“Spirit Takes Flight”, an exhibit of sculpture and original monoprints by Danae Bennett-Miller opens June 6, from 3-7pm, during the First Friday Gallery Walk in the Old Mill District.

Danae’s sculptures and original monoprints use organic shapes and rich but subtle colors to capture the essence of the animals that surround her during her daily life on the ranch. These sculptures of birds, deer, and elk dance with life. Her One-of-a-kind bronze sculptures are part of the cultural landscape in Bend through public placements.

Each sculpture is made from multiple pieces of flowed wax that when cast in bronze or glass have an organic quality that seems to interpret the animals energy. Danae creates 2D mixed media works that combine torn monoprint collages placed onto cradled board with several layers of poured resin, building up the surface with more texture, lines between each layer of resin.

Tumalo Art Co. is an artist-run gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District and open seven days a week. tumaloartco.com; 541-385-9144.

Shelli Walters May exhibit, “Open Nature”, at Tumalo Art Co. features new mixed media paintings and paper mache sculpture. The opening reception is May 2, during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 3-7pm in the Old Mill District.

Says Shelli about her art process—”Being in nature opens us up. Releasing us from negative thoughts and energy. Inviting harmony back into our lives. Creating art is a natural extension of this experience. This art/nature connection is the heart of my work,”

With a lifetime of art making and design experience at her fingertips Shelli digs into the use of alternative tools to apply paint. Splashes, drips, bold smears of color, juxtaposed with delicate textures scratched into paint, bits of handwriting and type echo the bold and subtle qualities found in nature. All play so beautifully together – making everything come alive amidst the inviting color palette.

Tumalo Art Co. is an artist-run gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District open 7 days a week. tumaloartco.com, 541-385-9144.

Tumalo Art Co. places 3 contemporary artists together with an exhibit opening April 4, from 3-7pm during the First Friday Gallery Walk in the Old Mill District. Filling the front exhibit area Judy Hoiness, Tracy Leagjeld and Ingrid Lustig bring their own artistic expression to how they experience the land, water and wildlife we all share, exploring their connection through their various methods—acrylic, mixed media and monotype.

Judy Hoiness will be showing new work in a series entitled, ”WATER’’. “My WATER Series will explore the importance of water for wildlife and their habitat, recreation and beauty.” Ingrid Lustig’s paintings are about open space, the natural world, the subconscious and archetypes, portals, and joy. “The images of animals in my work are my way of honoring their presence, beauty and power on the planet as well as in our lives.” Tracy Leagjeld creates bold monotypes to communicate and share with others her love and reverence for nature.

Tumalo Art Co. is an artist-run gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District open 7 days a week. tumaloartco.com; 541-385-9144.