Curator of Education Louise A. Palermo is leaving the Maryhill Museum of Art for her next big career opportunity as Executive Director of The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Museum. Sorcha Meek Paul, who has served on the Board of Trustees for some time, will function as interim Curator of Education until someone takes on the role on a permanent basis.  

Louise Palermo came to Maryhill in 2016 and has curated energetic educational programming, especially in a difficult time during a global pandemic. Some of her highlights are the Exquisite Gorge Project and the annual Summer Arts Institute for Educators. Below are Louise’s own words on her experiences at Maryhill and her decision to move on. 

“Seven years ago, I delighted in moving from New York state to the Pacific Northwest bringing with me my passion for museum education. While here, I learned the true significance of strength and brilliance. I thank everyone who enriched my life through their art, programs, support, volunteerism, and friendships. 

“Maryhill Museum of Art is situated in a place of beauty with a wonderful collection of art and is surrounded by communities that enrich the institution. I will take all that I learned as I move to my new position as Executive Director of The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Museum in Stevenson, WA. This new opportunity will engage all my past experiences and passions while allowing me to stay in the beautiful gorge community. 

“Thank you for all your positive engagements and support. I’ll see you soon!

~ Louise A. Palermo” 

A Pictorial Sequence Painted by R. H. Ives Gammell Based on The Hound of Heaven series is inspired by a 182-line religious poem by English poet Francis Thompson (1859–1907). The poem was first printed in 1890 and was later included in the Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse (1917). Thompson's work was an influence on J. R. R. Tolkien, who presented a paper on Thompson in 1914.

R.H. Ives Gammell, an American painter of the Boston school, was drawn to the poem from childhood. But where in Thompson’s poem a man is pursued by God, Gammell’s interpretation reflected not so much a religious conversion but “a history of the experience known as a mental breakdown.”

Gammell began making plans to execute the pictorial sequence during World War II and completed the work in 1956. The 23 large paintings incorporate symbols drawn from C.G. Jung, ancient and medieval cultures, and biblical and mythological sources. For Gammell, Jung’s work had provided the link between “myths, symbols, and poetic imagery, and the perpetually recurring emotional patterns of human life from which they evolved.” The paintings were last displayed together at Maryhill in 2013.

When the spring wildflowers arrive in the Columbia River Gorge in 2023, they will be greeted by more than 40 artists who will be working to capture their beauty. 

After four days of painting en plein air, the completed works will be taken to Maryhill Museum of Art. The paintings will be available for purchase in the Event Sales Gallery in the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Education Center from April 30–May 29. An opening reception is planned for Saturday, April 29, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds support Maryhill Museum of Art. 

Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge is a “wet paint” show. Purchased artworks are taken home by their buyers when they are sold. 

Look for artists painting in the Gorge between April 24–27, including on the museum grounds. Follow @maryhillmuseum and #pnwpleinair2023 to see artists in action! 

Maryhill Museum of Art is pleased to partner with Friends of the Columbia Gorge to showcase the connection between arts and conservation. 

THANK YOU to our sponsors: 
Friends of the Columbia Gorge; Scottsdale Artists’ School; Tokki Art Supply, Hood River; David Burbach Photography; Evona Brim; Kathleen Marquart; Byron & Sue Henry; Stephen & Laura Muehleck