Cultivating Creativity: Art from the OSU Art About Agriculture Permanent Collection by Middle Willamette Valley Artists and Invited Artists

September 24 – December 24, 2010

This art exhibition featured works of art acquired from artists who live, or have lived, in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. Art for this show was selected from the Art About Agriculture permanent collection, which comprises more than 200 works of fine art in such media as paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, assemblage, drawings, collage, mixed media and textiles.

Additionally, three artists who are not represented in the permanent collection, Dale Bunse from Independence, Jodie Raborn from Salem, and Ginny Adelsheim from Yamhill County, were invited to participate in the show.

Reaching beyond simply illustrating agriculture, the 30 artists represented created profound works of art that connect us to an array of agricultural enterprises and products, cultivated landscapes, and the abundant natural resources of the Willamette Valley and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Their works enlighten and deepen our appreciation of agriculture and natural resources in our lives.

It was especially meaningful to display these works of art at the time of year customarily associated with gathering, harvests and the rewards of sharing during the holiday season. Traditionally in the fall, the agricultural labors of planting and tending crops have reached fruition just as the dormant months set in, and young livestock animals need less tending as they reach maturity. Agriculture’s and Nature’s cycles for rest and renewal have arrived, as well as special times for people to celebrate in community hubs like the Willamette Heritage Center.