In this work, titled “Blu Harbor,” I passionately capture the essence of life as a vibrant, poetic piece. I achieve this through the conceptual, mesmerizing arrangement of sand dollar mosaics. Additionally, the spirited brushwork brings to life graceful marine birds. Both species are teetering on the brink of extinction. An unwavering hope drives me. I aim to ignite a flame of awareness and action for their survival.
$ 3800.
Bird Watcher mosaic by Mimi Cernyar-Fox $1200
The Enchantment of Marine Life
My current artwork is inspired by my surroundings, where I am immersed in the mystery of marine life. I have been to sea with the commercial fishermen and as a mariner’s wife, I know intimately the impact the ocean can have on one’s soul. Inspired by the sea and the seabirds that dive into her waters for their food, I have used these paintings and mosaics to tell a little bit of their story.
From white-winged scooters to some species of seagull, the number of everyday marine birds here has plummeted dramatically in recent decades, and so has their food. Many of the shorebirds are down 20% or more from 1970, according to a story in the July 2014 Seattle Times. The reasons have varied, ranging from climate change and shoreline development to marine pollution and predation.
We know many species of gull are born and live in Alaska until they begin to migrate. Oftentimes, it is just the native people and the mariners who see the seabirds in hosts of numbers. However, new studies have shown that our marine birds are in serious decline, including some species of gull.
This decline is not just a statistic for me—it is a lived reality that echoes through the salt air and across the shifting tides. With awe at the resilience of ocean life, I am compelled to capture their fleeting beauty in the vibrant spirit of my work.
With my sand dollar mosaics, I utilize the sand dollars that the gulls have eaten as an environmental symbol of the decline in food for the birds and the need to take care of the sea.
The sand dollar mosaics and my paintings of the sea and marine birds are in many collections throughout the USA, including the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
With these works of art, I hope to bring enchantment into daily life, delighting the spirit and charming the heart.” Mini Cernyar-Fox
I have been a prolific artist and a dreamer since childhood; I loved to draw and paint. I attended high school at the Benedictine Sisters’ Monastery, where I began serious studies in music, art, and poetry.
This was the foundation that enabled me to fulfill my dream of becoming an artist. As an adult, I pursued traditional training while earning my master’s degree at WSU.
I have explored a wide range of topic matter over the years. I have settled on images inspired by my surroundings.
Welcoming award-winning North West artist Mimi Cernyar-Fox to the Fairweather Gallery on August 2!
About the artist:
- 1992-1994 -Theology and Philosophy / Mount Angel Seminary (Saint Benedict, OR)
- 1991 – Master’s of Fine Art / Washington State University (Pullman, WA)
- 1984 – Bachelor’s of Fine Art / Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland, OR)
National/International Exhibitions
- Paris, France, 2007-2009: Galerie Etienne De Causans, Rue de Seine-75006.
- Exhibizone Anti-War 2025 https://www.exhibizone.com/anti-war-2025.
- New Expressionist Painting from Pacific Northwest USA, Solo, Seattle, WA 110, 2017-2020.
- New York, NY, USA 1990: St. Mark’s Cathedral, Christian Paintings, Solo.
- Collective Visions Gallery. Bremerton, WA 2019-2021.
- Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR. Solo Exhibition. Spiritual Paintings of Faith and Hope, 2024.
Solo Exhibitions and Installations
- 2024: Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR. Spiritual Paintings of Faith and Hope.
- 2024: First Presbyterian Church Chapel Gallery, Portland, OR, painting From the Holy Well
- 2023: Mt. Angel Abbey – Library, Mt. Angel, OR
- 2021- 2019: Installation of paintings at CVG Gallery, Bremerton, WA.
- 2019: Installation of paintings at Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR, “O Water, Water Everywhere”.
- 2018: November themes show: Water, Water Everywhere, paintings, Gallery 110, Seattle, WA.
- 2018: July themes show: The Mudflats, paintings and painted shell mosaic, Gallery 110, Seattle, WA
- 2016: Wings Over the Sea, 40 paintings and drawings installation, Newport Visual Arts Center/OCCA, Newport, OR
- 2015: A Voice for the Marine Birds, July Show 2015, oils and mixed media, Ryan Art Gallery, Lincoln City, OR
- 2013: The Coast A New Vision, installation of Sand dollar mosaic & painting, OCCA -Newport Center for the Visual Arts, Newport, OR
- 2009: The Artist Goes To Sea II, oils, Installation, Brian Marki Fine Art and Frame, Portland, OR 97232
- 2008-2009: American In Paris, paintings from the Paris experience, Gallerie Ettenne De Causans, 25 Rue De Seine, Paris, France
- 2007: A Light In The Distance, 18 paintings for Peace and Compassion. Gallerie Etienne De Causans, 25 rue de seine-7500 Paris
- 2006: The Artist Goes to Sea, Paintings and Drawings, Brian Markie Fine Art and Frame, Portland, OR 97232
Group- Juried Exhibitions
- 2022: Extinction 2022, International call by Biofrin, painting: A Transitory Moment.
- 2021: CVG 2021, first place cash award in painting: “Enough Is Enough”, juror Michael D’Alessandro. CVG Bremerton, WA statewide competition
- 2020: Blackfish Gallery, Portland, OR. Love Politic in the Gallery & online October through November. Rowboat Gallery, Pacific City, Oregon, (new work).
- 2019: The Annual CVG show in Bremerton’s Collective Visions Gallery Expressions West 2019, Coos Art Museum. Selected works by Judith Schlichting, Rowboat Gallery, Coos Art Museum, Expressions West 2019, American Gothic, Pacific Northwest, exhibited.
- 2018: Selected work by Judith Schlichting, Rowboat Gallery, Pacific City, OR. Selected work by Jennifer Pepin, Sea and Rock series, Pepin Gallery, Portland, Oregon
- Duets, Women Artists of Washington State Gallery, Seattle, WA
Publications and Collections
- 2024: Mount Angel Abbey, Saint Benedict, OR
- 2022: Extinction, The colorful glossy A4 catalog online groups smart exhibition, Ontario, Canada
- 2019: Installation of my paintings for their private collection. Hatfield Marine Science Center & Guin Library – purchased 10 paintings.
- 2017: Nancy Jane Reid, director of the Center for Visual Arts, collection, Newport, OR
- 2009, Paris France: “A Light In The Distance” publications: PARISCOP, Paris,lle-de-France, and L’oficiel des Spectacles du Mercredi 17 au mardi 23 octobre
- 2008: Featured artist, painter, for the Monarch Sculpture Park, Olympia, WA
Many Private Collections and Publications throughout the USA
- Christine Lohman, Private Collection, Worley, ID. 2025
- Morgan Lohman/Lohman Helicopter, Private Collection, Worley, ID. 2025
- Milo Lohman, Private Collection, Shaw Island, WA. 2025
- Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel Nationwide Magazine “Reflections”. 2009-2024.
- Nancy Jane Reid, private collection, 2008 -2017
- Hatfield Marine Science Center, Collection-8 pieces, Newport, OR
- Lisa Van Dam collection, Alyn, WA 2020
- Linfield College, permanent collection, McMinnville, OR
- Mount Angel Abbey, permanent collection, St Benedict (Mt. Angel, OR)
- Art professor Paul Missal Collection, Portland, OR. George Brandt Coll. (founder of Gallery 110 Seattle)
- Featured: KOMO4 News: “Green” art YouTube, September 19, 2018
- 30-year member with Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, installations at the Visual Art Center, Newport, OR
- Periscope publication, Paris, France 2007-9
- Featured artist 2009-2015, Portland Metro Magazine, Brian Marki Gallery, Portland, OR
I am pleased to share that I won the “Best of Show” award in a 2025 recent virtual exhibition. I consider it a privilege to introduce myself to an experienced and authentic person. I genuinely appreciate your representation of my work. I have been a prolific artist and a dreamer since childhood; I loved to draw and paint. I grew up singing, baking, riding, and raising horses. Growing up on our farm came with many responsibilities. The experience instilled in me a deep respect for nature. It gave me a compassionate understanding of creation and a confidence in hard work. This foundation laid the groundwork for me to fulfill my dream of becoming an artist. As an adult, I have explored a wide range of topics over the years. I have settled on images inspired by my surroundings. You have priority over my artwork in Seaside. I know you are the best person to represent me and do justice to my art. — Mimi |
The Fairweather Gallery is grateful to Mimi Cernyar-Fox for offering herself as an artist-in-residence. She brings specific skills to the Gallery and comes to us through a recommendation. She took the time, conducted the research, had some luck with work that resonated with our gallerist, and showed tenacity. This relationship will be both optional and mutually beneficial.
Fairweather House and Gallery
612 Broadway Street
Creative Class.
Introducing Jennifer Quan’s wire sculptures and archival Provence works by Rich Brooks.
Welcoming sand dollar mosaic artist Mimi Cernyar-Fox.
Highlighting painter Paul Brent, abstract photographer Steve Bash, botanical artist Mike Mason, and mixed-media artist Liz Luther.
Fairweather House and Gallery is a premier source for stylish, chic, one-of-a-kind livable furnishings, unexpected art, and the most extraordinary accessories—glass, paintings, photography, wood, stone, bronze, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry.
Representing a collection of fine art by an exceptional group of regional artists for over nineteen years.
From traditional to transitional, contemporary to realism, and from Impressionism to emerging art.
