“— From the forward of Bountiful Harvest, Betty LaDukeI am an artist with pen and sketchbook for shovel and earth…I am grateful for my community's support of public art that honors these workers by making their contributions visible.”
It's the time of year when many of us turn our thoughts to feasting with family and friends, appreciating the apples and pears, salads and squashes, and the flowers and wine that contribute to a festive feel.
Art Beat alumna Betty LaDuke illuminates where all that goodness comes from with
Bountiful Harvest: From Land to Table
.
A project LaDuke began in 2010, it is a meditation on the food Oregon produces and the people who grow it, harvest it, and bring it to our tables.
Based in southern Oregon, LaDuke began by getting to know farm workers. Then, from sketches and conversations she created 4 to 5 foot mural panels of agricultural scenes, replete with colorful crops and the engaged hands of the workers.
Selections of the work are on view now at the Portland International Airport, and the Medford Airport (permanent installation).
Portland International Airport Installation
The exhibition will travel to the Grants Pass Art Museum, the Coos Art Museum, and the High Desert Museum in Bend, among other places.
We first met Betty LaDuke in 2006. See our original story here!
Resources and Information
LaDuke has created a book on the Bountiful Harvest project, capturing her journey from sketchpad to installation:
You can read more about the life and work of Betty LaDuke here: