Mysteries of Metal—Paintings by Heidi Balmaceda, Sculptures by Ben Dye

Although she lived as a child in Chile with her family, Heidi Marie Balmaceda has spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. Her paintings often start with natural objects like trees or clouds which she then stretches and curls into something whimsical and fantastic. The new work is inspired by the Columbia Gorge. With solid color backgrounds and shapes in gold, copper or silver foil, her paintings are bold and graphic yet they suggest delicate mysteries of the cosmos.



Balmaceda is one of Onda's represented artists, and her work has been shown at both the Alberta and Lake Oswego locations. Her active exhibit schedule has also included two shows at Gresham City Hall (2009), a one person exhibit at Teatro Milagro (2009), a group show for Latin Heritage Month at Portland City Hall (2008), and exhibits at commercial venues such as Anthropologie in the Pearl District, Dragonfly Café, Borders and Cinetopia. She is scheduled for a show at the Sundance Resort in 2010.


With a degree in Ocean Marine Technology, Ben Dye worked as a commercial diver and, with art classes at Clackamas Community College and Marylhurst, he interprets his experience in the natural world. He uses recycled materials as raw stock, combining the original colors or rust patterns to create the finished look. He is interested in bringing a story to life from each piece.






















Dye was part of a group of creators of functional art who put together the influential "Table/Lamp/Chair" shows in the 1980's. More recently, because of the materials he uses, he has found a niche for his work in exhibits focused on outdoor art, including the Southeast Area Art Walk, Heart of Oregon, Hardy Plants Spring Sale, Clackamas Master Gardeners Fair, Wilsonvillle Festival of the Arts, Open Studios, Vancouver Recycle Fair, Gresham Art walk, Cracked Pots, Carlton Art walk, Art in The Forest, Crawfish Festival, Art in the Burbs.

July 30-August 25, 2009
Opening and Artists' Reception: July 30, 6-9 PM
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-6, Sunday, 12-4