This Powellhurst-Gilbert resident has inspired four generations of artists. See where you can admire some of their collective artwork …
Many people stop to admire the artwork created by members of the Wood family, during visits to the East Portland Community Center in January.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many people know Dolores Wood as the “Greening Committee” Chair of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, and have worked with her as she has maintained the Springwater Trail and restored Johnson Creek.
But, it’s not well known that Wood has been a fine artist – and art teacher – for many years.
“I taught at arts school established by Ann and Fred Sanchez in Gateway during the ’60s and ’70s, among other places,” Wood told East Portland News.
A wide variety of subjects are featured in the drawings and paintings on display.
Her family also learned about fine art from Dolores, it seems. “We decided to have a ‘Wood Family Art Show’, here at the East Portland Community Center.
“Visiting the community center over the years, I noticed that other artists had their works on display here,” Wood explained. “We all decided to give it a try. We reserved the month of January our own art exhibit.”
Brandy Lentz and Kris Wood say they’re proud to show off their works of art at this exhibit.
The exhibition includes work by her mother-in-law, her son and his fiancée, and even her grandchildren.
Kris Wood observed that, inasmuch as Dolores is his mother, he’d been exposed to art and creating graphic images for “as long as I can remember. She was giving me art lessons when I was a kid. I mostly do pencil, or digital 3D art.”
Some of Kris’ artwork on display has been published in videogames, he said. “Plus, I’m showing things that been sketched for this show.”
His fiancée, Brandy Lentz, said, “I’ve been an artist pretty much since I was a kid. I prefer working with an ink pen.”
She finds her inspiration in many places; thus the art she has on display ranges from a spaceship to ladybirds. “It’s everything from still life to my imagination. Also, my kids are really inspiring.”
Dolores Wood shows one of her favorite paintings.
About one image, Dolores said, “Our family was driving home across the Santiam Pass. It was early in the morning and I looked out the window of the car, and there was an eagle sitting on a branch of an old snag, looking across the valley, perhaps contemplating his breakfast.
“I didn’t have a camera, but I did think that I would make this scene a painting – so I started working on it when I got back into town.”
Stop by and see the works on display by six people from four generations of the Wood Family, being presented now through the end of January.
Many of the works of art are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the East Portland Community Center.
© 2013 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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