First Place: Elo Wobig (Happy Valley, OR), Enshrouded Giant, oil, 12 x 16
Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge 2025 debuted with resounding success, marking two decades of celebrating the region’s natural beauty through art. Hosted by Maryhill Museum of Art, the event brought together approximately 40 talented artists, who painted en plein air across the stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge from April 21 to 24, 2025.
The resulting paintings are showcased in a vibrant exhibition at the museum’s M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Education Center from April 27 through May 26, 2025. The exhibition features a diverse array of paintings capturing the essence of the Gorge’s scenery, from its rolling hills to its majestic waterways.
Second Place: James Sampsel (Port Orford, OR), I Can Smell the Blossoms, oil, 16 x 20
A highlight of the event was the public reception held on Saturday, April 26, where attendees had the opportunity to meet the artists and view their freshly completed works. Texas-based artist Suzie Baker, past President of Oil Painters of America (2020–22) and Michael Harding Paints Ambassador, served as the 2025 juror, presenting awards in various categories.
Third Place: Melanie Thompson (Richland, WA), The Gorge in Bloom, oil, 6 x 8
As a “wet paint” show, artworks are available for immediate purchase, allowing visitors to take home original pieces directly from the exhibition. A portion of proceeds from the sales support Maryhill Museum of Art, contributing to its mission of igniting a journey of educational enrichment in the Columbia River Gorge with art and historical collections.
The success of this year’s event underscores the enduring appeal of plein air painting and the Columbia River Gorge’s inspiration to artists. Maryhill Museum extends its gratitude to all participating artists, juror Suzie Baker, exhibition sponsors, and volunteers.
For more information about upcoming events and exhibitions, please visit Maryhill Museum of Art’s Event Calendar or Exhibitions pages.
Exhibition Sponsors
Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge 2025 is sponsored by Byron & Sue Henry; Kathleen Marquart; Friends of the Columbia Gorge; Tokki Art Supply, Hood River; Scottsdale Artists’ School; Stephen & Laura Muehleck; David Burbach Photography; and Robert Hogfoss.
Award Winners
First Place: Elo Wobig (Happy Valley, OR), Enshrouded Giant, oil, 12 x 16
Second Place: James Sampsel (Port Orford, OR), I Can Smell the Blossoms, oil, 16 x 20
Third Place: Melanie Thompson (Richland, WA), The Gorge in Bloom, oil, 6 x 8
Honorable Mention: Aimee Erickson (Portland, OR), Into the Blue, oil, 6 x 8
Honorable Mention: Michael Lindstrom (Battle Ground, WA), Early Spring, Morning Light, oil on panel, 16 x 20
Honorable Mention: Debra Huse (Costa Mesa, CA), Marina Sparkle, oil, 11 x 14
Honorable Mention: Mark Fehlman (San Diego, CA), Spring in the Orchards, oil, 11 x 14
Best Sky: Jordan K. Walker (Eugene, OR), Timberline Pine, oil on linen panel, 8 x 10
Best Mountain: David Orrin Smith (Seattle, WA), Plein Air: 2:15–3 PM, Mount Hood…, watercolor, 11 x 14
Best Water: Mark Shasha (Swampscott, MA), Shine On, oil, 14 x 18
Best Cultural Element: Durre Waseem (Corona, CA), Selfie with Multnomah Falls, oil, 12 x 16
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Award: Bhavani Krishnan (Hillsboro, OR), Sun—Peak, oil, 16 x 20
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Award (chosen by Friends of the Columbia Gorge): Mark Shasha (Swampscott, MA), Against the Wind, oil, 12 x 16
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Runner-Up Award (chosen by Friends of the Columbia Gorge): Elo Wobig (Happy Valley, OR), Silver Spanning Between 2 Lands, oil, 14 x 18
Maryhill Purchase Award (chosen by museum staff): Wayne Chin (Vancouver, WA), Whispers in Stone, oil, 20 x 16
Museum Purchase Award: (chosen by museum staff): Cathleen Rehfeld (Hood River, OR), Horsethief Butte Spring, oil, 8 x 16