Your local artist Q&A: Linda Cassella

Your local artist Q&A: Linda Cassella

Name: Linda Cassella Age: 71 Town: Newport Medium: Acrylic 1. Why do you make art?

I love to paint portraits of people, pets and wildlife, because every face tells a story.

2. What does your art represent?

Portraits are a glimpse of life. So many emotions can be presented through the eyes, facial expressions and postures.

3. What inspires you?

Nature and people. 4. How do you make it?

I work from photo references. I change them to black and white which allows me to focus on values (darkest darks to the lightest lights). This enables me to interpret and apply color abstractly.

5. What does your art mean to you?

Creating art is a joyful process that allows me to express myself.

6. Any upcoming exhibits?

Currently exhibiting portraits at The Miner office, Newport; Vessel Gallery and Clay Studio, Newport; the Evergreen Arts Association rotation locations in Newport (public library, the Black Rose, the Hospitality House and CREATE); Newport Earth Day ArtWalk, April 26; and the Spring Festival at Priest Lake, Coolin on May 24-25.

I am also involved with the Newport Creative District, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect creativity, economy and culture across community. We are planning the third Annual Earth Day ArtWalk, Saturday, April 26. To kick off the event, Double Shot will be performing Friday night, April 25, at CREATE, 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $15.

We are also partnering with the Newport Library, the greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rodeo Association to host this year’s Renaissance Fair at the rodeo grounds, May 10.

SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT RANGE MEDIA AND THE NEWPORT MINER NEWSPAPERS THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.