HOOD RIVER — On Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m., Orolume Gallery opened its doors to present “Illumination,” an exhibition featuring works from artists Paloma Ayala, Liz “E’Claire” Terhaar, and MacRae Wylde. The art ranged from landscape photography and metal sculptures to ceramic light fixtures and small prints available for purchase. Located at 13 Railroad St., the gallery is nestled between The Ruins and the Greyhound station facing the river.
Originally from Mexico, Ayala first arrived at the Gorge with her husband 17 years ago. She noticed shortly after that she had none of the connections to the local art scene the way she did before.
Determined to get her foot in the door, she sent hundreds of inquiry emails to potential clients. When she got her first yes, she bought a camera and began working. The Oregon landscape inspired her, and she eventually found her way into taking photos for local nature magazines.
Ayala then began selling her prints at the Hood River Farmer’s Market. The only issue was the Gorge’s unpredictable weather (strong gusts of wind, rain coming in sideways), so she opened her home studio to the public one weekend as part of the Gorge Artists Open Studios event.
Not long after, she was captured by the prospect of opening her own gallery. “I wanted to just go through the experience of what if? What if I try?” she said. “What would be the experience for my visitors, for clients, for people that want to get to know my work? So, here we are.”
This May, Ayala opened the Orolume Gallery to share and sell her photography. She gathered her close friend, ceramicist Terhaar, and Wylde, an award-winning sculptor, to introduce Orolume to Hood River in style.
Attendees discuss the photograph and sculpture artwork from the gallery.
Amelia Fiore photos
The theme of illumination was mainly derived from nature’s perfect imperfections. Terhaar studied the plants and topography of the Gorge, then used the inspiration to make functional light fixtures. She previously took pottery classes at the Clay Commons with Dyana Fiediga.
“I was really inspired by nature. I hike a lot and spend time by the river, and I really wanted to create things that weren't exactly perfect and pristine and exact. I wanted to play with what edges could be a little off, show movement,” Terhaar said. “I also like the double meaning of it. Something is illuminated, it's revealed to you.”
“We want to reflect the times of the current world. Where we are forced to see perfection everywhere,” Ayala said. “We live in a very inflammatory world. And I want art in a space like this too.”
She compared the monotony of objects sold at stores like IKEA with handmade items, which she said hold more character and reflect natural imperfections that make the earth unique.
“We want to honor that. So, the handmade, the organic, the natural expression of nature. That is movement. It's not aesthetic. We as humans are always moving. There is no one thing that can define you. So, that's how we envision that,” she said.
Alongside Terhaar’s light fixtures were dozens of other pieces unique to each artist’s style. One of Wylde’s sculptures on display was a tall building-block-esque statue that spelled out “truth,” “faith,” “trust,” and “honor.”
Ayala hopes to host artist presentations and workshops at Orolume Gallery in the near future, something she wishes she was exposed to when first introduced to the area.
“I want people to resonate with the work I do and the services I offer. And I want, overall, that people feel comfortable with me. I don't want to be structured. It's not my style. I'm very loose, very organic, and I just want to offer the best,” Ayala said.
“I think this space is gonna go way beyond just putting art on four walls, but a space for community and for people to have conversation,” Terhaar said.
For Ayala, Terhaar and Wylde, “Illumination” is just the beginning of Orolume Gallery. Moving forward, Ayala hopes the next chapter will take inspiration from the theme, shining a light on all the organic imperfections that define the Gorge while creating a community for people to share and discuss art.
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