April— “Connections”, Sarah B. Hansen, Susan Luckey Higdon, Tracy Leagjeld

S A R A H  B. H A N S E N
S U S A N  L U C K E Y  H I G D O N
T R A C Y  L E A G J E L D

 

These three friends have been painting together en plein air since 2019 and open a shared exhibit,
April 3, from 3-7pm during the Old Mill District First Friday Gallery Walk. It seemed like a good time to show some of the
plein air works as well as studio paintings inspired by their time exploring, absorbing and depicting the beauty of the Cascades.

Each fall the artists gather for an annual trip, camping for several nights in the Central Oregon Cascades
and spending their days painting on site, immersed in the landscape.

 

Devils Lake Plein Air, Sarah B. Hansen

 

This time together is deeply restorative—a pause for contemplation, meaningful conversation, renewed friendship,
and connection with nature.At the heart of their tradition is connection:
to one another, to the creative process, and to nature herself. Healing happens here. Bonds deepen.

 

Breath of the Pines South Sister, Sarah B. Hansen

 

Painting plein air is a way of seeing deeply. While working as quickly as possible to chase the light as it moves across the sky
and everything changes, the artist also slows down and notices details that would otherwise be overlooked.
The three agree that after being outside painting, “we’re both exhilarated and exhausted. There’s really nothing like it.”

 

Devils Lake Plein Air, Susan Luckey Higdon

 

Alongside reflection, there is also thoughtful exchange about the practice, techniques,
and business of being a working artist, making growth an essential part of the experience.

 

Light Show, Susan Luckey Higdon

 

On the final morning, all of the plein air paintings created during the week are laid out for group discussion.
The artists analyze, critique, and refine the work, learning from one another through open and supportive dialogue.

 

Returning home, each artist carries fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose into the studio,
completing more deeply felt works that reflect the shared experience and the landscape that shaped it.

Sparks Lake Plein Air, Tracy Leagjeld

This exhibition features both the plein air paintings created during the week
in the Cascades and studio works that grew directly from that time exploring together.

Heavenly Garden, Tracy Leagjeld

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Come enjoy this exhibit during our First Friday reception. Chat with the artists, enjoy some special food,
and immerse yourself in the artwork throughout the gallery from 3-7pm, April 3.

Be part of our vibrant First Friday Gallery Walk and take in all of the galleries and studios in the Old Mill District—
Lubbesmeyers Studio & Gallery, Stacks Studios & Gallery(just upstairs), Tumalo Art Co.
as well as various stores hosting artists every month. Stop by—we have flyers and can direct you.