Explore Poseidon’s Realm: Bev Birdwell’s Ocean-Inspired Art

 
Original oil by Bev Birdwell.

A beloved quote by Sir David Attenborough beautifully captures the essence of our connection to nature.

“The natural world offers an incredible wellspring of excitement. It unfolds breathtaking visual beauty all around us. Beyond that, it engages our minds with profound intellectual intrigue. Truly, it provides countless reasons for us to cherish and appreciate this life we live.”

About Bev Birdwell, artist for Fairweather’s June 2025 exhibition, Poseidon’s Realm

Bev Birdwell has lived in Vancouver, Washington, for 34 years. She owns a painting studio, Arts Desire, where she holds weekly classes and specialty workshops.

Through June 25

Fairweather House and Gallery

612 Broadway Street

In the Historic Gilbert District of downtown Seaside

 An exhibition titled Poseidon’s Realm.
Poseidon is a mythological Greek god of the sea known for controlling the oceans.
Featuring original works by watercolor artist and oil painter Bev Birdwell.
Featuring contemporary artist Vicki Baker, abstract painter Nick Brakel, wood sculptor Mike Brown, pastel painter Dennis Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Art at Pacific University, acrylic painter Jan Shield, and notable guest oil painter Vicky-Combs Snider.

 

https://fairweatherhouseandgallery.com

For Poseidon’s Realm, a Fairweather exhibition, artist Jan Shield’s sea otter.

Jan Shield was born into a vibrant family of artists. His passion for painting and sculpting has been the heartbeat of his life. He was a dedicated Professor Emeritus of Art at Pacific University in Forest Grove. He inspired countless students with his fervor for creativity. Mr. Shield’s remarkable works grace corporate, public, and private collections across the nation, including the bustling art scene of New York. His exhibitions illuminate the Pacific Northwest, showcasing his brilliance in one and two-person shows, invitational exhibits, and juried group displays.

Jan expresses his deep regard for most western regions of the United States. He particularly focuses on Oregon and the Pacific Rim. He does this through his paintings, prints, murals, and sculptures. His paintings, especially, are a comment on Naturalism and symbolism. Other paintings and three-dimensional forms allow the viewer to feel nature’s power and richness. These forms convey the substance he discovers in nature through a more abstract style.

Mr. Shield’s studio is at Dancing Trees Sanctuary For The Arts. Jan is available by appointment. He can discuss the sale or commission of his work. He also offers corporate art consultation and permanent collections placement.

These adorable creatures are not just facing challenges. They are threatened under the Endangered Species Act and labeled as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Their survival hangs by a thread amidst a barrage of dangers. These include dwindling prey, entanglement in commercial fishing gear, and catastrophic oil spills. Toxic contaminants, disease outbreaks, and relentless shark predation are also threats.

This is all about raising awareness and supporting the conservation of the different species of otters worldwide.
 
  •  They often delight visitors to Aquariums with their playful personalities and acrobatic antics.
  •  Our mission has been to inspire ocean conservation for over 19 years.
  • This threatened species plays an invaluable role in helping marine ecosystems thrive, like the kelp forests and wetlands here.
  • The sea otter is a keystone species, which means that the health of sea otter populations reflects the health of other species and ecosystems nearby.
  • Research shows that otters maintain and restore these critical ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and strengthening our natural defenses against the impacts of a changing climate, like rising sea levels.
  • Sea otters also depend on the health of these ecosystems for their survival.
 

Through June 25

Fairweather House and Gallery

612 Broadway Street

In the Historic Gilbert District of downtown Seaside

 An exhibition titled Poseidon’s Realm.
Poseidon is a mythological Greek god of the sea known for controlling the oceans.

Featuring original works by watercolor artist Bev Birdwell, contemporary artist Vicki Baker, abstract painter Nick Brakel, wood sculptor Mike Brown, pastel painter Dennis Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Art at Pacific University, acrylic painter Jan Shield, and notable guest oil painter Vicky-Combs Snider.

 

To read more about the gallery, go to:

https://fairweatherhouseandgallery.com

Poseidon’s Realm: An Artistic Celebration of the Ocean by Vicky Combs-Snider.

Pacific octopus by Vicky-Combs Snider

“I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was very blessed growing up and living in seven different states. I majored in Art. I showed in art exhibits in Kansas City and taught oil painting. 

I moved to Oregon fifteen years ago and took a job in sales, which allowed me to travel the back roads of Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Idaho. I have been blessed to travel throughout all 50 states through work and pleasure. Our country is a beautiful canvas, full of majestic subject matter.”

Vicky Combs-Snider.

Oil by Vicky-Combs Snider

Artists are drawn to octopuses due to their perceived sentience and connection to the natural world. The octopus can represent a sense of wonder, awe, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.”

 Artists see sea turtles as symbols of wisdom, health, or even creation, while others are inspired by their stoic nature and independent movement. Additionally, the beauty and complexity of sea turtles, particularly their shells and patterns, can be a source of artistic inspiration.”

  • About sea turtles’ longevity:
    Their long lifespans have led to their association with longevity in many cultures. 
     
  • About sea turtles’ patience and endurance:
    Their slow, steady movement, especially when navigating the ocean, highlights their patience and endurance. 
     
  • About sea turtles’ wisdom and knowledge:
    Their connection to the ancient oceans and their ability to navigate vast distances are linked to wisdom and knowledge. 
     
  • About sea turtles’ connection to the earth:
    In some creation myths and legends, turtles are depicted as supporting the Earth, symbolizing their connection to the land and the natural world.
     
     
 

Through June 25

Fairweather House and Gallery

612 Broadway Street

In the Historic Gilbert District of downtown Seaside

An exhibition titled Poseidon’s Realm.

Poseidon is a mythological Greek god of the sea known for controlling the oceans.

Featuring original works by watercolor artist Bev Birdwell, abstract painter Nick Brakel, wood sculptor Mike Brown, pastel painter Dennis Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Art at Pacific University, acrylic painter Jan Shield, and oil painter Vicky-Combs Snider.

 

To read more about the gallery, go to:

https://fairweatherhouseandgallery.com

Exploring Dennis Cunningham’s Artistic Legacy

“Golden Salmon” pastel by Dennis Cunningham

 

Oregon artist Dennis Cunningham (1949-2021) created graphic relief prints and paintings with elaborate, witty visual narratives. His chosen medium was linoleum prints in black ink on white paper. He often focused on landscapes of lakes and streams, with a lone figure engaging in his favorite activity: fishing. His artworks explore personal identity, a sense of place, and environmental concerns.

Born in Medford, Oregon, Cunningham received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Museum Art School (now Pacific Northwest College of Art) in Portland, Oregon, in 1975. He was one of the founding members of Blackfish Gallery in Portland. He taught printmaking at Pacific Northwest College of Art and Marylhurst University (both in Oregon).

Fairweather Gallery is thrilled to show the pastel work by Dennis Cunningham. This work was brought to us by his son-in-law, Darren Delano, and his daughter, Selena Cunningham-Delano.

“You can recognize the artist through his work.”

This sentiment resonates deeply in Dennis Cunningham’s works.

Fairweather Gallery is thrilled to celebrate Dennis Cunningham’s fervent dedication to art as a true regionalism. Cunningham was born amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Northwest. His artistic journey is a vibrant tapestry. It is woven from the stunning landscapes, cherished fishing experiences, and beloved critters that inspired him.

Through  June 25

Fairweather House and Gallery

612 Broadway Street

 An exhibition titled Poseidon’s Realm.

Poseidon is a mythological Greek god of the sea known for controlling the oceans.

Featuring original works by watercolor artist Bev Birdwell, abstract painter Nick Brakel, wood sculptor Mike Brown, pastel painter Dennis Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Art at Pacific University, acrylic painter Jan Shield, and oil painter Vicky-Combs Snider.

 

 

To read more about the artists, go to:

https://fairweatherhouseandgallery.com

Save the dates. What’s Happening on the Seaside coast.

Saturday, May 17th: SDDA Spring Wine Walk

Saturday, May 31st: Pouring at the Coast

Saturday, June 7th: Treasure the Beach

Saturday, June 7th: First Saturday Art Walk

Saturday, June 14th: Muscle & Chrome Car Show

Friday, July 4th: Independence Day

Saturday, July 5th: Treasure the Beach

Saturday, July 5th: First Saturday Art Walk

Saturday, August 2nd: Treasure the Beach

Saturday, August 2nd: First Saturday Art Walk

Wednesday, August 20th: Seaside Golf Classic

Friday, September 12th-14th: Wheels & Waves Car Show