Had a religious experience at NW Wine Bar last week. I went over to see an art show. Ron Mills is an art professor at Linfield College and we've become friends through our mutual acquaintance Jeff Peterson. Ron's show featured a series of works entitled: "Bacchus/Sgrafitti". They are stunning. The images are wild and multi-layered. Ron shared with me that he actually used small branches to help him shape the paint on the canvases. It's as though there are spirits just under the surface of the paint hovering, almost haunting the works. Scattered throughout are small dots of intense red--like the eyes of demons looking through a sea of branches. I was caught up in the works.
The featured works are cooperations between artist Mills and a wood carver named Totem Shriver. The works are large, impressive pieces. The carved pieces are Incorporated right into the midst of the paintings. It was very enjoyable to sit down with a glass of wine and talk to people from the community about art and just about everything else under the sun. In one conversation I was talking to two educators about a faith life that is not judgemental, but open and accepting of people who are traditionally spurned by such groups. We also traveled to France and talked about internship experiences and the beauty of the countryside and the wonderful wines they produce.
It was a blessing to also be able to sit and talk with Ron about his works. I'm beginning to believe that art is the only thing that can truly change people and make a lasting difference in the world. I have a difficult time explaining why. I only know that the presence of a healthy arts community makes all the difference in the quality of life of a place. I'm sure that one of the reasons this is such a great place to live is the vibrancy of our art community. I wish I understood the reasons for how art can heal us and make us better human beings. Ron's art, to me, causes an emotional response, it evokes deep feelings and emotions, and was the starting point of a number of deep and far reaching discussions. Ron grew up in a very toxic religious environment, and it's taking him some time to adjust to an open and accepting pastor. The fact that I love his art, and am willing to come by and drink a glass of wine and have a meaningful discussion with him helps, I think. I certainly don't have discussions this good inside the church! (We have great ones, but they're different.)
The Northwest Wine Bar is a perfect setting for these works. If you are able to swing by, make sure you go upstairs and view the works on display there. Another friend, Luke Zimmerman (also an artists) is in charge of hanging the works, and he's done a wonderful job. Go and enjoy this spiritual experience over Christmas vacation (and enjoy some beautiful wine while you're at it!)