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SVETOZAR: The Early Life of Baron Eugene Fersen
Private Opening: October 5th at 6pm
Public Opening: October 6th
Through paintings and other objects from his life, this exhibition will delve into the extraordinary journey of a Russian Baron who fled his homeland in the turbulent years leading up to World War I.
After emigrating to the United States in the late 1910s, Baron Eugene Fersen founded his spiritual organization, the Lightbearers. In the 1930s, he chose Archer near Stevenson, WA as the site for his university, stating he believed the Columbia River Gorge is a spiritual vortex.
His early life among Russian Oligarchic spiritualists and philosophers, combined with the trauma of World War I, profoundly influenced his work. Fersen’s writings, including Science of Being and Is There a God? established him as a notable figure in the realm of early New Age Spirituality of the 1920s.
Discover the possibilities of his mysterious lineage, the development of his unique philosophy, and how he came to acquire 2,000 acres around Archer Mountain in Skamania County
Baron Eugene Fersen
Feodor Zakharov
circa: early 20c
Fungi Symbiosis, 2024. Mushroom dyed raw silk (27” x 41.5”)
Artist: Julie Beeler
SYMBIOSIS: Julie Beeler
Member Opening: October 12th at 6pm (members and invited guests)
Open To the Public: Oct 13th
Closing Nov 22nd
First Floor Gallery
Star Block Patchwork Quilt
circa mid-1800s
Julie Beeler uses forty varieties of fungi to create 825 vibrant natural pigments, dyes, and paints, expressing her artistry and educating others about mushrooms as a source of color.
She draws on the rich history of natural dyes to craft textiles that reflect a deep connection to the natural world.
Beeler has collaborated with the Columbia Gorge Museum to showcase her artistry in an exciting and unique exhibition, Symbiosis.
The exhibition features immersive ‘tree totems’ showcasing the vibrant hues derived from regional fungi, alongside textile pieces, mono prints, and photographs that illustrate their connection to the environment.
RSVP at the Columbia Gorge Museum’s website to attend the grand opening on October 12th at 6pm. The exhibition will run from October 12th to November 22, 2024.
Beeler’s fascination with fungi evolved into a decade-long exploration of their potential for natural pigments. She has created The Mushroom Color Atlas, a resource revealing the universe of colors lurking inside fungi, mirroring the hues found in nature’s vast palette.
This initiative led Beeler to collaborate with Chronicle Books on an upcoming release, The Mushroom Color Atlas book, authored by Julie Beeler and illustrated by Yuli Gates, slated for publication on September 3rd, 2024, and will be available for purchase at the Columbia Gorge Museum.
WALKING IN MY SHOES:
A Perspective on Military Service
Member Opening: November 23rd at 2pm (members and invited guests)
Open to the Public: Nov 24th
Closing Jan 26th
First Floor Gallery
After 20 years of active-duty service Burt retired from the Army but had a tough time adjusting to civilian culture. Seeking a way to connect with other disciplined and dedicated people, he met artists who shared his work ethic and a strong drive to succeed.
From this spark, he started taking art courses at the local community college and completed five years of intensive fine art atelier training at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. During his last two years of atelier training, Burt began a series of paintings titled Seven Army Values. These are invitations for civilians to find new ways of thinking about military service.
After retiring from the Army, he developed a tremor in his dominant hand and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Painting fine art pieces while battling a tremor is another challenge that he faces head-on.
He hopes his art and his life story inspire other veterans to work toward their own goals even after they leave the supportive structures of the military.
Member’s opening on November 23rd at 6pm. To attend, we invite guests to become a museum member.
The exhibition will be available to the public on November 24th.
Featured:
Julie Broughton
Hal Broughton
Isabella Rios (museum intern)
Awarded to athletes and officials
Designed by: Otto Placzek
VISITING THE OLYMPICS:
Roy Craft in Germany 1936
Opening: September 1st
Star Block Patchwork Quilt
circa mid-1800s
As all eyes are on Paris, France for the 2024 Olympic Games, our Museum will look back on the Games of 1936 through the experience and writing of Stevenson’s Roy Craft.
Born in 1908, Craft began as a writer and publisher at age 16. His career progressed to the editor of the Stars and Stripes in Europe, publicist for celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, and owner of the Skamania County Pioneer!
For those auspicious 1936 Games, Craft was tapped to represent several west coast newspapers. He sent back interesting articles and left memorabilia from the Games to the CGM, including images of the University of Washington’s winning Boys of the Boats Olympic team, as well as hand-written records of winning runs by Jesse Owens.
Visit us for this direct look to that period in history, including medals, programs, photographs of the Games, and the characters that played a role.
Star Block Patchwork Quilt
circa mid-1800s
Photographer: Lauren Welborn
General Admissions
Available for purchase at the front desk of the museum
Paid Admissions
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Adults................................ $10
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Seniors (Over 60).......... $8
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Students........................... $8
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Children (6-12).............. $6
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Family (4+)....................... $30
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Group Tours..................... $8 per guest
Available Discounts
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AAA Members............... 10% off
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Military.............................. 10% off
Free Admissions
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CGM Members
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NARM Members
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Ft. Vancouver Regional Library Pass
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Libraries of Eastern Oregon Pass
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Richland Library System Pass
Host An Event To Remember
Are you looking to host an office party, wedding, birthday party, class reunion, or maybe just a great get together? If so we would love to host it.
The museum boasts thousands of square feet of available space including a meeting room, theater, large outdoor patio, as well as the Grand Gallery. Our staff would love to show you the space and help make your event one to remember.