Paintings of fall scenes with pumpkins and gnomes popped up in the windows of Rockaway Beach businesses beginning in October. Behind the paintbrushes: the Rockaway Renaissance Artists.
As a subcommittee of the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce, the group was formed by the late Cindy Kay Gregory a year and half ago.
“She had a vision to have a group of artists support each other,” member Jill Collar said. “A place to meet and encourage one another.”
The group now has 93 members with 10 members meeting on a weekly basis. Artists in different mediums: painters, crafters, sketchers and photographers are found amongst them.
“We come together with other artists and bounce ideas off one another,” Collar said. After Gregory’s passing in February 2023, Collar took over more and more leadership responsibility.
“She devotes a lot of time to the stuff that needs it,” member Chris Williams said.
For some, the weekly gatherings are a time to work and collaborate. For others, the fellowship is the highlight.
“For me, it’s a way to deal with PTSD; I’m a Marine veteran,” member Rick Hampton said. “When I first came to the group, I would cling to my camera. They’ve accepted me as I am.”
Keeping with Gregory’s idea, the group seeks out venues to display and sell their art. In the past, the group has been showcased in the Rockaway Beach Community Center, Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Rockaway Beach Library, and Rockaway Beach Farmers Markets. When selling art, ten percent of the artists’ sales are dedicated back to the group to purchase needed items such as: tents, tablecloths, and speakers. The group also partakes in special events at the Rockaway Beach Wayside, leading youth art activities such as shell or pumpkin painting.
“Cindy would be happy with the progress of the group,” Collar said.
To bring more exposure to the group, the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce commissioned the Rockaway Renaissance Artists to paint holiday scenes in the windows of business members who were interested.
“Doing murals is something I am proud of because it leaves a mark on the town and I feel like the window painting does that, even if it’s temporary,” Collar said.
Six local businesses opted for the October paintings with fall scenes appearing in the windows of Joe’s Snacks & Beer, Rockaway Beach Caboose, SAI Design, El Trio Loco, Beach Bakeshop and Beach Crafters.
“The collaboration between the Chamber is great. We went around as group and painted windows for businesses,” Collar said. “Members received a free window painting, but they could also opt to donate to the program. It was exposure for us and what we’re capable of. A lot of the artists jumped in a participated in something, even if it was not in their wheelhouse.”
The group will be offering winter window paintings during the month of December.
At a later date, a Peace Pole painted in memory of Gregory will be installed at the Rockaway Beach Wayside.
For more information on the group or to request a window painting, contact the Rockaway Renaissance Artists via their Facebook group page.
