October Featured Artists 

Mia Hocking

Serif Shadows, Mia Hocking

Mia is a long-time Hillsboro resident and has been painting since her high school years. She attended the Pacific NW College of Art and also has a BS in Business degree. Mia states, "I am focusing on teaching classes in the techniques that I use as well as fundamental art workshops." Look for future classes at the Sequoia Gallery.

Mia's paintings could be categorized as abstract collage with her use of papers, inks, pencil, found objects and many other non-traditional 'painting' materials. Her current work is inspired by objects and materials of a rather unglamorous existence and re-gifting it a new life as a significant element in the story behind the artwork. You may find her joyfully scavenging for materials in the most unlikely places such as sidewalks and trash bins. Most of these materials are often found after they have been discarded from their original purpose. Mia's October Sequoia Gallery show offers pieces in a wide variety of sizes.  

Beth O'Mahony

The Great Rooster Escape,  Beth O'Mahony

Beth is a sculptor who uses a variety of materials to create her art. Her work includes large hand built ceramics, raku-fired ceramics and mixed-media sculpture.  For this show, Beth chose the theme "Birds, birds, birds". Her bird sculptures are made from ceramics, fiber, metal and found objects.

Birds have always had special meaning for Beth. As a child, she used to watch birds through the window and wonder where they went and what it felt like to fly. Birds are symbols of beauty, freedom, escape and mystery. Their many shapes and colors, as well as their fascinating history and behavior, provide endless inspiration for Beth's art.

Beth has been a studio artist at Sequoia Gallery + Studios since 2007. Her work has been featured in galleries and shows throughout the Pacific Northwest. She still watches birds at her home in rural Washington County. Beth also tends a small flock of Araucana chickens and American Buff Geese.

Carolyn Pettitt

Gathering Sunshine, Carolyn Pettitt

Carolyn is a mixed media artist whose current paintings are non-representational and deal with color, texture and shape. The color pallet is intentionally subdued to cause the viewer to focus on the texture and forms in the paintings. She uses the circle as the predominate shape that becomes the focal point of the composition. Carolyn normally paints with acrylics, but in this series she has used latex paint because of its large range of colors. It also allowed her to use a large brush with very distinct and visible brush strokes. A typical panel will have many layers of paint including a layer of texture medium. The viewer can see hints of what is under the surface. In some cases it can be works, or just texture and color. It causes the viewer to contemplate - which was the intention of the artist.

Sequoia artists would like to invite you to gather in their classroom Saturday, October 15th at noon, for an informal talk about art.  Our guest speaker will be Gerald Purdy, a renowned regional painter and printmaker. Please view his art at augengallery.com.

Whether you are an artist, collector or someone who just appreciates fine art, you can help Sequoia by volunteering to help staff the Gallery. Gallery staffers serve 4 hour shifts on the days of their choosing, depending on slots available.

You can further support Sequoia's efforts to bring more people and vitality to downtown Hillsboro by becoming a Friend of Sequoia. For a $50 annual fee you will receive a 10% discount on gallery purchases and classes. These funds will help with Sequoia's operating expenses and efforts to bring special programs to the Hillsboro arts community.

Membership forms are available at Sequoia Gallery for both volunteers and Friends.