In the midst of primarily industrial Toledo, Oregon, you will find the arts district and the unique art gallery of renowned artist, Michael Gibbons. Located on the lower floor of his home, in what was once “the vicarage” for the Episcopal church, the intimate showroom features both original paintings by the artist, as well as selected reproductions. Gibbons has been interpreting the landscapes of Oregon, England, Ireland and France for over forty years. His collection of works, painted directly from nature “en plein air,” express the cultural mythology of the back bays, forests and countryside he visits. It has been said that his paintings lend dignity to the commonplace, giving it back to society in a form that is understandable. “For me, art was not a choice,” says Gibbons, “it was more an acceptance.” Gibbons began painting in oil at age 13 and was the first Art Major to graduate from Benson Polytechnical Institute in Portland, Oregon. He not only paints what he sees, but how it makes him feel. He evokes a sense of place where magic happens, so that it is small wonder his oils are highly praised and widely collected internationally. Across the street from his home and gallery is his studio, office, frame installation room and packing/shipping area. The building that houses his studio was originally built in 1887 by the First Methodist Episcopal Church. It was later used as a funeral home until 1979. In 1992 Gibbons purchased the building and improved it to be used as his studio, while renting the main floor to the Anglican Church. A fire seriously damaged the studio/sanctuary, requiring that the entire upper floor, including the roof, be rebuilt. Much of the renovation work was done by Gibbons, himself. Visits to the artist’s studio are generally by invitation and should be arranged in advance. Among his many awards Gibbons has received the Allied Artists of America Antonio Cerino Award For Landscape (1988), the Award of Excellence from the National Oil Painters of America show (1997), Quick Draw first prize at the Laguna Art Museum Plein Air Invitational (1999) and the Stobart Foundation Award, Mystic International Maritime Exhibition (1999). In addition to his numerous exhibitions and shows, Gibbons has been commissioned by Gunderson Marine of Portland, Oregon to do a series of barge launchings. He was also commissioned in 2000 to do a painting, “Revelation,” as a gift for National Geographic explorer, Dr. Robert Ballard. Gibbons has published articles in Southwest Art Magazine, the Oregonian newspaper, US Art Magazine, International Fine Art Collector and the Oregon Coast Magazine. He is a member of Allied Artists of America, New York, The Copley Society, Boston, and is a signature member of Oil Painters of America. In addition, he is actively involved with the Planning Department of Toledo in their urban renewal projects. For a serene afternoon and a chance to see the best selection of the Art of Michael Gibbons, plan to visit Gallery Michael Gibbons in “the old vicarage” at 140 Northeast Alder in Toledo, (541) 336-2797.