Meet the artists of our 2022/2023 Winter Window Artist Takeover!
Winter traditions unite our community with depictions of seasonal food, holiday celebrations, and more.
The artists behind the latest Winter Window Takeover murals braved snow and ice storms, short, dark days, and a doozy of a cold and flu season to bring us 11 more vibrant temporary art installations! We invite you to get to know the artists behind these installations and a bit more about what inspires them to get creative.
We asked artists to interpret the theme "Winter Traditions" and show us how they and their communities come together during the cold, dreary winter months. Some showed us how they spend their holidays, others depicted the food that brings their family and friends to the table, and still others focused on a more whimsical depiction of the winter season itself.
Speaking of community, we are so excited to expand this project to include some businesses along 10th Avenue and TV Highway to highlight these neighborhoods as an integral part of our diverse community here in Downtown Hillsboro. The expansion to 10th Avenue coincides with the installation of new permanent murals along 10th Avenue which we hope you have already had the chance to visit.
Without further adieu, meet the artists of the 2022/2023 Winter Window Artist Takeover!
Meet Haley Harple:
You can see Haley's painting at Hillsboro Foot Clinic at 8th Avenue and Oak Street and more of her work @haileyharple.ai.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: The tradition of festive shoes! (For a foot clinic) and also reminiscent of the shoes left out for St. Nicholas day as well as socks for Christmas.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: Saint Nick's Day where you leave your shoes out, lighting angel and miner candles for children in the family, stockings at the end of beds.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: The small town feel in a town that is actually 100k+ people!
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: Adaptive to individual projects; I can flex to match any style.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: I’ve been drawing since I was 4.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: Things that make me smile and things that make me cry.
Meet Emily Wisshack:
You can see Emily's painting at the Hillsboro Pythians building on 2nd Ave between Main and Washington and more of her work @wissart or at emilywisshack.weebly.com
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: The Hillsboro Knights of Pythians have a holiday tradition that helps the community and brings joy to the city. They give out bike helmets to children and bicycles to local elementary schools during the winter holiday season.
My painting shows two snow-kiddos riding a bike in the winter time. It's a cartoony-Christmas spin on the gifts the Pythians give to our community every year.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: My family has roots in Italy. It's been a long-standing tradition for us to cook authentic Italian meals together and enjoy them during the holiday season.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: One of my favorite things about downtown Hillsboro is the high level of support and encouragement of local artists and creators. It gives life to the city and brings a special sense of connection and community.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: My grandfather has been my teacher since the day I could hold a pencil. He's an amazing artist himself and previously had a studio in downtown Hillsboro. I truly owe all my artistic foundations to him and his teachings.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: I take inspiration from all parts of life. Colors, textures, emotions, and music are all places I draw from. Many have heard the term, "art imitates life" and the reverse, "life imitates art". As cliché as it may sound, I believe that both are true. Creation is the vessel that transforms life into art.
Meet Cordero Escalera:
If Cordero looks familiar, you may have seen him at his day job working on the new building going in on 4th and Main! You can see his painting at Fora Health on 3rd Avenue and Washington Street.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: I incorporated food and family connections which in my viewpoint are deepest traditions.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: My family gathers, makes traditional foods, and often plays indoor games.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: I love how accessible it is and inclusive it feels with its many events in every season.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: Imaginative and fun.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: My sister and I used to entertain ourselves with coloring books and chalk.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: My family and just my desire to see what I can imagine and dream up.
Meet Julie Tervo Dexter:
You can find Julie's painting at Rune and Board on 2nd Avenue and Washington Street.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: The three games represented have been around long enough (Warhammer '83, Pokemon '96, and Magic the Gathering '93) that their original players are now sharing those games with their children or the next generation.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: From Hillsboro Holly Days downtown, Las Posada's at M&M Marketplace, the Menorah lighting by Chabad, to the parade in the Orenco neighborhood, Hillsboro has a lot of fun and inclusive winter traditions.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: I love to park my car on one end and wind my way through walking, stopping in to support the local businesses that are different than the chain stores found in other neighborhoods.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: More is more! Though sometimes I do try to challenge myself to create something more subtle or understated, minimalism I will never achieve!
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: I can't remember a time when making art as a form of play wasn't part of my life. Professionally, I began teaching art in 2001.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: Nature is where I find the most comfort and inspiration.
Meet Jessica Paniagua:
You can find Jessica's painting at Prosperidad on 4th Avenue and Main Street and more of her work @jessartlet
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: Winter traditions for my Latine/x community are very much centered around various traditional elements that I incorporated across my painting. These included traditional dishes such as tamales and champurrado, the sound of the music playing in the background, the “fiestas” in Latine communities with piñatas and “posadas” and the traditional poinsettias or “Flor de Noche Buena” seeing in decorations. I wanted the community to feel a sense of warmth when passing by the doors of Centro de Prosperidad.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: Downtown Hillsboro for me is a community of inclusivity, opportunities and nostalgia. I grew up in Hillsboro, and walking around the places I used to go when i was younger brings so many memories to me. It is also so crazy to me how much the community has changed and I love seeing the new businesses and various opportunities for all age groups and interests that Downtown Hillsboro brings.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: As a digital artist, I centered around intersectionality for my self identity. I translate most of my art around my Latine/x culture, but also around women representation, and social issues that are relevant to my community.
Meet Elle Spight:
You can see Elle's painting at El Chino on 10th Avenue and Maple and more of her work at www.mvspight.com.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: I wanted to include colorful patterns and details commonly seen in Latin American paintings and decor in a traditional American Christmas scene.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: In Nicaragua (where my family is from) and throughout most of Latin America, Christmas is also an important holiday. One event celebrated is the Purisima, which honors Mary, the mother of Jesus. During this celebration people sing songs, eat fruit and sweets, and pass out colorful party favors. I tried to incorporate this through the colorful Christmas trees.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: I loved the diversity and the presence of the Latin American culture throughout. As a transplant to Oregon from a primarily Latinx area it is a joy to find this area, where I feel a piece of home.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: My art is for the people. I try to pay respect and show love to the community and/or people I am painting or designing for.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: I have been obsessed with animations and comics since I was a child. Since I can remember I would doodle on napkins or spare paper whenever I had the chance.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: I gain inspiration from children (as a former teacher and now mother of two little ones). I love the way they look at the world with fresh and curious eyes. I am also inspired by the strength and beauty in historically marginalized communities, including Latinx, Black, and Native American communities.
Meet Kristina King:
See Kristina's painting at Sparkelley Home at 4th Avenue and Baseline Street and more of her work at @sunshadowdesignwithlove.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A:I chose to do a winter scene with snowy hills and gnomes wearing holiday clothing and playing in the snow.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: Spending time with friends and family, and playing in the snow if we get it. Hats, scarfs, gloves, and love.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: I love the fact that it still feels like it did when I was growing up and I'm 47. Many memories of doing things and several businesses that have been here since I was a child. Sometimes its nice to just have some things never change.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: Modern and Whimsical.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: As a child with my grandma those are my earliest memories, doing crafts with her at the farm table
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: You are seen, You are known, and You are loved. Everyone has purpose, value, and worth despite their status.
Meet Abdiel Flores Ubaldo:
Abdiel might look familiar if you attended last summer's La Strada Chalk Art Festival where he created an original chalk art piece. You can find his painting at La Mixteca on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: Through food eaten during the winter season (pan dulce, warm drinks, pozole).
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: We make ponche and champurado for New Years and Christmas. There's also pan Rosca that we eat for Dia de Reyes.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: Lively street with lots of cute businesses.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: Cute, colorful, simple.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: Drawing at home in elementary.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from nature, plants, and family.
Meet Nabil Amir:
You can find Nabil's painting at Collection Northwest on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues.
Q: How did you convey the idea of tradition in your window painting?
A: I used the dreidel and the Kwanzaa unity cup to illustrate traditions that I have taken part in during the holidays. The gingerbread figures tie them all together to show harmony.
Q: Can you describe some of your community's winter traditions?
A: My community usually gets together to cook and play games in the wintertime. It’s one of my favorite times of the year for nostalgia and making new memories.
Q: What do you love about Downtown Hillsboro?
A: I love the friendliness and walkability. Everyone feels like a neighbor.
Q: How would you describe your art style?
A: My art style is colorful and playful and usually hints at something else beneath the surface level whimsy.
Q: How did you first get into art?
A: My great grandfather was a painter and his work inspired me to start painting.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from food, textures, inside jokes, and satire.
Thank you to everyone who helps us to make this project come alive each season!
We hope that putting a face behind each of these window paintings has helped you to better appreciate all of the hard work that goes into each temporary art piece, and provided some more context for the meaning behind each one!
A big thank you is owed to the Hillsboro Cultural Arts District for helping us to make this project happen, in addition to Colours Art who has partnered with us for every iteration of this project. We couldn't bring this project to Downtown without the help of our community partners as well as all of the amazing artists who participate.
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