A common take on artisans is they are a madcap group of disorganized genius.

Lynette Xanders, of Brightwood, and a merry band of Mountain artists are brushing that notion aside, having created an e-gallery website and have a hard-copy book set to launch in December.

Xanders is founder and CEO of Wild Alchemy, a Portland-based company that
crafts information into brand positioning, marketing and innovation strategies.
She also paints, renovates children’s furniture, likes her Mountain home, and
has the vision to reinforce her artistic desires.

“I’m more selfish than altruistic,” Xanders told The Mountain Times. “I want
the double luxury of living up here as an artist.”

She also noted that sales outlets for artists have been limited in the past, and
the website and book are an attempt to solve this problem. “It has to be
easier than this,” she said of the present state.

The website, MtHoodArtisans.com, provides viewers the opportunity to see
local artist’s portfolios and be able to purchase work through links to artist
websites or their contact information.

“This site is being created by a local group of people as a service to the local
artist community,” Xanders wrote in a concept overview. “It is intended to
bring awareness, access and customers to artisans in the Mount Hood area ...
The site itself is being created through donations and volunteerism. It is not
set up to be profitable, but it must be sustainable.”

Xanders’ husband, Chris Martin, is managing business operations, and Lisa
Riversong, a Mountain artist and teacher, is in charge of outreach and
community relations.

The MHA website is designed to showcase artists across multi-media
platforms, including but not limited to photography, jewelry, knitwear,
furniture, glassworks, paintings – whether a full-time or part-time pursuit. All
participants must be majority owners of their businesses.

Current MHA members include Xanders, Riversong, Jen Andersen Fibre, Aaron
& Caleb Gabbert Glass, Pete Bady Photo, Jerry Cave Jewelry, Andunn
Einarsson (Seaburg) Paint and Steve Ludeman Watercolor.

New additions, “Hopefully soon,” Xanders said, include John Smith, Judy
Cave, Jason Johnston, Mel Mutterspaugh, Sue Allen, Allison Collins, Josh
Frazier, Patty Chesla, Danielle, Gary Randall, Ryan Peloquin, Jard and Mark
Dulcie.

Other artisans should contact Chris Martin at 503-622-1776 or
info@mthoodartisans.com.

The upcoming book, slated for December, will be a 4-color catalogue to be
placed in restaurants and rental units in the Mountain area.

“This is a way to showcase our local artists,” Xanders said. “It’s a way for
locals to buy from locals, and to bring in outside dollars to our community.”