The Work of Your Hands

For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 2:7a RSV

This historic building, which is now the Corvallis Arts Center, was built in 1889 as the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan. The congregation eventually outgrew the building and moved into their new, larger facility in 1962. The Corvallis Art Council* acquired the old church as a place to hold art classes and events as well as a venue to exhibit the works of the local artists. (The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.)

I have always liked this setting and thought it would be fun to draw someday. The Arts Center (TAC) is on Madison Street adjacent to Central Park where the Corvallis Fall Festival is held. We were there as vendors in 2008 before we moved back to the Willamette Valley. Several times I found myself with my camera aimed at that scene. After the Festival I added the photos to my files for someday when I needed an idea. They kept calling to me, but the time was never quite right.

My opportunity came in the fall of 2011, when I learned that 'Good Sam' was going to be celebrating its 50th anniversary in the 'new' church in the spring. Consequently, TAC would be celebrating their first 50 years in their new facility as well. I drew this picture to honor the work of the many hands at work in this beautiful building over the years - first the work done by the hands of the Good Samaritan congregation and ministers for the glory of God; then by those of the artists as they create and teach for the joy of art.

As a member of both these groups, it has given me a lot of joy and satisfaction as my hands have worked on this project.

*Read the fascinating story of how TAC came to be.
Galleries Pricing Now Showing Contact
About Us Story Artist Bio Portfolio Newsletter Links