Artists

Our Local Artists

Our local artists infuse color and vitality into our community with vibrant murals and outdoor art. Their creativity can be found throughout Chehalis on buildings and retaining walls as well as benches and even on the top of our trash receptacles. Each piece of artwork tells a story of Chehalis reflecting our culture, history, and imagination. Not only does our local art beautify our community, but it also fosters a sense of pride and belonging. We are proud to promote and showcase the works of our local artists. Through their work, we have created new landmarks, and turned our walls into galleries. Thank you to our incredible team of artists who inspire us to see the world with fresh eyes, to honor our history, and to appreciate the beauty in downtown Chehalis.

Karen (Funk) Betts

Karen grew up in Chehalis and graduated from WF West in 1981. She majored in design at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, before marrying fellow Bearcat, Jeffrey Betts. In 1989, the couple founded Gaean Allusions Pottery studio. You have probably seen her holiday window painting around town, and on the Christmas train.

Karen is a registered member of the Chinook Nation, and has Chehalis, Cherokee, Scottish and Germanic ancestry.

Susan Clark

I’ve been making glorious messes doing creative work since childhood. While scribbling on the walls has shifted to mural work, I still enjoy creating something beautiful. I believe humans were created with that desire to do likewise in whatever capacity it may be. As I knew I art was in my future from a young age, I worked for a BA in illustration and a MA in education. Both degrees have served me well despite one stunting my love of reading for years. The connection that art brings, whether through stepping back for something large scale or the leaning in effect of small work, even the physicality of henna and conversations during a piece, is invigorating! Art has the ability to forge connection and conversations simply by existing. Even if it is as simple as, “Ooh! I love it!” Or “Ew! I hate that!” I find joy in being part of that process. Inspiration comes from my faith, nature and the outdoors, road tripping, good stories and family.

Amanda Hanson

Amanda graduated from Central Washington University in 2013 with a BFA in Drawing and Painting. She specializes in watercolor illustration and wool fiber sculpture. But also works in a wide range of other mediums. The subjects of her artwork are primarily animals found here in the Pacific Northwest. Amanda has always been fascinated with biology and zoology and wants to use her art as an educational tool about local wildlife. She is a Youth Art Instructor for Arbutus Folk School in downtown Olympia.

Irisa Kennedy

My name is Irisa Kennedy, I have always been an artist ever since I could remember. Now that I am an adult, I find myself painting murals along with fine art, both of which are inspired by my true passions. The love of nature, identification of flora, fauna, clouds and a special interest in trees.

Jen Kinsman

I’m a mother of 3, High School Art teacher, Watercolor Instructor, and Mixed Media artist. I am a member of the SWW ArtTrails and am a WA TAT Lab alumni. My passion is working with children and sharing my love of art with others. I am the creator and educator of an afterschool art program for elementary students at a local school in Lewis County. I believe in the power of art to not only build people’s practice of self-expression, but to be a tool to create lifelong learners through perseverance, critical thinking and looking at the world a little closer.

Sara Light-Waller

Karen is a registered member of the Chinook Nation, and has Chehalis, Cherokee, Scottish and Germanic ancestry.

Jason Mattson

Jason Mattson is a Centralia native who currently resides in Chehalis, WA with his wife and six pets. He is the director of the Lewis County Historical Museum and has a love for art and hopes that everyone has fun coloring in this book.

Thomas Sutley

To be on honest, I’ve never been good at talking about myself and I’ve always preferred to keep my life as private as I can. There are enough egocentric personalities these days and I have no desire to add to them. I will say this though, as long as I can remember I’ve been drawing and painting. Always depicting things that fascinated and inspired me in one way or another. Technically speaking, I became pretty good at “coloring” and other people seemed to think so too. It’s an honor and pleasure being able to share this ability with others and I’m lucky to have talents recognized by the CCRT and other members of the community. They have allowed me to keep “coloring” professionally and even make a business out of it in which I hope to continue serving the area and eventually branch out to other communities as well. To view some of my work, feel free to check out my pages on Facebook, Instagram and my website where anyone can view and purchase a number of my original paintings, limited prints and commission their own original personalized piece of artwork.

Emily von Flotow

Emily von Flotow is a painter and repurposed textile artist from Chehalis. Her semi-abstract paintings, illustrations, and murals feature vibrant colors, often accented with metallics. She primarily depicts scenes of nature from the Pacific Northwest—wildflowers & mushrooms, coastal landscapes & mountains. She also creates repurposed clothing, bags, and accessories—mostly locally thrifted items which are recreated and embellished with small paintings, embroidery, beading, and found natural objects.

Emily works as an elementary teacher in Southwest Washington and participates in a number of community-oriented projects. She has painted a number of the murals featured around the city.

In addition to painting, sewing, and teaching, Emily enjoys running, gardening, and hiking with her family.

Lorie Wadsworth

When it comes to creative expression, I tend to float from medium to medium exploring new techniques and applications. Always circling back thru given time with a new appreciation and new ways of seeing. I continuously work in charcoal, acrylic, oil, wood carving, clay sculpture, mixed media installations, photography and am currently exploring silversmithing and jewelry design.

A wonderful mentor once told me that beauty does not lie in the eye of the beholder but rather in the experience. This has sustained me throughout my voyage as an artist and has been the foundation for my own personal motto: Beauty is in the experience; experiences make up life therefore life is beautiful … it’s all in how you perceive it.