A ceramics studio that has found its third home on Philomath’s Main Street is adding something new to the local arts scene — a community-minded gallery open to artists at little to no cost.
Slipstream Clay Studio and Supply Shop, operated by Vicki Lynn Wilson, relocated to 1233 Main St. last July after stints in Waldport and rural Corvallis. The front portion of the space now houses Green Heron Gallery, a venue Wilson describes as a “people’s gallery” designed to give local artists a place to show their work without financial barriers.
“For me, it’s an art project more than a business and I’ll sustain it that way as long as I am able,” Wilson said. “The idea is to give these local artists a venue that doesn’t cost them money to participate in, where they can be engaged in their local art community and share their talents with our city residents and visitors.”
Group shows at the gallery are currently nonjuried, carry no entry fees and charge only minimal sales commissions. Artists who exhibit can also volunteer to help run the space. A handful of local artists have already contributed time and ideas to shape the gallery — and it was that volunteer group that gave the gallery its name.
The gallery features two-month group shows that often draw members of the Corvallis Art Guild and the Willamette Ceramics Guild, alongside more curated offerings. Select volunteer artists have been given dedicated space for ongoing displays and Wilson maintains a “Guest Artist” area spotlighting some of her favorite Oregon artists.
The gallery will kick off its “Philomath First Friday” artist reception series on April 3 from 5-7 p.m., celebrating the pastel work of Philomath artist Stephanie Wiarda. Wiarda’s show will be on display from April 1 through May 31.
Wilson sees the First Friday series as part of a broader momentum building around the arts in Philomath. She noted strong interest from local businesses in supporting and displaying artwork.
“The tip of the iceberg,” Wilson said of the current surge of support. “From my building owner actively seeking an artistic tenant to the anticipated public sculptures and from Maxtivity to the Philomath Museum, the time is right for Philomath to begin identifying as an art town as well as a timber and rodeo town.”
In addition to the gallery, the back of the building houses the working ceramics studio, where Wilson’s members have settled in and she continues to offer clay classes. A supply shop serving area ceramicists — many of whom previously had to travel to Portland for materials — rounds out the space.
Wilson holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from Pacific Northwest College of Art and a master of fine arts degree in sculpture from Portland State University. She has taught college-level art for two decades and opened Slipstream Clay Studio in 2021.
Wilson is an active member of the Oregon Potters Association, the Willamette Ceramics Guild and the Philomath Open Studios Tour.
I’m so excited to have your studio in town. I’m not an artist myself, but I appreciate spaces that show the work of local artists. I plan to be there Friday!
I currently have two mixed media pieces here & am excited to attend First Friday!🖌Great article 😊