everyday thoughts and worries. My favorite subjects are fruit, flowers and the people I love. There are so many great things to paint, and when I paint, I thank God for the beauty in everything I see. And I thank Him for my ability to capture it, and for the time He has given me to paint."

Weston Schoon:
"I take photographs to remember how the world feels. I chase images that distill emotion into light, or hold a story quietly between their edges. I'm drawn to the fleeting...the dance of eagles in a summer storm, a horse mid-gallop beneath a sky that looks painted, the way mist transforms the ordinary into the sacred. Each image is a way to say: This mattered. I look for repeating patterns of nature, vibrant colors, unexpected serenity and expressions that say more than words. I shoot to remember, to connect, and offer others a glimpse of the beauty I see hiding in plain sight."

Carol Avellino:
"My love of animals, expecially horses, started my art journey. I aim to capture the animal personalities, moods, and playfulness in my paintings. Art classes, workshops, and group lessons led me to use pastels, both chalk and oil. The softness of the medium and many layers of colors allow me to capture the critters I love to bring to life. I work from photographs that I've taken, first using black and white to indicate the shapes, and the lights and darks. Then color comes in, to finish the painting. I love drawing, especially with pastels, but future works will include graphite, charcoal and colored pencils as mediums to explore."

Meet and visit with the artists at the Orland Art Center Gallery Artists Reception: Friday, July 4th, from 3 to 7 p.m. This exhibit runs from July 4th through Sept. 20th