About Kerry – Artist Bio

chicken wth quilt border

Hi!

Welcome to Gallery Nouveau, Kerry McFall’s personal website and artist blog, an online gallery of  my fine art works and writing.

I create art that calls for a response.  From you.

When I organize public art as an artist in residence, my goal is to help you be a part of it.  Even when art is simply hanging on a wall, I want it to include choices made by you the viewer, not just my choices, or the curator’s choices.  Art should reflect the complexities that life spawns, and art should be shaped by everyone whose life is touched by it.

When you buy my art,  I want you to take charge.  My Dianglesseries  is available as squares that can be hung in several ways.  When you turn or move any or all of the squares in a grid, you affect the overall composition.  You create new patterns, new consequences, new color relationships.  When you re-shape the grid into a rectangle, or a single row, you change the physical impact of the art on the space.  When you choose to hang only 3 or 4 squares, you impose your judgment.  You send a message.  And that’s what I want to spark – you.  Your creativity.  Your message.

When you read my blog and enjoy my sketches and paintings, I hope that I have given you food for thought and maybe made you smile.  I love to travel, and this blog often winds up being my visual journal.   I encourage you to comment – there’s a comment box at the bottom of each blog post.

My art appearing on this site  is available for purchase unless it’s marked “NFS” (not for sale) or “Sold” in the captions.  Please  see the “Buy Now” page and/or send Kerry an email titled “galleryn” to kmcfall@gallerynouveau.biz if you’re interested in a residency, a purchase or a commission.  Shipping and handling is not included in any posted prices.

Artist’s Biography for Kerry McFall   

Artist in Residence – Arts In Education

Angeles National Forest/San Gabriel National Monument, June 19 – 26, 2015

Sketchbook Journal project, “Lions and Condors and Bears, Oh My!”  Sketching with campers at Crystal Lake Campground, Arcadia, CA

Trillium Creek Project, Oregon State University – April, 2015
http://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/centers-and-initiatives/spring-creek-project/programs-and-residencies/shotpouch-cabin-retreats-and-gatherings/trillium-project

Sketchbook Journal created to give artists an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with the land by writing, studying, listening, and creating.

Linn/Benton Council for the Arts in association with The Arts Center, Corvallis, Oregon – 2000 – Present

My most recent residency project (March 2012) was at Muddy Creek Charter School, Corvallis, leading two classrooms (mixed 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grades) in making a “story quilt” about the history of the nearby Finley Wildlife Refuge, and a crazy quilt.  Over the years as a member of the Oregon Arts Council roster of Artist in Education, I have led dozens of similar artist in residence projects at schools throughout the Willamette Valley, involving hundreds of students at once, ranging in age from 5 to 18.  Projects often include studies of mathematical relationships in art, color theory, history, and how to sew.  I have also taught “Winter Wonderings” for OSU Adventures in Learning outreach programs for Talented and Gifted Students.

ArtsCare (Arts in Healthcare)

The Arts Center, Corvallis, Oregon – 2005 – 2010

As one of the original members of the Arts in Healthcare team, I led individual and group projects for patients, family members, and staff at facilities such as the Mario Pastega House and the Regional Cancer Center. I also worked to develop arts and crafts projects suitable for dialysis patients during their treatment at Good Samaritan Hospital.  I attended the national conference of Society for Arts in Healthcare representing the Arts Center in 2005.

Editor, Designer & Technical Communications Consultant

Corvallis, Oregon – 2000 – Present

As part of my work contracting with various clients, such as Alsea Geospatial, Inc., and U.S. Forest Service, I create original graphic designs, online documentation and video tutorials.  My role is often that of the token right-brain member of a left-brain creative team, working closely with scientists and experts on the leading edge of new technologies.  My audiences range from the data-hungry scientific community to the just-keep-it-short-and-simple public.

Gallery Nouveau

Corvallis, Oregon – 2006 –2007

Founding member; served as on-site manager and participating artist for this cooperative artists’ gallery.

Oregon Arts Alliance (originally “Oregon Crafted Studio Tour”)

2005 – 2011

I was invited to join this regional group (Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties) from its inception.  Membership required participation in once-a-month open studio events and promotions.  My artwork was featured on the cover of the annual published tour guide.

 

Call & Response

2005 – 2011

I was invited to join this regional group (Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties) from its inception.  Membership required participation in once-a-month open studio events and promotions.  My artwork was featured on the cover of the annual published tour guide.

Awards

Featured in “Innovative Fabric Imagery” published by C&T, September, 2007, also national tour

Public Choice Award, Corvallis Fall Festival Fine Arts Showcase, September, 2005

Mayor’s Award, “Something Red”, Salem, December, 2004

 Selected Public Commissions & Installations

Evolving Quilt”, textile art installation with public participation in creating digital art, created and performed for “Nature’s Canvas” exhibition, Da Vinci Days, The Arts Center, Corvallis, Oregon 2004

Earth, Wind, Water, & Fire”, four textile art banners, commissioned by Linus Pauling Middle School Parent’s Association, completed in conjunction with 300+ students, Corvallis, Oregon 2004

Pixie Creek”, textile art wallhanging, commissioned by Good Samaritan Health, Infusion Center, entry lobby of Neville Building ,joint project with artist Leetra Taylor, Corvallis, Oregon 2006

Current Topics”, textile art wallhanging, commissioned by Good Samaritan Health, entry lobby of Regional Cancer Center, Corvallis, Oregon 2007

Selected Exhibitions

May, 2016                   “Art is Wild”, juried artist, Chintimini Wildlife Center, Corvallis, Oregon

May, 2016                   “Loosely Bound: A Ten Year Creative Journey, invited artist, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

December, 2015         Holiday Show, “Diangles”, Studio 262,  Corvallis, Oregon

June, 2015      “Plein Air,” Studio 262,  Corvallis, Oregon

May, 2015       “International Biscuit Festival”, juried artist, Knoxville, Tennessee

April – May, 2015      “Road Trip,” solo exhibition, The Wine Vault,  Philomath, Oregon

January , 2015      “Opposites Attract Friends,” member artist invited in association with Call & Response, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

May, 2014       All About Paper: Through Rose-Colored Glasses”, juried artist, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

Sept-Oct, 2013      Call It Home,” member artist invited in association with Call & Response, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

Nov-December 2012   “Oregon Waterways”, juried artist, Giustina Gallery, Corvallis, Oregon

November, 2012         “Sharing Space” invited artist, the Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts (DIVA) at 280 West Broadway, Eugene, Oregon, . in conjunction with : The Community Connections and Professional Practice Symposium, University of Oregon’s Center for Community Arts and Cultural Policy (CCACP),

Sept.-October, 2012    “Unbound:Unwound”, member artist in association with Loosely Bound, OSU Memorial Union Gallery, Corvallis, Oregon

June, 2011                   “Collaborations”, invited to curate exhibit focusing on my collaborative work with other local artists, Majestic Theater Gallery, Corvallis, Oregon

January, 2011              “Art and Soul”, invited artist, the Arts Center, Corvallis, Oregon

February, 2011            “Fiber Squared”, invited artist, in association with Loosely Bound and High Fiber Diet, Maude Kerns Art Center, Eugene, Oregon

December, 2010          “Solo Concert”, member artist in association with Loosely Bound, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

November, 2010         “Call & Response”, member artist in association with Call & Response, Giustina Gallery, OSU La Sells Stewart Center, Corvallis, Oregon

March, 2010                “Bound by Color”, in association with Loosely Bound, Corvallis, Oregon

September, 2007         “Are We There Yet?”, solo, Gallery Nouveau, Corvallis, Oregon

December, 2006          “Sticks and Strands“, juried exhibition of wood and fiber, Umpqua Valley Art Association, Roseburg, Oregon

December, 2006          “Oregon Crafted Showcase“, Opus6ix, Eugene, Oregon

September, 2005         “Fall Festival Showcase“, invited artist, winner of Public Choice award for “SOS”, Corvallis Public Library

September, 2005         “Up Close in Pink“, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation juried show, Portland City Hall, Portland, Oregon

September, 2005         “Quilt County“, curated Quilts in Gardens Tour, various venues in Benton County, group shows

April –May, 2005        “Magenta“, solo show at the Wine Vault, Philomath, Oregon

December, 2004          “Something Red”, Artists in Action, Salem, Oregon; received Salem Downtown Association Award for “Apple #2”

Feb. thru Aug., 2004   “Art About Agriculture“, juried touring show, Giustina Gallery of Oregon State University and various galleries in Oregon including Carnegie Art Center, Oregon City; sponsored in part by the Smithsonian Institution’s American Garden Legacy Series

July, 2004                    “Nature’s Canvas,” featured artist in the main gallery at ArtCentric, Da Vinci Days, Corvallis, Oregon; also led interactive “Evolving Quilt” installation as part of the festival

September, 2003         Art and Inspiration“, juried, Benton County Historical Society & Museum

November, 2002         Juried – “Black/White/Grey Show“, Enid Joy Mount Gallery, Keizer, Oregon

July, 2002                    “Whimsy“, invited artist, Tin Roof Gallery, Corvallis, Oregon

July, 2002                    Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, Sisters, Oregon

April-May, 2002         “Wonder Tales of Oz“, solo show, Majestic Theatre, Corvallis, Oregon

March, 2002                “Fostering Hope for Children“, juried, Children’s Farm Home Annual Quilt show, Corvallis, Oregon

Collections

My work is included in the collections of Earth Design Consultants, Inc., the Mario Pastega House, Samaritan Health Services, Lisa Garono, Peter & Sharon Harr, and Julius Strid.

 Memberships

Call & Response – invited member of this multi-media exhibition group since 2009

Corvallis Arts Center – member since forever

Loosely Bound – member of this juried textile arts study group since inception in 2003

Education & Oregon Residence

I am a second-generation native Oregonian.

1974 University of Oregon, B.A. Public Administration

Continuing Education – non-degree studies:

  • Oregon State University (computer science – 1976)
  • Portland State University (French language for business – 1982)
  • Linn-Benton Community College (various art and design classes including watercolor, web design; visual journaling –  2012)
  • Battersea Art Center, London, England (Life Drawing, Drawing Essentials – 2011)
  • Sketchbook Skool (international online course, Danny Gregory and Koosje Keene – 2014 – 2015)

 

 

 

1 thought on “About Kerry – Artist Bio

  1. Margaret Jackson

    Hi Kerry, I like your work. I got to your sight because I follow John Churchman and “Sweet Pea and Friends”. I graduated from Astoria HS in 1952. The family homestead in Seaside was destroyed by the tsunami from the Alaska quake in 1964. I have a lot of relatives in Oregon, Hillsboro, Coos Bay, Eugene, Portland, Beaverton. Two nephews who went to OSU in the late ’70s are artists. I was a musician, but I went to Black Mountain College, NC (closed in ’50s). So I hung out with artists a lot. I have been east since 1961, Vermont since 1986. Oregon is 10 times the size of Vermont but has only 5 times the population. Much to compare. TMI, I suppose, but nice to read of your work. Thanks, MJ

    Reply

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