Shirley J. R. Falconer, whose art work is the infusion of originality, color, and nature, chose the of quilts to display her artistic talent.

Quits seem to be a connection to the past, and the past is where Falconer found her inspiration and knack for the difficult form of artistic expression. She said, “Grandma poured her heart in the quilts she made, and now I’m doing the same thing, but it’s on the wall for everybody to see.”

Falconer’s work is displayed in the College Center. Jennie Reinders, an administrative assistant in the College Center, explained the rough process behind the honor of an artist’s work being displayed. Through the program, Calling For Artists, Reinders and the rest of the internal committee were presented with over 30 packets of art from artists who wished to have their work displayed. The committee spent over five hours reviewing each artist’s slide show, and eventually narrowed it to six artists.

The art showings usually begin in September, but due to remodeling, January is the first month that art has been shown this school year. A new artist will be featured each month in the College Center through June.

Falconer’s work features images that are so vibrant and crisp they look like paintings, but as you are drawn closer the paintings becoming breath taking and elaborate quilts. Falconer said her inspiration for her work comes from images or scenes that are burned into her memory from everyday life, and that she may see something very simple but be able to picture it as much more in a quilt. She describes her work as “whimsical, funny yes, but serious and pointed too.”

The quilts in the college center range from the modest 8 1/2”x9” to the grand 56”x 60”. One piece “One Chartuse Buzzard,” represent why environmentalists need to continue their work in Oregon, Falconer said.

James Barker, an observer in the College Center, said the work was “intricate, and looked like it took time.” In appreciation for their work, the college pays each featured artist $200. They also have the appropriate contact information to buy one of Falconer’s pieces, as each displayed quilt is for sale.