Astoria-based photorealist painter Gabe Fernandez opens a new solo exhibition at Russo Lee Gallery in Portland this September. Known nationally for paintings that transform ordinary objects and fleeting moments into extraordinary studies of light, perception, and memory, Fernandez brings a rare combination of technical precision and emotional depth to his work.

Join us for the opening reception, where guests can view the new body of work firsthand and meet the artist in person. This exhibition marks an exciting parallel moment for Pier 11 Studio, the working waterfront studio and educational space Fernandez co-founded in Astoria with painter and printmaker Elise Wagner, as both artists open concurrent solo exhibitions this month — Fernandez in Portland, Wagner in Astoria.

Fernandez's practice centers on meticulous realism, capturing quiet, often overlooked subjects with striking clarity. His work has built a devoted national following among collectors drawn to its stillness and craftsmanship.

Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the opening of this highly anticipated exhibition and experience Fernandez's latest paintings in person at Russo Lee Gallery.

Join photorealist painter Gabe Fernandez for an artist talk at Russo Lee Gallery, offering an intimate look into the ideas and process behind his current solo exhibition. Known for paintings that elevate ordinary objects and fleeting moments into extraordinary studies of light, perception, and memory, Fernandez has built a national reputation for work that balances technical precision with deep emotional resonance.

During this talk, Fernandez will discuss his approach to photorealism, his creative process, and the inspiration behind the works on view. Attendees will gain insight into how he selects subjects, builds each composition, and achieves the luminous, almost hyper-real quality that defines his paintings.

Fernandez is co-founder, alongside painter and printmaker Elise Wagner, of Pier 11 Studio, a working waterfront studio and educational space in Astoria. Since relocating to the North Coast, the two have become active contributors to the region's arts community, hosting workshops, exhibitions, and creative gatherings.

This talk offers a rare chance to hear directly from the artist about his practice and the exhibition on view. Space may be limited, so early arrival is recommended.

Painter and printmaker Elise Wagner opens Finding Buoyancy, a new solo exhibition, at Imogen Gallery in Astoria this September. Wagner is internationally recognized for her luminous encaustic paintings and for pioneering the wax collagraph printmaking process through her innovative PrintWax materials.

Finding Buoyancy explores the intersections of nature, science, geology, cartography, and the passage of time. Inspired by the convergence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean — a view Wagner takes in daily from her Astoria studio — the exhibition reflects on resilience, adaptation, and navigating life's changing currents. The buoy emerges throughout the body of work as a central and powerful metaphor.

Join us for the opening reception to celebrate the debut of this new collection and to experience Wagner's richly layered abstract paintings in person. This exhibition arrives during an exciting month for Pier 11 Studio, the working waterfront studio Wagner co-founded in Astoria with painter Gabe Fernandez, as both artists open concurrent solo exhibitions — Wagner in Astoria, Fernandez in Portland.

Join painter and printmaker Elise Wagner for an artist talk at Imogen Gallery, offering an in-depth look into her solo exhibition, Finding Buoyancy. Wagner is internationally recognized for her luminous encaustic paintings and for pioneering the wax collagraph printmaking process through her innovative PrintWax materials.

During this talk, Wagner will discuss the inspiration behind Finding Buoyancy, including how the convergence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean — visible from her Astoria studio — shaped the collection’s themes of resilience, adaptation, and navigating change. She will explore how the buoy became a powerful, recurring metaphor throughout the exhibition, and share insight into her layered abstract compositions and her innovative approach to wax collagraph printmaking.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about Wagner's artistic practice, her materials, and the ideas behind the works on view.

Wagner is co-founder, alongside painter Gabe Fernandez, of Pier 11 Studio, a working waterfront studio and educational space in Astoria. This talk offers a rare chance to hear directly from the artist about the exhibition and the journey behind it.