Exploring Distinctive, Locally Made Arts & Crafts in the Villages of Mt Hood

If you enjoy shopping for fine handcrafted products, you’ll be delighted at your finds in The Villages of Mt. Hood.  Here, the mountain’s beauty inspires artists to craft art you’ll be proud to own or share as special gifts.

Do you want art you can use every day?  Dulcie Lindsoe’s hand-thrown pottery pieces are decorated with treescapes, plants and animals of the natural world around her.  Her wide selection ranges from bird baths to butter dishes, every size of bowl you could want, and four mug styles.  Wouldn’t a scene of deer or bear in the forest make your workday coffee a little more interesting?

Sue Allen’s bright, elegant screenprints celebrate creatures and creations of the whole world.  When it comes to her own neighborhood, you can share her view of home through her cards and prints of Mt. Hood and its flora and fauna.  Her 12-part series, “Around Mt. Hood:  12 Months – 12 Directions” is out in calendar form for 2009, a great way to keep a part of your day up in the mountains all year.

How about a friendly bear or an evergreen tree to welcome folks upon your threshold?  Mike Schmidt’s The Gallery at Alder Creek has those and more, all examples of the best in chainsaw art.  You can find moose, salmon, even bears in all sizes from small to 10 feet tall.  There’s also sturdy and beautiful log furniture.

At Wy’East Book Shoppe and Art Gallery in Welches, take your time and consider the paintings, prints, and many other fine art objects you’ll see arranged in their pleasant space, all on consignment from local artists and crafters.  Check the Wy’East website or give them a call to learn when their next “Meet the Artist” presentation will be.  These are special evenings during which you’ll learn what makes the featured artist tick, and then share discussion, wine and delicious appetizers afterwards.

Also in Welches, Made on Mt. Hood offers a showcase of area artisans in full variety.  Perhaps one of Carolyn Teague’s Mountain Creek Candles will bring a warm light to your home, or maybe you’d look forward to resting in a twig chair from Mike Martini’s Forest Furniture.  You’ll find Cedar Ridge Metalcraft’s steel bells, wall hangings and signs.  You can commission a custom metal sign for the entrance of your home.  There are pillows and quilt art from textile artists and selections from local photographers.  For something small and personal, look over the jewelry and accessories on offer, including Native American-themed creations by Brandy Jo Matye.

Jason Johnston creates sculpture ranging from the sporting to the fanciful in his Rhododendron studio.  He works in ceramic and stone, but mostly in bronze.  His pieces, whether provocative or simply lyrical, are masterfully crafted works of art.

Did you know there’s a place on the mountain for you to learn artisan skills?  Visit the website for The Arts Cabins Project in Government Camp for their upcoming class schedule and find the craft that’s right for you.  Blacksmithing classes are coming up on December 20-21, so register early.  Call right now for availability of autumn’s glass beadmaking and textile workshops, and pick a watercolor class for summer 2009.  Plus on November 28 and 29, The Arts Cabins hosts the Blacksmith’s Holiday Sale, with hand forged items and gifts available from 10am to 6pm both days.

With a community so full of talented artists, you’ll always find something perfectly made and a perfect fit for you in The Villages of Mt. Hood.  

By Andree Larson