Remembering an old-school artist

A new exhibit will honor the legacy of much-admired local artist Heather Fortner, who died in 2022 at the age of 70.

“An Artist Remembered” will be on display from Friday, Sept. 8, through Oct. 29 at the Olive Street Gallery, located in the lobby of the Newport Performing Arts Center.

An opening reception on Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm will offer the opportunity to share memories, reflections and refreshments amidst Fortner’s varied artwork, on loan from several private collections.

A master gyotaku and nature print maker, Fortner was known for her expansive technical skill, her enthusiasm for her craft and her altruism in sharing her talent and expertise with others. Students from near and far came to her Sea Fern Studio in Toledo, where she lived from 2009 to 2019, to learn and practice art under her respectful guidance.

“To know Heather was to be blessed by her generosity, in one form or another,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center. “She was a treasure. Constantly encouraging others and sharing knowledge, enthusiasm and opportunities.”

Fortner’s life, dedicated to protecting nature through art, was unique and fascinating. From penning one of the first books on cooking with seaweed, to becoming a Merchant Marine Sea Captain, to discovering the art of gyotaku and training with Japanese masters to improve her technique, she was continually learning, creating, leading and giving. Fortner also traveled extensively, spending a great deal of time at sea. She would often set up studios on board large merchant vessels and print caught fish, as well as unusual fish found in markets at foreign ports.

Exhibits at Olive Street Gallery can be viewed from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday, and one hour before all public performances.

The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.