Sept 11 - Oct 3, 2021

JOHN MUELLER: “MANIFEST ORIGINS”

Astoria Visual Arts presents "Manifest Origins," an exhibit featuring the work of award-winning Oregon artist and curator John Mueller. From provocative explorations of artistic plausibility to vulnerable reflections of personal experiences, he meticulously executes his art with a sharp wit and an approachable sense of humor through his refined manipulation of materials, methods, and installation.

Pervasive and salient themes of contextual synchronicities and the rarification of ordinary objects are thoughtfully presented throughout this intimately curated collection. Mueller's conceptual approach and craft demonstrate a genuine commitment to and curiosity of collaborative endeavors that foster an active and thorough consideration of the questions raised by his current creations. Recent pieces feature interpretive commissions by notable guest artists Roger Hayes and Jamie Gustavson.

His keen interest in display began when studying jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of North Texas while earning his Bachelor's degree. The process and formality of placing precious objects in display cases to exhibit them were to become a means to an end of sorts for his future expansion into sculptural work.

After graduating, he was employed as the managing preparator at the Austin Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, installing exhibits of everything from folk art to traveling Smithsonian collections. The diverse and challenging nature of adapting installations to enhance and engage the essence of each exhibition further developed his interest and skills in the field of professional presentation of fine art.

Since relocating to Oregon in 1995, he has become inseparable from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While engaged in Post-Baccalaureate studies at Eastern Oregon University, he connected with several local artists who joined to form a collective, Waypoint Studio, where many locally legendary art and music events took place over the years.

In 2007, John and members of Waypoint Studio were instrumental in creating the Satellite Art Gallery in downtown La Grande, Oregon, showcasing regional and national artists. The gallery has since closed, but Waypoint Studio continues to thrive under his direction as general manager.