(Editor’s note: An artist and writer from Rhododendron, Riversong takes a
personal look at the culture of the Mountain artist’s community.)

While the Russian government today quarrels over whether the painted
wooden matryoshka dolls are part of their true culture, art life here on the
Mountain is far less complicated.

Artists from our area are making new efforts to keep artistry alive by following
in the footsteps of Oregon’s dynamic arts culture scene.

“Every nook of our community holds a number of talented people,” boasts
multimedia artist Josh Frazier, Welches, whose new Artists’ Market at the
Skyway Bar & Grill in Zigzag has created a fresh vibe on the Mountain.

Every Sunday afternoon, local painters, jewelers, leather crafters and
musicians gather for a traditional working artist market.

“We can exchange techniques, talk with our customers and have a personality
cast out there,” Frazier said.

“Our goals are to nurture art,” said Tony DiMicoli of Zigzag. “Our artists’
community is a well kept secret that is beginning to evolve. We’ve got to
support that.”

DeMicoli is a director and events promoter whose Portland Artquake, Oregon
Bite, Waterfront Blues Festival and Portland Rose Festival have become
national culture icons.

His annual Festival of the Forest at Wildwood Park, September 12-13, will
provide live music, art booths, food and a festival atmosphere for our locals to
enjoy.

Speaking of best kept secrets, Rhododendron sculptor Jason Johnston recently
has been awarded Best of Show at the Bend Summer Festival.

Bringing light to the adventurous spirit here are Johnston’s bronze casts of
skiers, kayakers and rock climbers.

“I’m always proud to represent Mount Hood when I’m on the road,” Johnston
said. “We’re known around the world to have the ultimate backyard and I
express that in my sculptures.”

“Customers are impressed with the artists’ deep relationship with nature,”
said Sandy Palmer, owner of Wy’East Book Shoppe and Art Gallery.

She admits much lower sales of artwork this year but admires the work that
keeps her customers connected to their experiences here.

“The artwork evokes memories on the mountain and sways them to buy,” she
said.

Dynamics of art culture — otherwise known as artists’ markets, galleries,
exhibits and festivals — are explosive branches of art for communities to
enjoy.

Passions are shared and expressed. These traits have been cultivated for
thousands of years by many people of the world, especially here.

Look forward to read about more Mountain artists in upcoming issues of The
Mountain Times.