Damascus Open Studios - May 15, 16, 17, 2026
Ian is a studio host at Studio #5
I studied ceramics at MHCC for a number of years, working closely with the studio tech, learning glaze chemistry and firing schedules for several kilns then later studied at OCAC. I now work with clay on my own in Damascus.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bergeronian
Daniel is the host of Studio #9
Living and moving a great deal around the Pacific Northwest of America for the majority of my youth, I developed a keen sense of both outer and inner relationship between myself and nature. I am drawn at once to both the natural world and to my own inner psyche.
I set about from an early age to try and capture the essences, layers and duality of living in both these worlds simultaneously. As I progressed through school and graduated from Linfield University with an Art and Creative writing double major, I was constantly seeking to capture these energies and layers and present them through various mediums, graphite, pen and ink, intaglio etchings, poetry, paintings in acrylic and oil and my deepest love, carving wood.
My art tends to be auto-biographical and mostly symbolic, with a mixture of natural references and metaphoric or even existential imagery. It encompasses my time passing and all that implies, birth, death, marriage, divorce, success, failure… the changing of the seasons.
I like to think that my art delivers meaning on various levels at once, and I enjoy creating images that have subtle, almost hidden symbology and story– so that the viewer will be drawn in and hopefully receive a personal connection by interpreting in their own way the images they find.
Website: https://www.dclydestudios.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.clydestudios/
Dale is the host of Studio #1
I have been turning wood for 47 years. I turn mostly woods from trees here in the northwest. Some are native like Big Leaf Maple and Pacific Madrone, and some are planted here like Walnut and Apple. Turning bowls and other things out of wood from trees that grew in this area directly connects me to the land around me. Most of my wood comes from trees that have died or been taken down for some reason. I get many calls from people who are sad they’ve had to take down a tree that died or had to be removed for another reason. They just don’t want to burn their tree and want to know if something can be made from it.
Turning wood brings balance to my life. I get to deal with nice people and pretty wood. And I know the bowls I turn will be around in someone’s home for many years, hopefully being used every day. Coming from the farm, most of my woodturnings need to be functional. I simply appreciate that something I made with my hands is being used and enjoyed by someone.
And I believe that an artist has a duty to teach his/her craft to the next generation. Woodturning has been around for 5-7000 years. I am just a short continuation of a long history of woodturning.
Cheri is the studio host at Studio #10
I came to painting later in life after a long career in nursing, including years as a critical care flight nurse. When a brain injury ended that chapter in 2019, art became both a lifeline and a way to rebuild my voice. I’m largely self-taught, shaped by workshops, mentorship, and a lot of studio hours, and my work is inspired by lived experience, healing, faith, and the beauty that can show up in the middle of hard things. My paintings are less about perfection and more about honesty, connection, and letting the process lead.
www.carandanisfineart.com
Facebook: carandanisfineart
Instagram: carandanisfineart
Phyllis is the host of Studio #4.
Using Bullseye glass, I create both functional and creative pieces of art by the use of a kiln.
http://www.outsideinstyleglass.com
Instagram: pfluryglass
Facebook: outsideinstyleglass
Doug is a host of Studio #2
I developed my welding skills and knowledge of metal work while working construction and heavy equipment repair. It started with yard art for my wife, than her friends, than just got bigger. I enjoy creating unique pieces and sharing them with others.
I use new and recycled metal to create yard art and other metal art. I use heat to color the metal. Everything I do is cut out, welded, and crafted by hand.
Nancy is the host of Studio #9
After retiring from teaching elementary school, I have taken water classes, both in person and online, from Melissa Gannon, Lian Quan Zhen, Harold Walkup, and many watercolor artists on YouTube.
Facebook: Naw-watercolor
Brenda is the host at Studio #6
Wheel-thrown and hand-built functional and sculptural work.
Instagram: thelazypotter
Facebook: muddyfishstudio
Bonnie is a host of Studio #2
I was raised in a rural logging and ranching community in Eastern Oregon. I developed a love and appreciation for the incredible gifts creation has to offer. I like to capture and share what I discover in nature that excites me, be it the colors, texture or subject matter.
I enjoy the transparency of watercolors. I like the challenges it presents along with the different papers, and mediums to create texture and special effects. My way of using line and color are to evoke a sense of mood and movement in my work.
I primarily use Watercolor paint on watercolor paper. I also paint on Yupo paper, Ceramic Boards and other materials. Salt, coffee grounds, and other materials are used for effect. Different shades of paint are used to draw a person into the image.
I also do commission work.
Instagram: bonniemoorewatercolors
Ron is the host of Studio #11
Experience leaves marks.
There are pressures we face in life, both externally and from that little voice in our head. My work reflects the impact of those stressors, producing texture and patina on ourselves while we strive to find balance and preserve our essence. My work represents the pursuit of contentment, knowing that these tensions are a permanent part of our journey.
I’ve been working with wood across many different forms for 35 years. I first turn wood on a lathe and carve it into shape with chisels. I turn the wood to 1/8 of an inch thick. Voids are created by hand using a high-speed carver. Black texture is added through stippling using a wire-tipped wood burner. In specific cases, I’ll add paint or metal leaf for additional color and character. Depending on the size and complexity, the time to complete a piece varies between 15 – 80 hours.
Instagram: ronpurvisart
Facebook: ronpurvisart
Gretchen is the host of Studio #7
I create wheel-thrown and hand-built functional and decorative pottery for indoor and outdoor use. I am largely self-taught after taking a series of lessons at a local studio. I like to see how things turn out.
https://www.homespunceramics.com
Instragram: pottery_by_gretchen