Featured artist brings color, emotion to gallery
Rachel Cavanaugh
News Editor
Sue Krigsberg says painting is sometimes an “out of body experience.”
The Goldendale craftswoman, who is the featured artist at the Golden Art Gallery this month, has been working with art for some time.
This particular kind of painting, however, which infuses vibrant colors with abstract shapes and texture, began about six years ago, she says.
The colors, she notes, are used to draw in her viewers with forms and depth.
“It’s fine with me if people sort of see what they want to see,” Krigsberg says. “I paint from a certain emotional space and to some people that comes through.
“Sometimes it’s kind of almost where I become the color and the color becomes me.”
The artist showcased her work at Second Thursday events last week, which included a wine-tasting with varieties such as Memaloose, Wind River, Maryhill, and Wy’East Vineyards.
The artist has 18 pieces on display at her show, which will run through Nov. 29.
Local educator nominated VP of Washington board
Rachel Cavanaugh
News Editor
A Goldendale educator has been nominated to be vice president of a statewide school director’s organization.
Deborah Heart, who serves as position three board member for the Goldendale School District, is the only candidate vying for the number two leadership position for the Washington State School Director’s Association (WSSDA).
This week, the Goldendale woman is at a conference in Spokane, where an election will be held Friday. Although a period for floor nominations will take place, it is “rare,” according to David Brine, communications director for WSSDA.
Chances, then appear high the position will go to Heart, who said educators must come together to serve their districts.
“Leadership does not occur in isolation, it is a collective enterprise,” said Heart in her candidate’s statement. “We, as school directors, are each integral to the success of our educational system. We must foster resiliency in our youth as well as in ourselves.”
The educator has been receiving increasing recognition of late for her involvement with tribal education. Most recently, she was appointed tribal liaison for the implementation of House Bill 1495, which aims to incorporate American Indian culture into public school curricula.
The bill was passed into law in 2005 but does not go into effect until 2015. Her role in the meantime, is to help bring schools into compliance.
The goal, she said, is to “imbed education into the curriculum that speaks to the tribal culture, tribal history, and sovereignty status.”
“What’s exciting to me,” she added, “is this could effectively be a nationwide movement begun by Washington state.”
In September, she attended a cultural education exchange conference in western Washington.
There, over 200 educators and tribal leaders gathered in a Tulalip longhouse to share thoughts and presentations.
Topics included sovereignty in education, culture as biology, American Indian educational models, language, and heritage.
Heart has been on the district board for 15 years, serving at times as both board chair and legislative representative. She is currently in her fifth year as a district 8 representative to the WSSDA board, involved in facilitating regional meetings, acting as liaison to the executive committee, and being involved as a MAP Cadre member.
She will soon graduate with the Leadership WSSDA Class of 2008.
Police take over Santa Cop duties
Founders take a break after nearly a decade; police department calls for toy donations
The Goldendale Police Department has announced it will chair the Santa Cop program this year, along with the Goldendale Fire Department.
The program, historically run by local women, Catherine Berry and Irma Chambers, collects toys for needy kids.
“After many successful years, Chambers and Berry are taking a well-deserved break,” police officials announced in a written statement.
The departments are looking for donations of new and “gently” used toys, clothes, hats, gloves, games, and books. They have also put out a call for wrapping paper, tape, tags, and ribbon.
“Please help us make this a Merry Christmas for everyone,” officials said. “Please donate graciously - put a smile on somebody’s face.”
Berry and Chambers started the program in 1999 as a way to help families at Christmas time. The volunteers asked the police department to assist in the delivery of the gifts that had been collected.
In the past, the women purchased toys and clothes throughout the year in addition to the donated items. A “wrapping party” would ensue before the holiday, with officers and their families joining Berry and Chambers.
The program has delivered five presents each to approximately 175 children throughout the Columbia Gorge, ranging from age one to 17.
“In order to continue a successful program and to serve those families that are truly in need, we need your support,” officials said.
Monetary donations can be made payable to Santa Cop and items can be dropped off at the Goldendale Police Department, Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 12. For more information, call 509-773-3780.
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