Kaylyn Hill

Ed Redman

Joann Dolan

Dan Willis

George Darr

Photographer Kaylyn Hill

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WILLAMINA — Kaylyn Hill is no stranger to Willamina’s Coastal Hills Art Tour.

The Willamina High School senior attends Willamina Free Methodist Church, which has participated in the two-day event for many years, selling food and crafts.

The 18th annual edition will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Many people are well aware of Hill’s photographic talent, including tour director Geneva Spees, who also attends the Free Methodist Church. So it was no surprise when Bill Boyson, who teaches art at the high school and participates in the tour himself, approached her about showing her work.

“It just kind of happened,” Hill said.

Hill is one of two first-time participants, joining Willamina High graduate Dan Willis, a potter. Ila Skyberg, a member of the tour committee, said it’s always nice to mix a few new artists in with tour veterans.

“She’s quite a young lady and quite accomplished,” Skyberg said of Hill. “She has quite an eye for photography. You either have it or you don’t.”

Hill said her mother was responsible for getting her interested in photography. She picked up a camera at an early age and began taking it more seriously when she entered high school.

“I photographed flowers when I started out,” Hill said. “Then I branched out, doing nature photographs.

“I like to go on walks with my camera and take pictures of things I see. I like patterns, like the pattern on a railing.”

Hill has made her participation in the art tour a significant aspect of her senior project. She made photography career paths her focus.

She spent a week last summer documenting Southern Oregon’s Fir Point Bible Camp in photos. She has incorporated her summer camp work into her project, and will be incorporating her art tour work as well, helping her build a diverse portfolio.

She plans to enroll in the visual communications program at Chemeketa Community College next fall.

Hill will occupy a space adjacent to the church. She will be selling a line of note cards, along with selected prints.

She will also be taking orders for senior pictures. She photographed several members of last year’s senior class, and hopes to do more this year.

More than a dozen individuals or groups will show their artwork or crafts during this year’s tour.

The Coastal Hills Quilters will host their annual show at the VFW Hall at the east end of Main Street. Metal sculptor Walt Mendenhall will conduct a 25th anniversary studio show at his residence on Tindle Creek Road.

Tea and dessert will be served at Willamina Maley’s Mercantile & Cakery, a business Skyberg operates at 188 Main St. That’s a change from the traditional site at the historic Andrew Kershaw home.

The Willamina Post Office will offer a postmark featuring Willamina’s historic Galloping Goose rail car, on display at the west end of Main Street. Those interested in getting a postmark need to submit an envelope or post card bearing current postage.

Tour maps may also be picked up at the library or rail car. They will also be available at each of the sites, along with ever-popular “Take the Tour” cards.

Exhibitors will each donate a piece of their work for the “Take the Tour” program. Guests getting cards stamped at each site will qualify for one of the pieces.

In addition, rides will be offered in a covered wagon drawn by a team of horses. That should prove a particular hit with the kids.
The art tour is being sponsored by the Willamina Business Group and Willamina’s Coastal Hills Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the local art community.

If you go

What: 18th annual Willamina Coastal Hills Art Tour

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Throughout Willamina

Why: More than a dozen individuals or groups will display arts and crafts. Each will donate a piece of work for awarding to visitors who get a tour card stamped at each tour location. Cards will be available at each site.

Taking the tour: Artist maps will be available at the Galloping Goose rail car and Willamina Public Library, in addition to all tour sites.