Circulate with some artists
Art for the Heart art gallery benefits fitness scholarships in Nehalem
By Chelsea Yarnell
For the TODAY
Heart. A muscular organ that pumps blood through our veins. Or, a driving mentality for our passions. Whether anatomical or cognitive, it’s a central part of our being.
Art for the Heart art gallery, hosted by Adventist Health Tillamook in conjunction with North County Recreation District, highlights inspirations from the hearts of coastal artists.
The gallery will host a Community Celebration of the Heart and Artist Reception this Sunday, Feb. 4, featuring artwork for sale by local artists, live music from classical guitarist Ivan Danilich and heart-healthy refreshments.
“Heart” in the showcased art is left up to the interpretation of each creator.
“The ask from us is whatever speaks to your heart is what artists bring,” Adventist Health Tillamook Marketing Manager Annette McLain said. “We’ve had everything from landscapes to portraits in various mediums from pressed wool to tin cans to paintings. It’s whatever brings you joy when you do art.”
The event began 10 years ago when Tillamook County Commissioner Mary Faith Bell (then communications and marketing manager for Adventist Health Tillamook) was inspired to celebrate February as National Heart Month.
“I envisioned a show…[that] engaged people’s love of art and started conversations about heart-health in our community,” Bell said. “Tillamook County has a thriving artist community, and Art for the Heart is a wonderful opportunity for Adventist Health Tillamook to uplift the power of creativity to nourish and heal.”
“Le Pain Dur,” an original painting depicting a sutured heart by the late, local artist Fred Bixel (1924– 2019), has been used in all marketing for Art for the Heart since the first show.
Bixel served in World War II, fighting in the battles of Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley. He was captured on a mission in Italy by the Germans and held in a POW camp until the end of the war. Painted in 1993, “Le Pain Dur” or “Hard Bread” reflects Bixel’s wartime experience. The French text circling the heart on three sides translates as:
“And our loves, must I remember them
The joy always came after the pain
Vienna, the night strikes the hour”
The piece now hangs in Bell’s home.
The annual event since 2014, sans COVID era, dedicates 10 percent of art sales to Friends of NCRD or North County Recreation District.
“A portion of the gallery sales will be donated to offset scholarships in all departments,” NCRD Administrative Specialist Kiley Konruff said. “Scholarships are offered in youth, youth sports, aquatics and fitness which includes classes. We do not ever want someone to not feel welcome due to their inability to pay. NCRD is honored to be able to host this event and showcase it for the community.”
This year, the show is expected to feature nearly 100 submissions with artwork coming from artists of all ages. Cash awards will be given of $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $175 for third place. Special prizes will also be awarded for people’s choice and submissions from artists of high school age and younger.
Last year Nehalem photographer Don Backman won second place for a metal print of his sunset photograph at Cape Meares.
“This is a fun event, Backman said, “and I encourage people to stop in and see the wide variety of art.”
The show will be on display through Feb. 29.
“I am thrilled that the show is in its 10th year,” Bell said. “It is a joyful celebration of the heart, showcasing talented local artists and raising awareness of heart-health. I encourage everyone who can to attend the artist reception, which is always fun, or to stop by NCRD during February to enjoy the show.”
Sunday’s opening reception runs from 1 to 3 pm at the North County Recreation District, located at 36155 9th Street in Nehalem. For more information, go to ncrd.org.