I began painting with oils in my early twenties, later switching to acrylics. 

There's something magical about seeing a blank canvas come to life, be it bright colors, movement, or the beauty and tranquility of nature.  I also love the whimsical as well as reality.

I have been working at the Art Loft with watercolors for the last three years and also with fused glass. 

There is a special satisfaction when a painting or a glass piece comes out well.

  Chelsie is featured this month, April 11th, at the Art Loft's Saturday Art Walk.

Chelsie is a Pacific Northwest artist who uses resin, acrylic, and photography as her media. 

Her choice of colors is inspired from the time she spends outside with nature and her fascination with space and shape. 

She uses her artwork as a chance to bring the peace and beauty of what she sees and experiences outside into your homes.

Vicky has been an oil painter for many years.  Her photographic realism make her paintings come to life.

These are only a few of her works.  There are many more to see.  Stop in and see her beautiful paintings.

Because of the subject matter we are giving you time to find a species that you would enjoy learning about, painting or crafting.

- - This year's theme - - Art Exhibit

Extinct/Nearly Extinct Species of

       Flora and Fauna        

           (an exhibit of extinct or endangered plants and animals)                

Each year, Astoria Art Loft sponsors an exhibit of endangered plants and animals (flora and fauna) to  call attention to the beauty in nature and the fragility of life.  This year, the Art Loft is featuring those species that are extinct and those that are nearly extinct.

Every year, more of our species are vanishing  The World  Conservation Union (IUCN) predicts that soon, 2/3 of the world’s wildlife will be gone by 2020. Moreover, the earth is experiencing its  6^th mass extinction and more than 500 vertebrae species have 100 or fewer individuals remaining.

Major extinctions of the past were caused by volcanic eruptions, oxygen depletion,  climate changes, and asteroid impact.  The current crisis was caused by humans through urbanization,  agriculture, overuse of chemicals such as pesticides and  fertilizers, logging, fishing, hunting, and more.  By 2019, the newly extinct included the Indian cheetah, the Sumatra rhino, the Spix macaw, the giant softshell turtle , the Chinese paddlefish, and others.  In immediate danger, in 2021, are the reticulated giraffe, the koala, and many plants (2/3 of the world oak trees are gone).

The Art Loft is inviting artists to submit 2- and 3-dimensional artwork featuring extinct and severely endangered  species.  The artwork may be submitted digitally, or if the pandemic is over, submitted in person.  Artwork should be submitted by August 24  - 29, 2021.  The exhibit will be open from September 11 through  November 2, 2021.

Artwork submitted should be appropriately framed/displayed.  Submission fees are $15 for up to 3 pieces.  Overall dimensions of 2-dimensional artwork should not exceed 672 sq, in. including frame.  Please call 503.325.4442 or 503.791.8444 for dimensions of 3-D work.

Astoria Art Loft, 106 Third St., Astoria, OR 97103.  E-mail:  astoriaartloft@gmail.com

Two-dimensional artwork. 

Must be professionally presented.  (The back of the artwork should be professional in appearance also.)

 *Artwork on paper should be matted in a neutral colored mat.  A narrow inner mat may be a color  that enhances  the artwork.

 The  matted artwork should be protected with plexiglass.  NOTE:  glass is NOT recommended due to the weight, possible breakage and damage to the artwork.

The supports should be wire suspended on D-rings.  Please, NO sawtooth hangers.  The wire should be fairly taut and be about 2” below the top of the artwork.

 The frame should be free of damage and in good condition.  If used, the plexiglass should be clean and free of smudges.

 Gallery-wrap canvass should be suspended with wire on D-rings.

 Framed pieces should be suspended with wire on D-rings.

 Three-dimensional artwork.

 If stationary, artwork should be secure on its base or display surface.

 If hanging or suspended, artwork should be secure in position.  Material suspending or holding the artwork in place should be strong and securely attached.  All sharp edges should be covered to avoid injury.

 Identification of artwork

Each piece of artwork must be checked in to the Art Loft and a Liability Waiver  form signed.  Also, each piece must have an ID card  with  (1) Title of artwork, (2) medium, (3) artist’s name, (4) Price or NFS (not for sale) and (5) artist’s phone number and/or e-mail.

The management of Astoria Art Loft has the right to refuse any art which is deemed not appropriate to a family-friendly art gallery.