“Keep Washington Green III”” by Marie Powell

Of the many wonderful items at the 6 x 6 Art Show and Auction last night (and not only artwork, either!), there were several I coveted but only a few that I thought did complete justice to the theme. Almost every entry went with the status of one’s consciousness.  Only a few combined that meaning with the literal definition of ‘state’ as in a geographic designation.

Marie Powell’s entries, each a variation of the other, managed to capture the full implications of the topic – a cannabis leaf with a forested background titled “Keep Washington Green” (I, II, and III).  Word play and visual metaphor all in one handsome presentation. I loved them!

“Willapa Bay” by Charles Funk

There were others that I bid on, as well, but knew from the get-go that I couldn’t go the distance.  Damn!  Most of those that I was attracted to could just as well have been themed “A Sense of Place” – which I’m sure some would argue is much the same as a state of mind.  Charles Funk’s acrylics, “Willapa Bay” and “Acadia National Park” and Dian Schroeder’s watercolor, “Tarlette Slough” could have happily found places in my home and heart.  For pure state of mind images, perhaps the water color “My State of Mind Sept. 8, 2016” by Noel Thomas or Sandra Lill’s mixed media piece, “she couldn’t seem to get her head out of the clouds” intrigued me most.

The event, itself, went with the geographic meaning of ‘state.’  It was happenstance that we sat at the Idaho table, so designated by a miniature state flag sitting on a map of the  Gem State.  Nyel grew up in Idaho and, I’m sure, felt right at home. Auctioneer Bruce Peterson was… well, inimitable is the only ‘state’ that might describe him.  Security Guard Dick Schroeder was just plain scary and Karla Webber, Communication Headquarters Maven was Ms. Efficiency personified.  Many volunteers under Museum Director Betsy Millard’s seamless management kept things running smoothly throughout the evening.

Security Guard Richard Schroeder

As for the other attendees – their collective state of mind was enthusiastic, generous, spirited, and totally supportive of the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum’s seventh annual auction.  I don’t know what the bottom line, earnings-wise, turned out to be, but the enjoyment factor was, as they say, priceless.  And the food!  CPHM really should find a way to auction that off, too – at least the second helpings.  ‘To die for’ doesn’t half express my state of mind regarding the edibles on offer in the back room!

All in all – another mind-altering success, no matter what state you came from!