Ann Ruttan’s oil painting, “Eagle Creek Fire” was inspired by the conflagration that began Labor Day weekend, September 2, 2017. Ruttan wants to urge everyone to be alert to wildfires, and prepared.
Ann Rutton
THE DALLES — An exhibition titled “Wildfire,” by artist Ann Ruttan, opens June 21 at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum (CGDC&M). Featuring 13 original oil paintings, this exhibit highlights the devastating Eagle Creek and Santiam wildfires of 2017 and 2020.
A free reception with the artist is set for Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through August 18.
Ruttan’s personal experience with the Santiam 2020 Wildfire changed her life. On a trip to Sisters, Oregon in September of that year, she unknowingly headed toward the wildfire that eventually destroyed the town of Detroit. Authorities closed the road right behind her.
“By the time I got to the little town of Detroit the sky was a bright orange and it was so dark I couldn’t see the lake, which is right next to the road. It was very eerie to see orange and have it be as dark as night,” Ruttan said.
The emotional impact of the experience changed her artistic direction. “Painting has helped me get over my bad fire dreams and the fear I feel when it is hot and windy. My efforts going forward are to tell people about the clear and present danger we all face. Climate change is here. We need to take action to mitigate climate change and prepare for wildfire,” Ruttan said.
CGDC&M is located at 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 541-296-8600 ext. 201.
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