Leaburg Library announces it’s third presentation of the “Artists In Residence” program

During the month of January, Alison Hennes will be showing her art and mixed media in the Annex Room of the library.

As you can see from her biography below, this remarkable lady has a wide variety of beautuful drawings, watercolors, acrylics, as well as painted gift boxes, cards, shirts and other surprises!

Stop by to see this unique collection of wonderful art, and learn about the lovely artist who has gifted us with her creativity and beauty.

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Ali’s Art and Mixed Media:

Bio and Artist Statement

Background information: Retired RN/MSN, Registered Nurse

Currently reside in Walterville

Local Artist Memberships: Emerald Art Center, Gallery: Member and Board Member, Downtown, Springfield Oregon

Member: Mckenzie River Artist Guild

Member: Oregon State University extension: Master Gardener Program, Eugene

Member: Ladies of the lake, Mckenzie River Kayak group

Since retiring from nursing, I’ve had some time to explore activities and hobbies I enjoy, such as art, kayaking, and gardening among others. I never imagined I would be drawing using ink and later mixed media to express my art.

How this came to be: During a yearly kayak group trip, one of the members brought a bouquet of beautiful exotic flowers for the dinner table. I was sitting by the lake and felt inspired to draw the flowers. I used a standard black ink pen, my first adventure in drawing using a pen. However, I felt comfortable using this medium. I felt motivated to explore more in the near future. During this trip, I was encouraged to continue drawing if I enjoyed it.

My birthday soon after, my husband Steve, just happened to “bump” into a friend and experienced artist at Oregon Art Supply in Eugene, Oregon. She helped him pick the supplies I would need for expressing my art. These birthday gifts were a wonderful surprise! The first piece of art I completed with black ink and sold at my first art showing is named “Broken Desert” and still one of my favorites.

I continue to enjoy drawing with ink for a variety of subjects, such as whimsical animals and nature scenes. I now incorporate color into my art as well as black ink. I use watercolor, and acrylic paint.

It has been 7 years since the time I drew the exotic flowers. I now hand paint gift boxes, gift bags, art cards, unique art, screen printed shirts (long and short sleeve) among others. I am excited and thankful to have found this type of mixed media to express what I feel and imagine. I hope you enjoy it too !

Thank you for taking the time to view my art.

Ali Hennes

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The library is open Monday – Thursday from 1:30 – 4pm; and Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm.