CORVALLIS, Ore. - "Bountiful Harvest & Border Crossings," an exhibition of works depicting the stories of Latino farmworkers, by Ashland artist Betty LaDuke, is now on display in the Little Gallery at Oregon State University.

An opening reception will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. April 27 in the gallery, 210 Kidder Hall, 2000 S.W. Campus Way, Corvallis. The artist will be on hand and the public is welcome to attend. The exhibit runs through June 16. 

The Little Gallery is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is free and open to the public.

LaDuke's wood panel murals document and narrate the stories of Latino farmworkers who work in Oregon's Rogue Valley. The aim of the work is to give recognition to those who live and work on the fringes of society. 

"My intention is to portray farmworkers and their families with dignity and appreciation for their work," LaDuke said. "We all need a fair chance to feel visible, be paid a living wage and be respected for the work we do."

LaDuke, who had a long career teaching art at Southern Oregon University, has traveled extensively around the world. Her work reflects the folk art traditions of the countries she has visited. Her body of work invites the viewer to celebrate the beauty of other cultures while recognizing mankind's enduring hardships. 

Her work is on permanent display at the Medford Airport. She has also shown work at the Capitol Children's Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Dallas Museum of Art in Texas; The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago; and elsewhere.

Source: 

Helen Wilhelm, 541-737-2146, [email protected]

Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.