Guest Blog Post by Phyllice Bradner, partner / owner of Currents Gallery
In addition to offering a bountiful selection of local art, the artists of Currents Gallery in downtown McMinnville also participate in charitable giving. Since 2014, Currents Gallery has aided the Give-A-Little Foundation by displaying and selling the lightly used vintage jewelry donated to that charity. The proceeds from those sales over the last eight years have provided $6,500 to Give-a-Little, $3,000 of which has been provided since 2020, during a time of great need.
Because our gallery has weathered the pandemic and is still thriving, we have turned our attention to additional ways to share our good fortune through use of our art. This year we have taken on a new cause—support for the brave people of Ukraine by donating to Mercy Corps, a Portland-based organization which provides support on the ground in that war-torn region. So far, we have conducted three online auctions of art created by many of our artists who have generously donated proceeds from their sales to this cause. We also have designated an area of the gallery for in-store sales of donated art. To date we have sent Mercy Corps more than $3,000 in proceeds from our art sales.
The seven artist/owners of Currents Gallery, and the 70+ local artists we represent, produce art that feeds our souls and brings joy to the patrons who support us with their purchases. As a bonus, we are also able to share our success with those in need.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR— PHYLLICE BRADNER
Phyllice Bradner is one of Currents Gallery’s original partners. She moved to Oregon in 2005 after living in Alaska for 40 years. During that time she was the art director of an advertising agency, did free-lance graphic design, historic restoration on major buildings, owned an antique store, and was the Publication Specialist for the Alaska Division of Tourism. Today, she says, “Working with my friends to manage our gallery is my greatest joy.”
Phyllice creates images that make people smile. She makes wood block prints and etchings of ravens and other animals, and frequently paints whimsical critters. She is also the co-author of the Silver Sisters Mystery series, which she writes with her sister, Morgan St James. They currently have five books in print. She has also published a children’s book featuring her funny crows.