Community, Springfield

Duo exhibits at City Hall

”Clear Lake, Early Fall,” by plein-air artist Mara Thyegeson is one of the works displayed at Springfield City Hall. The public is invited to attend the gallery reception on Friday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m. Provided

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Arts Commission exhibit: ”Earth, Sky and Water,” an exhibition of plein-air painting by artist Mara Thyegeson in the City Hall Gallery, and ”Dye Like a Natural: Exploring Natural Dyes,” an exhibition of dyed work by Bertha Holt Elementary students with artist/instructor Alex Ever in the Young Artists Gallery.
The community is invited to attend a gallery reception on Friday, March 13, 5-7 p.m. to view the exhibitions and listen to live music by The West Winds Flute Choir, which features amateur flutists from the Springfield and Eugene Area.
‘Earth, Sky and Water’
Thygeson said she credits her interest in plein-air painting to her love of nature and watercolor. Heavy pack on her back, she hikes for miles through forested mountains, rivers and lakes until a landscape compels her, she said.
She attended U.C. Berkeley in 1973 and studied plein-air watercolor at the University of Oregon. A stay-at-home mom of four, Thygeson said she likes to combine art with motherhood; Mara took her young sons to rivers and lake, and while they played and caught crawdads, she painted nearby, she said.
Thygeson studied with Adam Grosowsky, Umberto Gonzalez and Erik Sandgren. Her watercolors have been exhibited in solo and group shows in venues and galleries in Bolinas, California, Eugene and Portland.
‘Dye Like a Natural’
”Dye Like a Natural: Exploring Natural Dyes,” is also on display in the Young Artists Gallery. The exhibit features dyed pennants by Bertha Holt Elementary students with artist/instructor Alex Ever that was completed as part of a Lane Arts Council Artist in Resident Program at the school.
Students worked hands-on with Ever to explore the potential of materials found in backyards and made their own dye vats and created various dye swatches. Students also learned the basics of the natural dye process, including the methods that were used long before the advent of synthetic dyes.
A new addition to City Hall, the Young Artists Gallery is the only year-round space in Springfield dedicated to showcasing the work of children and young adult artists. The Commission collaborates with youth-related organizations throughout Lane County to represent the diverse creativity of young people in the Springfield community.

IFYOUGO:
WHAT: Gallery reception
WHEN: Friday, March 13, 5-7 p.m.
WHO: Plein-air artist Mara Thyegeson, Bertha Holt Elementary students
WHERE: Springfield City Hall, 225 5th St.
MORE INFO: Art exhibits: “Earth, Sky and Water” and “Dye Like a Natural: Exploring Natural Dyes”

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