Crone: Wise Women of the Northwest
Utrecht Art Supplies of Portland is proud to be hosting a group show of 44 artworks by nearly 40 women in honor of Women’s History Month. Taking the title “Crone,” the show was inspired by the growing membership in our customer ranks of a class of mature women, often returning to (or arriving at) art after a long absence. As a group, these women seemed to posess the traits of the wordly wise, and as we are always curious as to what our customers are making with all of their supplies, we decided to arrange a group show. We did not really set a theme, but were simply interested in what these individuals were wanting to show the world. Nor did we set any age restrictions, although the majority of contributions came from women in their 50’s.
The work carries a wide range of styles and subjects, but much of it is figurative. These images of women - portraits, nudes, and symbolic compositions - show a sense of assuredness, of coming into their own. There is no remnant of Picasso’s hysterical woman here, only self assuredness, confidence and humor.
There are also references to nature, but not often in the manner of traditional landscape painting. Instead the focus is on nature, on organisms, and the patterns of plantlife.
The individual artists have their own interesting stories. Martha Reisdorf came to painting by the circuitous route. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor and undergoing surgery, Martha’s vision was altered. She enrolled in an art class as a part of her recovery and was hooked. 
Stereotypes cannot be easily broken until there is concrete evidence that they are false. Anyone who thinks women are timid nead only look at one of Martha’s paintings to see a concrete manifestation of a woman’s strength.
Many thanks to all of our participating artists - and special thanks to PNCA student Heather Birdsong for her outstanding organization and curatorial efforts in bringing about this show.
The exhibition will run through March 28th.