Join Bay City Arts Center for a special July Artists of the Month reception on Friday July 11th from 5 to 7pm, featuring three artists, music and more.
Rod Whaley
Rod spent over three decades as a resident of Tillamook County and in that time played music with a variety of band mates and musical collaborators and as a solo performer. People danced to his tunes and listened to his acoustic roots style at venues such as de Garde Brewing, Blue Heron, Kitty’s in Tillamook, Bear Creek Artichoke, and gatherings with friends. He blended folk, blues, and Americana. Rod played from his heart, and whether he performed an original or a cover, he played it with passion in his own style.
Rod had a season of life where he got to live his cowboy dreams. Many of his original songs, such as “Cowboy of Del Rey” and “3 Counties,” had western themes. When he owned his horse Odie, he leaned into that cowboy era, even riding in the Tillamook June Dairy Parade. One of his lyrics explained, “I ride to be free.”
As a photographer, Rod was fascinated with “rust.” One of his music albums was titled “What Time Will Do” and his photography reflected his obsession with rust. In an artist statement for a photography show, he once wrote, “As I peered through the lens with intent to capture my ‘wabi-sabi’, I found connection in nature and industrial design where line, shadow, and shape bring forth sculpture.” Such was the creative mind he had. He also explored themes Like “Water Over Rocks,” flora and fauna, and Northwest coastal themes.
Rod spent over three decades as a resident of Tillamook County and in that time played music with a variety of band mates and musical collaborators and as a solo performer. People danced to his tunes and listened to his acoustic roots style at venues such as de Garde Brewing, Blue Heron, Kitty’s in Tillamook, Bear Creek Artichoke, and gatherings with friends. He blended folk, blues, and Americana. Rod played from his heart, and whether he performed an original or a cover, he played it with passion in his own style.
Rod had a season of life where he got to live his cowboy dreams. Many of his original songs, such as “Cowboy of Del Rey” and “3 Counties,” had western themes. When he owned his horse Odie, he leaned into that cowboy era, even riding in the Tillamook June Dairy Parade. One of his lyrics explained, “I ride to be free.”
As a photographer, Rod was fascinated with “rust.” One of his music albums was titled “What Time Will Do” and his photography reflected his obsession with rust. In an artist statement for a photography show, he once wrote, “As I peered through the lens with intent to capture my ‘wabi-sabi’, I found connection in nature and industrial design where line, shadow, and shape bring forth sculpture.” Such was the creative mind he had. He also explored themes Like “Water Over Rocks,” flora and fauna, and Northwest coastal themes.
Amber Mohr
Amber is a multimedia artist working primarily with printmaking and graphite drawing. A graduate of the Oregon College of Art & Craft (BFA, 2019), Amber explores themes of texture and perception through diverse artistic approaches. Her current practice includes graphite realism, where intricate layering brings three-dimensional form to life on paper, often focusing on subjects like stuffed animals. Simultaneously, she creates unique Gelli monotypes, which are then overlaid with detailed micron pen line work inspired by natural forms. Originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota, Amber currently resides in Oregon, where she maintains an active art practice.Nicola Meeks
Born and raised in England and Wales, I moved to the United States in 1989 and settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota to raise my family. In 2022 we relocated to beautiful Bay City. Ever experimenting and trying new art mediums, this past year I have delved knee deep into lino-cut printmaking, as well as continuing mixed media art. My art journey has me being incredibly mindful about how much my work impacts the world we live on. The beautiful Kozu Japanese paper is the base for my lino-cut prints. I use water-based printing ink, so no toxic substances are washed away during clean up. When not at my easel, mixing colors to achieve depth to my artwork, you can find me in our garden or on the beach with our pups. I believe opposites attract in all facets of life, and this is particularly evident in the various mediums I use.
Amber is a multimedia artist working primarily with printmaking and graphite drawing. A graduate of the Oregon College of Art & Craft (BFA, 2019), Amber explores themes of texture and perception through diverse artistic approaches. Her current practice includes graphite realism, where intricate layering brings three-dimensional form to life on paper, often focusing on subjects like stuffed animals. Simultaneously, she creates unique Gelli monotypes, which are then overlaid with detailed micron pen line work inspired by natural forms. Originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota, Amber currently resides in Oregon, where she maintains an active art practice.Nicola Meeks
Born and raised in England and Wales, I moved to the United States in 1989 and settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota to raise my family. In 2022 we relocated to beautiful Bay City. Ever experimenting and trying new art mediums, this past year I have delved knee deep into lino-cut printmaking, as well as continuing mixed media art. My art journey has me being incredibly mindful about how much my work impacts the world we live on. The beautiful Kozu Japanese paper is the base for my lino-cut prints. I use water-based printing ink, so no toxic substances are washed away during clean up. When not at my easel, mixing colors to achieve depth to my artwork, you can find me in our garden or on the beach with our pups. I believe opposites attract in all facets of life, and this is particularly evident in the various mediums I use.
For more information about our Artist of the Month program or to become a featured artist,
email baycityartcenter@gmail.com.
email baycityartcenter@gmail.com.
For more about Bay City Arts Center events and activities, go to https://www.baycityartscenter.com/