Painting the family line

Experience an exhilarating new show in a variety of mediums and styles at Native contemporary artist Leonard Harmon's inaugural solo exhibition, “This One’s for You: Honoring Ancestors,” opening this Friday, April 21, at the Newport Visual Arts Center.

An opening reception will take place from 6 to 8 pm on Friday. Light refreshments will be served.

“We’re thrilled to recognize, celebrate and share the expressions of up-and-coming local artist Leonard Harmon,” Director Chasse Davidson said. “Through deep bonds of respect and honor for those who came before, Harmon’s work fuses Native artistic traditions, social issues and struggles of the past and present with his own presentation and contemporary style.”

A citizen of the Lenape Tribe of New Jersey and the Nanticoke Tribe of Delaware, Harmon currently resides on Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians reservation land in Siletz. In this exhibit, he showcases a convergence of cultural traditions and contemporary social justice issues, imbuing his pieces with themes of heritage, blood quantum and honoring and thankfulness for the artistic traditions that have been passed down.

The unfinished works of his namesake uncle, Leonard Allen Harmon, propel him forward with confidence in knowing that continued artistic expression is his legacy. The show includes bold color choice and composition through paintings and mixed-media sculpture.

“This One’s for You: Honoring Ancestors” will be on display through May 28 at the Newport Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Drive, available to view Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.