Partner Story
Shop for art and get inspired by woodwork, sculpture and paintings.
Whether you appreciate art or are an artist yourself, you’ll love Curry County, the southernmost section of the Oregon Coast. This South Coast stretch encompasses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state and has long drawn creative souls inspired by nature. Not only is it a fantastic place to create art, but it’s also full of galleries showcasing works by artists from Curry County and across the Pacific Northwest. Here are three amazing galleries you won’t want to miss.
Woodworking Wizardry
Venture east from the Oregon Coast Highway for a few blocks to visit Port Orford’s Tree Wizard Gallery, a two-story barnlike structure full of whimsical wooden creations. It’s here that Port Orford’s very own wizard of woodworking, Gary “Wiz” Burns, creates and displays his art, and you’re likely to catch him in the middle of a project during your visit. It’s worth visiting just to chat with Burns and watch him in action, but you’ll likely want to pick up one of his enchanting sculptures to take home with you.
Burns specializes in hearts crafted from wood found in and around Curry County, and many of his pieces highlight — rather than attempt to erase — natural features like burls and gnarls. These symbols of love make great gifts for nature lovers, whether for a wedding, an anniversary or the holidays. All come ready to hang on your wall, and Burns can customize the back with a special message. The Tree Wizard also makes beautiful abstract sculptures that, like his hearts, showcase the natural characteristics of his medium.
Bronze by the Beach
In the heart of Gold Beach, Gold Beach Books & Art Gallery combines three delightful concepts under one roof: an art gallery, a secondhand bookshop and a coffee shop. Bronze sculpture is the specialty here, and much of the ground floor is occupied by exquisitely crafted depictions of aquatic life, from gargantuan otters to majestic sea birds. Expect to see works by Jason Napier, a sculptor whose works are inspired by his upbringing on the Oregon Coast. The gallery also showcases numerous pieces by Jacques and Mary Regat, who count many impressively large and detailed bronze sculptures among their extensive body of work.
Although bronze creations dominate the space, the gallery also displays pieces in many other media, from sculpture to watercolor. Check out the bold and colorful fused glass pieces by Pacific Northwest artist Karen Ehart on display, many of which are inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Other highlighted artists include FireSmith Copper — a husband-and-wife team who use fire to “paint” on copper, using oxidation to bring out multiple hues from the metal creations — and the vivid animal paintings and prints of J.M. & T.C. Steele. If you want to take a bit of Gold Beach home with you, purchase a painting by local artist Magda Druzdzel, whose observations of earth, sea and sky translate beautifully to the canvas.
South Coast Abstract
Among the southernmost galleries on the Oregon Coast, Semi Aquatic Gallery in Brookings is an excellent place to browse for beautiful art as well as coastally inspired gifts. The gallery is owned by local artist Spencer Reynolds, who creates colorful, surrealistic oil paintings, many of which are inspired by the waves, woods and rock formations that dominate his South Coast surroundings. Splurge on a one-of-a-kind original painting or pick up some prints, greeting cards, ornaments, apparel or jewelry featuring Reynolds’ art.
Although the gallery primarily focuses on Reynolds’ works, he often also displays works of guest artists, including pieces by other painters. Other fun finds include earrings made from upcycled surfboard resin, colorful blown-glass paperweights and a small selection of books. It’s also the place to pick up a copy of Dirty Freehub’s Oregon Coast Gravel Guide, which was illustrated by Reynolds. This book is as handy as it is beautiful, featuring detailed information about popular Oregon Coast cycling routes and the highlights along them. You can even ask Reynolds to sign a copy while you’re there.
Photo at the top courtesy of Semi Aquatic Gallery.
