An exciting opportunity is coming to the SAGE Center next month, especially for art lovers. Oregon’s Botanical Landscape, a special traveling exhibit from artist Frances Stilwell, will be taking up residence at the SAGE Center from May 1-July 31, 2025. It includes 32 reproductions of Ms. Stilwell’s beautiful artwork, mainly pastels, depicting Oregon’s native plant life.
Ms. Stilwell was formerly a scientist before pursuing a career in the arts, so she brings technical expertise as well as a keen eye for beauty to her depictions of Oregon’s natural landscapes. She believes in the connection between native plants and a feeling of home. In her words, “When we see these native plants in their native environments, we are assured that we are home in Oregon.” Now, residents of Morrow County have the privilege of seeing their region and the rest of Oregon represented, and to enjoy an experience with the fine arts.
The exhibit will be organized into eight different regions, depicting plants that thrive in places with similar environments, and will be accompanied by notes exploring Ms. Stilwell’s artistic process, as well as scientific information about the plants, drawing from her scientific training. Visitors will wander through the rich and varied landscapes of Oregon, as well as through time, as the paintings depict Oregon before it was settled. It’s a rare chance to see the breathtaking natural beauty of the state in its most pristine form.
The paintings in the exhibit are from Ms. Stilwell’s book, Oregon’s Botanical Landscape: An Opportunity to Imagine Oregon Before 1800. Entry to the exhibit is included with a ticket to the SAGE Center, so please put it on your calendars and come enjoy this great opportunity before it’s gone.
